Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
21151983
RAPID ACCESS STORAGE CASE FOR CAMERA LENSES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a storage case for carrying and storing
interchangeable camera lenses.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Single lens reflex ("SLR") cameras with interchangeable lenses are used
by many professional and amateur photographers. A photographer will often
carry on location a camera body and several lenses of various focal lengths.
Lenses are precision pieces of equipment. They must be stored in a dry
place and be protected from dust and shocks. It is most important however,
that different lenses be immediately and easily accessible. Many photographic
subjects such as wild animals, people, or interesting lighting conditions are
transient. If the correct lens is not immediately available, the opportunity to take
10 a picture can be lost.
Cases for interchangeable lens SLR cameras often have a number of
padded internal compartments to hold extra lenses. A photographer who wishes
to use a lens which is stored in such a camera case must first reach into the
camera case to remove the lens. This can often be dimcult because the cases
15 are designed to fit closely around the
lenses to prevent them from banging around in the case.
Furthermore, the lens will typically have a dust cover, (rear lens cap) coveringthe portion of the lens which attaches to the camera, to prevent dust from
damaging the lens. The photographer must remove the rear lens cap before the
20 lens can be attached to a camera body. The ensuing juggling acts involves
holding two lenses, one camera body, and the transference of the rear lens cap
from one lens to the other with only two hands. This is not only inconvenient,
but one slip can mean dropping and probably damaging a very expensive piece
of equipment.
There have been some attempts to design storage cases for camera
lenses which allow faster access than is possible with traditional camera cases.,
For example, Muller, United States patent No. 4,310,092 discloses a shoulder
bag for camera accessories. The shoulder bag an outer lid which can be pivoted
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out of the way to reveal a peg board like wall. Muller provides a lens holding
accessory which comprises a threaded mount which is pivotally attached to the
wall. When the lens is being stored, it hangs vertically downward from the
mount. The Muiler lens holder can also be locked in an extended position so
5 that it holds the lens facing downward and outwardly for quick ~ccess.
To remove a lens from a shoulder bag according to the Muller design, a
photographer must first completely open the outer lid of the shoulder bag. The
photographer can then pivot the lens into its extended position and remove it
from the case by unscrewing it.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a storage case for interchangeable camera lenses, with
a built-in lens dispenser. It comprises two shell sections, which when fitted
together form a cavity in which the lenses may be stored. The shell sections arejoined together at one end by a hinging means, and at the other end by a clasp.
The distal face of the first section is planar, and includes a means for harnessing
the case to camera bags, belts etc. The distal face of the second side is curved.
The medial edge of the first section overlaps the medial edge of the second
section and includes a means of sealing, by which no dust or moisture may enter
the case. When opened, the second section pivots away from the first section
to approximately 90 degrees. Mounted near the bottom of each section, and
joining the two sections is a lens dispenser which comprises a flexible strap
attached to a base onto which a lens may be affixed. The strap is connected
near to the base of both sections, and is of a length such that when the case isin its closed position, the mounting base
is held at the bottom of the case, and when the case is in its open position, this
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lens dispenser system pivots at an angle which is approximately half of the angle
of the second shell section. In this open position, the lens contained in the case
could be easily grasped and removed, and another lens could be easily
attached. The case also includes foam inserts which would brace the lens when
the case is in its closed position, and prevent the lens from moving in the caseand possibly being damaged.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention, but
which should not be construed as restricting the spirit or scope of the invention
n any way:
Figure 1 is a section through a lens storage case according to the invention in
its closed configuration, utilizing a flexible strap in the lens dispenser;
Figure 2 is a section through the lens storage case of figure 1 in its partiallyopen configuration, utilizing a flexible strap in the lens dispenser;
Figure 3 is a section through the lens storage case of Figure 1 in its open
configuration, utilizing a flexible strap in the lens dispenser:
Figure 4 is a section through the lens storage case according to the invention in
its closed configuration, utilizing rigid hinging members in the lens dispenser.
Figure 5 is a section through the lens storage case of Figure 4 in its partiallyopen configuration, utilizing rigid hinging members in the lens dispenser.
Figure 6 is a section through the lens storage case of Figure 4 in its open
configuration, utilizing rigid hinging members in the lens dispenser.
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Figure 7 is a perspective view of a camera bag incorporating a lens storage caseaccording to the invention;
Figure 8 is an elevation of the lens storage case of Figure 1;
Figure 9 is a plan view of the lens storage case of Figure 1;
Figure 10 is an elevation of a lens mount and pivoting lens dispenser according
to the invention, utilizing a flexible strap;
Figure 11 is an elevation of a lens mount and pivoting lens dispenser according
to the invention, utilizing rigid hinging members:
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a lens storage case according to the invention
adapted to be worn on a belt.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERED EMBODIMENT
Figure 1 shows a lens storage case 1 according to the invention in its
closed configuration. When it is closed, case 1 surrounds and protects a cavity
6 into which may be placed a camera lens 31. Case 1 may be integrated into
the construction of a larger camera bag 50 (as shown in Figure 9), used as a
stand alone lens storage case, or mounted for wearing on a belt (as in Figure
7).
