Multi-configuration clamp system for electronic device

• US 10,128,887 B2
• Filed: 03/09/2017
• Issued: 11/13/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vitec Imaging Solutions S.p.A. (Vitec Group PLC)
• Original Assignee: Vitec Holdings Italia Srl (Vitec Group PLC)
• Inventors: Balmer, Noah
• Primary Examiner(s): Kramer, Dean J
• Application Number:
  US15/454,209
• Publication Number:
  US 20170264329A1
• Time in Patent Office: 614 Days
• Field of Search: 294142
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2005/008 Hand articles fastened to the wrist or to the arm or to the leg
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2200/0508 Portable audio devices, e.g. walkman, discman, radio, MP3 player, headphones
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2200/0516 Portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/00 Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/021 to the belt
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/10 Handles for carrying purposes
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2/12 using sliding jaws
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/041 Allowing quick release of the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/10 around a horizontal axis F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2021 around a horizontal axis F16M11/2035 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/242 by spreading of the legs F16M11/32 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/40 by means of coilable or bendable legs or spiral shaped legs
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/04 for supporting on, or holding steady relative to, a person, e.g. by chains , e.g. rifle butt or pistol grip supports, supports attached to the chest or head apparatus or arrangements for taking photographs or for projecting or viewing them G03B
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/385 Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3877 Arrangements for enabling portable transceivers to be used in a fixed position, e.g. cradles or boosters
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2001/3855 carried in a belt or harness
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2001/3861 carried in a hand or on fingers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0264 for a camera module assembly
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/04 Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/023 Handles; Grips

Abstract

A support system which allows for the use and mounting of a smart phone, or similar electronic device, in a variety of ways. The support system may be adapted to function as a hand grip while supporting the smart phone during image acquisition, or while watching images on the smart phone. In another configuration, the support system may be adapted to attach to the user'"'"'s belt. In another configuration, the support system may function as a support stand. In another configuration, the support system may be mounted on a tripod. The support system may include a kit of parts which allow for the modification of support accessories to allow for different configurations. The support system may include a removable shutter which may actuate the camera functions via wireless communication.

Claims

1. A multi-configuration clip system, said system comprising:

a central clip portion, said central clip portion comprising;

an adjustable length clip, said adjustable length clip adjustable along a first axis, said adjustable length clip adapted to hold a device in a first plane parallel to said first axis, wherein said adjustable length clip comprises a first wireless trigger mount at a first end and a second wireless trigger mount at a second end;

a first locking mechanism adapted to lock the clip at a certain length along said first axis;

a support portion, said support portion comprising a handgrip, said handgrip comprising an extended curved member enclosing an inner space on at least three sides, said support portion coupled to said central portion around a pivot axis that allows said support portion to rotate from a first position behind said adjustable length clip to a second position below said adjustable length clip;

a second locking mechanism adapted to lock the position of said support portion relative to said adjustable length clip.