Wireless receiver mounting system for video cameras

• US 7,440,026 B2
• Filed: 01/02/2004
• Issued: 10/21/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 01/03/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David Sousa
• Original Assignee: David Sousa
• Inventors: Sousa, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Ye; Lin
• Assistant Examiner(s): HSU, AMY R
• Application Number:
  US10/534,553
• Publication Number:
  US 20060055821A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,754 Days
• Field of Search: 348/375, 348/373, 348/376, 396/420, 396/422, 396/419, 396/428
• US Class Current: 348/375
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/561 Support related camera accessories
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/566 Accessory clips, holders, shoes to attach accessories to camera if integral part of camera body G03B17/02
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 29/00 Combinations of cameras, projectors or photographic printing apparatus with non-photographic non-optical apparatus, e.g. clocks or weapons; Cameras having the shape of other objects combinations with flash apparatus G03B15/03
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/50 Constructional details

Abstract

A bracket system used for mounting wireless microphone receivers and other accessories to a video camera. This bracket system is comprised of three main parts. The first part comprises a platform with a mounting screw which attaches to the bottom of the video camera; a threaded mounting hole to allow mounting to a tripod; and a combination of a pin and a resilient pad to help secure the video camera from twisting. The second part comprises a vertical section with a system of mounting holes for attaching wireless microphone receivers, camera accessories, adapter boxes, and adapter plates. The third part is a combination of one or more adapter boxes and plates. The adapter box is open on the top and partially open on the bottom, with a system of mounting holes to attach it, and an additional adapter box or adapter plate, to the vertical section. The adapter box has a horizontal tab at the bottom and a spring and spring clip system inside the box to secure a wireless microphone receiver. The adapter plate is a vertical plate with a horizontal tab at the bottom. The adapter plate has system of mounting holes for attaching it to the vertical section of the bracket system or to an adapter box. A resilient pad is attached to the adapter plate and a hook and loop strap system holds a wireless microphone receiver firmly against the resilient pad, securing it in place.

Claims

1. A bracket system for mounting wireless microphone receivers and other accessories to a video camera or camcorder wherein said bracket system comprises:

a vertical portion attached to a platform portion;

said platform portion containing means for attaching said video camera;

said platform portion also containing a means of attaching a camera tripod while said video camera is attached;

said vertical portion containing means for attaching said wireless microphone receivers and accessories;

said vertical portion containing a set of mounting holes as a means for attaching adapters to aid in the mounting of additional accessories;

said vertical portion also containing a removable adapter, used for attaching said wireless microphone receivers and accessories;

said removable adapter comprises;

a wall section providing enough area to mount said wireless microphone receiver and accessories;

said wall system has a series of slots, through which a hook and loop strap system is threaded and looped back upon itself;

said wall section is at least partially covered with a thick, form fitting, resilient pad, located such that said hook and loop strap system holds said wireless microphone receiver against said resilient pad, securing said wireless microphone receiver in place;

said hook and loop strap system can be pulled tight through a leveraged pulley system, tightening around said wireless microphone receiver and accessories, forcing them into said resilient pad, creating an indentation and securing said wireless microphone receiver and accessories in place;

said wall section includes a tab at it'"'"'s base to additionally secure accessories;

whereby a person can easily operate said video camera and said wireless microphone receivers, with or without a camera tripod attached.

2. The bracket system of claim 1, wherein said means for attaching said video camera includes a mounting screw protruding upward through said platform portion, able to attach to existing tripod mounting holes on the underside of said video camera;

said mounting screw is held in place with a curved retaining ring, preventing it from separation from said platform when said bracket system is removed from said video camera.

3. A removable adapter box for mounting wireless microphone receivers and other accessories to a video camera, camcorder, or bracket system wherein said adapter comprises:

a means for attaching said adapter box to said bracket system;

a means for attaching additional adapter brackets or a second adapter box to said adapter box;

a back section, two side sections, a front section, open on the top, and partially open on the bottom;

a means for securing said wireless microphone receiver within said back section, said side sections, and said front section;

said means for securing said wireless microphone receiver comprises a spring system, attached such that pressure is applied to said wireless microphone receiver, forcing said wireless microphone receiver against said back section, said side section, or said front section;

said spring system includes at least one spring clip either mounted to the box or mounted as part of the box;

the top of said spring clip may be angled or ridged in shape such that once said wireless microphone receiver is mounted, said angled or ridged shape would secure said wireless microphone receiver in place.