A feature of case 1 is that when it is opened, as shown in Figure 3, lens
31 is held at an angle so that it is easy to grasp lens 31 to remove it from case
1.
Case 1 comprises a shell formed from first section 3 and a second
section 5. First section 3 and second section 5 are preferably made from a rigidor semi-rigid plastic. First section 3 and second section 5 are hollow. Together,
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first section 3 and second section 5 enclose and protect cavity 6 in which
camera lens 31 may be stored. The face of first section 3 away from second
section 5 (i.e. the distal face of first section 3) is preferably generally planar to
facilitate mounting case 1 to a camera bag, belt, or other such object.
First section 3 is attached to second section 5 by hinge 9 at the bottom
end of case 1. Hinge 9 allows a user to pivot second section 5 away from first
section 3 into an open position, as shown in Figure 3. When second section 5
is in its open position a user can reach into cavity 6 to withdraw lens 31 from
cavity 6. Preferably, hinge 9 allows second section 5 to pivot away from first
section 3 through an angle of up to 90 degrees.
Case 1 may be held closed by a clasp 13 at its end away from the hinge
9. Preferably, clasp 13 is of a type which can be unlatched by pushing a button
downwardly (i.e. generally in the direction of hinge 9). This allows case 1 to be
opened very quickly and easily. In one smooth motion a user can push the
button downwardly to release clasp 13, move second shell section 5 into its
open position and place his or her hand in a convenient position to grasp and
remove lens 31 from case 1. For example clasp 13 may be formed from a
resilient arm 15 attached to first section 2. Arm 15 has a projection 17 which
engages the edge of a slot 16 in a member attached to second section 5. Clasp
13 may then be unlatched by depressing projection 17 to disengage it from the
edge of slot 16. After catch 13 has been unlatched, case 1 may be opened by
pivoting second section 5 away from first section 3.
When case is closed, cavity 6 is sealed against dust and moisture by a
sealing strip 21 which seals the gap between the medial edges of second section
6 8 3
5 and first section 3. Sealing strip 21 may be for example, a neoprene gasket
or an "O"-ring seal.
When case is closed, the lens contained within, is braced on all four
sides by contoured foam padding 28. One piece is affixed to each of the two
shell sections, which when open, pivot away from the lens, and when closed,
squeeze the lens from both sides and prevent the lens from moving in the case.
Lens 31 has a connector 33 for attaching lens 31 to a camera body (not
shown). On most modern interchangeable camera lenses, connector 33 is a
male bayonet mount. For example, NikonTM, CanonTM, and MinoltaTM cameras
have different non-interchangeable bayonet-type connectors. Some
interchangeable camera lenses have screw-type connectors.
As shown in Figure 1, lens 31 is held within the cavity 6 by coupling
connector 33 of lens 31 to a mounting base 32. Mounting base 32 ,constitutes
a lens mounting member. Mounting base 32 sits near at the end of cavity 6
near hinge 9. Mounting base 32 comprises a plate 37 and a lens coupler 35
(similar in shape and function to a camera lens rear lens cap) which is
compatible with connector 33. Lens coupler 35 is preferably in the form of a
cup. Then, when connector 33 is engaged in lens coupler 35, the end of lens
31 is surrounded by the lens coupler 35 (in the same way that a rear lens cap
attaches to a lens) and is thereby protected from any dust, moisture etc. Lens
Coupler 35 may be a standard dust cap for a lens which is attached to a plate
37, or a similar devise made specifically for that purpose.
Mounting base 32 is held in place in cavity 6 through the use of a flexible
strap 39 acting as a compound hinge, attached to a plastic backplate 44 by
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connectors 61, and 62 at points 45A, and 45B. Mounting base 32 is attached
to backplate 44 at first points 32a and at second points 32b. A first segment 41of strap 39 projects toward first shell section 3, from beneath backplate 44 past
points 44a. A second segment 43 of strap 39 projects toward second shell
section 5 from beneath backplate 44 past points 44b. First segment 41
constitutes a first connecting member connecting backplate 44 and mounting
base 32 to first section 3. Second segment 43 constitutes a second connecting
member connecting back plate 44 and mounting base 32 to second shell section
5. First end 39a and second end 39b of
flexible strap 39 are attached to the inside lower portions of the first section 3,
and second section 5 of case 1 respectively. Strap 39 may be a heavy nylon
strap such as a piece of seat-belt webbing, as in Figures 1,2,3,and 10. Strap 39and attached backplate 44 may also be replaced by a rigid or semi-rigid plastic
plate, hinged on the ends as in Figures 4,5,6,and 11.
