PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCT TENT

TENTE POUR PHOTOGRAPHIER DES PRODUITS

English Abstract

When photographing products of a highly reflective nature, it is difficult to
eliminate
unwanted reflections. It is also common to diffuse light falling on it,
through a translucent
material in an attempt to soften light and shadows. This invention allows the
photographer to set
up the product, i.e.: a chrome teakettle or toaster, inside a conical tent
with one opening located
along the side for the camera lens, minimizing unwanted reflections,
highlights and shadows.

The only solid support needed in the structure is in the base of the cone. The
support is
tubular and rigid in form, though, still light and flexible for ease of
handling and connected at the
two ends to form a hoop with the use of brass garden hose couplings
permanently placed. The
material used for the support may be anything able to meet the criteria
stated. The support hoop
is then fed through a 2 inch diameter casing stitched at the base of the cone.
Once in the base of
the cone and fastened together with the couplings, a working diameter
(approximately 50 inch
diameter) is formed.

The conical shape allows for the lack of defined edges, i.e.: square,
rectangular or
cylindrical shapes, which normally cast shadows on the product. The cone has
one seem stitched
approximately halfway down the opening from the point. The remainder of the
opening is closed
with white Velcro so as to blend in with colour of the fabric used and to
fasten snugly around the
camera lens. The conical shape is then suspended by the use of a suspension
strap stitched to the
point of the cone with a metal D-ring at the other end. When the strap is fed
through this D-ring,
a loop is formed to enable the strap to hook to a support arm, usually
connected to a support
device such as a light stand or tripod. The material used must be a
translucent white fabric as
white is typically used and easiest to work with.

Claims

Claims

"The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege
is
claimed are defined as follows:"

1. A portable cone shaped devise used for the purpose of still life
photography,
especially in the areas of highly reflective objects, i.e.: teakettles, ball
bearings etc.
Comprising of a cone shaped translucent textile used to soften light and
reduce hard
reflections, as well omit any unusual shadows by use of a cone shape. With out
any
supporting or defining edges to create any visual anomalies, i.e.: four corner
posts or
a wall, the cone is suspended by use of a suspension strap located at the tip
of the
cone. To further reduce any light and shadow anomalies, the device has one
opening
to allow for a camera lens. The base is held firm and at its appropriate
diameter by
use of a rigid tube allowing the tent to be secured to a tabletop.

2. Defined in claim one, the suspension strap comprises of the same textile
and a "D"
shaped metal ring stitched to the available end to allow the strap to form a
loop,
which is then supported by any available device.

3. Defined in claim one, the opening is stitched closed approximately 18
inches down
from the tip of the cone and the remainder is closed with the use of white
Velcro.

4. Defined in claim one, the conical structure is held firm and maintained at
its specific
diameter by use of a rigid and flexible tube passed through a casing in the
tent and
connected at its two ends located at the Velcro opening to form a hoop.

Description

CA 02365134 2001-12-17
Specification
The General Character:
This invention is a photographic tool designed to aid in the photography of
highly
reflective objects.
The Nature:
It is necessary when photographing objects of high reflectance to eliminate
any unwanted
reflections and shadows. 'This is virtually impossible when photographing
objects such as
chrome plated balls or teakettles, though, the majority of reflections may be
minimized to an
acceptable level. Product tents allow the photographer to achieve this.
Some photographers prefer to construct their own temporary devise. However,
these
quickly rigged devises often suffer from the nature of their design which may
eliminate hard
reflections but cause uneven lighting due possibly to the more commonly
employed cube or
cylindrical shape. As well, they may be too cumbersome for transport and
storage.
The Inventive Idea:
In this new devise, it is possible to eliminate virtually all unwanted
reflections and
uneven lighting due to its conical shape. The conical structure eliminates any
hard edges
necessary in most other shapes, which are often responsible for undesired
shading. Portability
and storage are another innovative feature designed into this product tent
allowing for more
usable studio space when not in use and transport for location work.

CA 02365134 2001-12-17
A Full Description
The structure may be secured if desired, by use of spring clamps holding the
(#1) formed
hoop which is closed by use of, a mail and female (#1-1) brass garden hose
couplings, to a
product table or any other table. Once placed and secured to the table, the
(#2) cone structure
needs to be erected. This is done by use of the (#3) suspension strap stitched
at the tip of the cone
and on the other end of the strap, a (#3-1) D-ring. The strap is fed through
the D-ring to form a
loop allowing a pole or rod to keep it in place. Once the structure is secured
and erected, the user
may customize the opening needed with the (#2-1) white Velcro closure.
1. Formed Hoop: A hoop shaped device constructed of Low Density Poly Ethylene
(LDPE), and secured at its two ends by the use of brass garden hose barb
couplings.
Specif:canons: 0.5 inch inside diameter by 0.75 inch outside diameter by the
necessary length, in this case resulting in a 50 inch diameter. Barb
connections on
garden hose couplings are 0.5 inches diameter.
1-1; Brass Garden Hose Couplings: Standard purchased couplings with a 0.5 inch
diameter barb to be press fit into the tube used.
2. Cone Structure: A cone formed by use of a white shower curtain liner
measuring the
same height as its width and held firm at the base by use of a formed hoop and
suspended at the tip by use of a suspension strap.
Specifications: Approximately a 50 inch diameter by approximately 50 inches
high
with a casing of a 2 inch diameter stitched at the base to allow the formed
hoop to
pass through. A single seem opening stitched closed for 18 inches at the front
from
the tip of the cone down and the remainder secured with white Velcro to
customize
the opening needed and blend in with the fabric. The cone has a 5 inch long by
0.75
inch strap stitched to the tip to allow for its suspension.
2-1; White Velcro Closure: A white 1 inch by lmeter long piece of Velcro
intended
for the customized opening desired and the blending in colour with the cone.
3. Suspension Strap: A piece of the same fabric as the cone used to hold the
cone erect
in order to have its defined shape.
Specifications: 'The strap measures 0.75 inches wide by 5 inches long.
3-1; The D-ring: A metal rod measuring 0.125 inch diameter forming a "D" shape
ring measuring 0.75 inch inside by 0.75 inch inside.

Representative Drawing