Active tripod mount enables easy docking between any compliant camera and dock

• US 6,449,438 B1
• Filed: 05/15/2001
• Issued: 09/10/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Gennetten, K Douglas
• Primary Examiner(s): MAHONEY, CHRISTOPHER E
• Application Number:
  US09/858,023
• Time in Patent Office: 483 Days
• Field of Search: 396/301, 396/300, 396/419, 396/422, 248/177.1, 248/187.1, 348/233
• US Class Current: 396/300
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/041 Allowing quick release of the apparatus

Abstract

A camera mount includes a body including a flat surface for mounting a camera. A hollow post is located on the flat surface and sized to fit within a mounting hole of the camera. A trigger device for raising and lowering a first connector is located within the hollow post. The first connector mates with a complimentary connector located within the mounting hole of the camera and a second connector is located on the body for connecting to a cable. The second connector is electrically connected to the first connector.

Claims

1. A camera mount comprising:

a body including a flat surface for mounting a camera;

a hollow post on said flat surface wherein said post is sized to fit within a mounting hole of the camera;

a trigger device for raising and lowering a first connector located within the hollow post wherein said first connector mates with a complementary connector located within the mounting hole of the camera; and

a second connector located on the body for coupling to a cable wherein the second connector is electrically connected to said first connector.

2. The camera mount of claim 1, wherein the cable is coupled to a power source.

3. The camera mount of claim 1, wherein the cable is coupled to a memory device.

4. The camera mount of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes pins for data connections to a memory of the camera.

5. The camera mount of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes pins for power connections to a power supply of the camera.

6. The camera mount of claim 1, wherein the first connector is located within said hollow post.

7. The camera mount of claim 1, wherein the trigger device is connected to a mechanical linkage for raising and lowering the first connector.

8. The camera mount of claim 1, wherein the post press-fits snugly into the mounting hole of the camera.

9. The camera mount of claim 1, wherein the post is threaded.

10. The camera mount of claim 1, wherein the post is made of rubber.

11. The camera mount of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes a flag-shaped contact for connecting to a memory of the camera.

12. The camera mount of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes a flag-shaped contact for connecting to a power supply of the camera.

13. The camera mount of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes a flag-shaped contact for connecting to a memory of the camera and a power supply of the camera.