As shown in figures 2,3,5,and 6, when case 1 is opened, hinge 9 forms
a ridge in the bottom of cavity 6. As case 1 is opened (as shown in Figures 3,
and 6), the ridge contacts the underside of mounting base 32 at point 32c.
Second segment 43 of strap 39 pulls the second edge 44b of plate 44 downward
over hinge 9, which acts as a fulcrum, and thereby tilts mounting base 32
outwardly. This causes lens 31 to be held outwardly when case 1 is open so
that lens 31 is easy to grasp and remove from case 1.
Preferably mounting base 32 should tilt outwardly through an angle which
is approximately one half of the angle of the opening of second section 5. Then,when case 1 is open, lens 31 will be held in the centre of the opening formed
between first section 3, and second section 5 so that it can easily be grasped
and removed from case 1.
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The preferred length of first and second segments 41, 43 of strap 39
depend upon the dimensions of first section 3, and second section 5. As shown
in Figure 1, hinge 9 may be off-set from the centre line of case 1 (i.e. first
section 3 may either be sh~ wcr or deeper than second section 5). It has been
found that good results are obtained when the point of contact of hinge 9 with
mounting base 32 when case 1 is open is such that the following formulae are
satisfied:
(square root of 2 times D1)--D1 = length of 1st segment 41, (square root of 2
times D1)--D1 also equals D2
Where: D1 is the distance between hinge 9 and the distal face of first shell
section 3.
D2 is the distance between the first end of first shell section 3 and point
39a.
(square root of 2 times D3) - D3 = length of 2nd segment 43
(square root of 2 times D3) - D3 also equals D4
D3 is the distance between hinge 9 and the distal face of second shell
section 5.
D4 is the distance between the first end of second shell section 5 and
point 39b.
According to the above formulae, the lengths of first and second segments 41,43
of strap 39 are such that when case 1 is open, mounting base 32 is positioned
on top of hinge 9, and mounting base 32 is at the desired angle with respect to
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the first section 5, and so that first and second segments 41, and 43 are under
slight tension when case 1 in opened. In addition, the lengths of first and
second segments 41, and 43 of strap 39 are such that when case 1 is closed,
mounting base 32 is held securely at a minimum distance from hinge 9 without
effecting closure of case 1.
While it may be preferable to use a flexible strap 39 to attach mounting
base 32 within case 1, many modifications to the means by which mounting base
32 is mounted within case 1 are possible without departing from the scope of theinvention. For example, one or both of first and second segments 41,and 43 of
flexible strap 39 could be replaced with a rigid link, or links connecting mounting
base 32 to first and second sections 3,5. First and second segments 41,43 of
mounting base 32 would have to be hinged at both ends to allow mounting base
to pivot as case 1 is opened. As shown in Figures 4,5,6 and 11, first and
second segments 41,43 could be replaced with a pair of rigid links, a first rigid
link pivotally connected to backplate 44 at point 44A and pivotally connected tofirst
shell section 1, at point 39A, by fasteners at point 39C, and a second rigid link
pivotally connected to backplate 44 at point 44B, and pivotally connected to
second shell section 5 at point 39b by fasteners at point 39D.
It may be preferable to have hinge 9 offset from the centre line of case
1. One advantage is that this configuration offers more room on the top of the
case to mount a clasp. Another more important advantage is that this allows
one of the segments 41, and to be relatively short. A short segment of strap 39
is fairly stiff, and prevents lens 31 from moving around in the case 1 both whencase 1 is ciosed, or when it is open and lenses are being removed or attached.
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As shown in Figures 4,5,and 6, it is preferable that second section 5 of
case 1 include a lip of at least 3mm fairly close to medial edge of shell section
5. This lip (portion of the second end of shell section 5 that is measured
approximately 3mm further from the hinge end than the rest of the second end
of shell section 5) is provided to act as a barrier in preventing rainwater fromentering the case 1.
As shown in Figure 7, lens coupler 35 may be mounted to an
intermediate plate 37. The unit comprising connector 35 and intermediate plate
37 may then be bolted to backplate 37 by means studs and wingnuts, or any
other convenient means such as screws with nuts, 57,59 etc. With this
arrangement, a photographer can change the lens coupler 35 to be compatible
with any interchangeable lens for which a lens coupler 35 which is compatible
with that lens is available.
As shown in Figure 8, case 1 may be provided with a bracket 74 attached
to the first side of first section 3. This bracket can be fitted over a belt 73 and
held securely with a webbing tab attached to the belt which snaps onto the snap
attachment 75 on the top of shell section 1. This same bracket can be used to
attach the lens case to any number of items such as backpacks, camera bags,
fanny packs etc. This bracket is not intended as the only possible means of
mounting the cases 1 to other items. Any number of systems could be
employed to accomplish the same task by using such materials as velcro tm,
snaps, buckles, straps, etc.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing
disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this
invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the
scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance
defined by the following claims.
