Camera support system for infant camera

Abstract

A camera mount system for an infant camera (1) is provided. The camera support system comprises: a support unit (2) for supporting an infant camera (1); a clamping structure (3); the clamping structure (3) is suitable for being clamped on an object (6) and comprises a first clamping part (4), a second clamping part (5) and a clamping force generator; the first gripping portion (4) and the second gripping portion (5) define a receiving space (6a) configured to receive at least a portion of an object (6); a clamping force generator connected to the first clamping portion (4) and the second clamping portion (5) and generating a clamping force for clamping on an object (6); the supporting unit (2) is configured to be fixed on the second clamping part (5); the second clamping portion (5) is removable from the clamping structure (3) and is configured to be mountable to a wall surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera support system for a baby camera, comprising a supporting unit for supporting the baby camera and a clamping structure. The clamping structure is suitable for clamping on an object and comprises a first clamping part and a second clamping part. Background Art

[0002] Camera mount systems for clamping onto objects or wall mounting, as described in the "Technical Field" section, are well known. Caregivers often use (video) baby cameras to track their infants when they are not in their surroundings, especially when the infant is sleeping. In recent years, these baby cameras have become more intelligent, with algorithms using video and audio information to draw certain conclusions about the infant's health. For example, information about the infant's movement, breathing, or crying can be extracted and converted into information about the infant's sleep state or the reason for the infant's crying.

[0003] To better control the distance and angle between the baby and the camera, a mounting solution can be provided that attaches the camera to the crib in a relatively fixed position or in the form of a floor stand. Position is particularly important for babies under 6 months old.

[0004] However, the crib clamp solution is only suitable for smaller infants (e.g., less than 9 months old) because older infants will be able to grab the bracket or camera, which may result in adverse consequences. Therefore, the wall mount bracket is the preferred configuration for older infants.

[0005] With respect to camera bracket systems for baby monitors currently on the market, a crib clamp bracket and a wall mount bracket are usually provided as two separate brackets along with a new baby monitor. Therefore, when the baby grows up, the caregiver may need to make additional efforts to find or order a new separate wall mount bracket to fix the baby camera on the wall.

[0006] Baby cameras and camera mount systems are typically designed with a convex exterior shape, protecting them from sharp edges and rotational motion. This prevents potential injury to the baby. It also creates a more nuanced and emotionally engaging environment for the baby, allowing them to better integrate into the family environment. Consequently, most baby cameras and camera mount systems on the market tend to have a smooth, convex exterior.

[0007] However, this convex outer shape is not suitable for wall mounting because it does not provide enough support points on the wall for a secure wall mounting.

[0008] US Pat. No. 10708550B2 discloses a camera mount system for mounting a crib using a floor stand, as described in the "Technical Field" section. This known camera mount system is configured to maintain a camera in a fixed position and orientation above the crib, such that the image sensor captures images of the crib and the surrounding area from a fixed angle. A separate screw-in bracket is also provided for wall mounting the camera head.

[0009] US8152389B1 discloses a camera support system for a camera mounting device as described in the "Technical Field" section, which is typically used in an overhead position to obtain a downward perspective of a sporting event. The mounting member includes an inverted "U" shaped flexible member, the flexible member including first and second fingers parallel to each other, a connecting member connecting the first and second fingers at one end, and the free ends of the first and second fingers having a stiffness of approximately ten to thirty pounds per inch. The mounting member also includes a camera mounting interface extending from the connecting member opposite the first and second fingers. The first and second fingers and the connecting member have a sliding compression fit on a beam to secure the mounting member in place, thereby providing a downward perspective for the camera.

[0010] US9075290B1 discloses a camera support system for a mounting bracket for a surveillance camera as described in the "Technical Field" section. It discloses a universal L-shaped bracket, support, device, system and method for mounting a surveillance camera, which forms a housing system, mounting system and base system for mounting the camera on a structure, such as but not limited to under a ceiling, on a shelf, on a wall, in a pedestal, etc. Another embodiment covers a bracket, support, device, system and method for mounting a surveillance camera, wherein the universal mounting member is used in the interior of a vehicle, such as a car, etc. The mounting member can include mounting the camera on the back of a seat or on the side of a door. The mounting member can mount the camera in a pedestal.

[0011] US2019 / 0004404A1 discloses a camera support device comprising a retractable and foldable monopod, a cushion sized and shaped to accommodate a user (particularly a user in a wheelchair), and a central mounting assembly having magnets selectively interconnectable between the cushion and the monopod. When used with a wheelchair, the wheelchair preferably includes magnetically attachable side mounts to secure the monopod to the side when not in use.

[0012] As previously mentioned, disadvantages of known camera mounting systems are that they fail to provide a camera mounting system suitable for mounting on a crib and fail to ensure good camera positioning when the baby is small and camera positioning is most sensitive. As the baby grows and may be able to reach the camera. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a camera support system as described in the "Technical Field" section to increase the safety and convenience of use as the baby grows.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, a camera clamping system having the features described in the "Technical Field" section above is provided, characterized in that the clamping structure further comprises a clamping force generator, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion define a receiving space, the receiving space being configured to receive at least a portion of an object, the clamping force generator being connected to the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion and generating a clamping force for clamping onto the object, the support unit being configured to be fixed to the second clamping portion, the second clamping portion being removable from the clamping structure and configured to be mounted on a wall. The present invention provides users with a camera bracket system suitable for use with infants and capable of being converted to a wall-mounted configuration without the need for additional wall-mounting brackets or components.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the camera support system according to the present invention, a clamping force generator is connected to the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion, and generates a clamping force to adjust the receiving space to fit the object and to clamp onto the object. The camera support system needs to generate an appropriate clamping force to generate sufficient friction to secure the camera support system to an object, such as a crib.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the camera support system according to the present invention, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are movable relative to each other along a first direction. As the size of the crib and different parts of the crib change, the movable structure allows the clamping structure to adjust the receiving space to adapt to the crib.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the camera support system according to the present invention, the clamping force generator is configured to generate a clamping force substantially parallel to the first direction. In this way, an appropriate clamping force can be adjusted together with the receiving space.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of a camera support system according to the present invention. The first clamping portion has a first clamping surface, and the second clamping portion has a second clamping surface, the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface define a receiving space, which is configured to receive at least a portion of an object, and when the second clamping portion is removed from the clamping structure, the second clamping surface is exposed to the outside and is configured to be mounted to a wall. The clamping surface in the clamping structure is also suitable for attachment to a wall. However, the clamping surface generally requires a surface on the inside of the clamping structure. And, unless the inner surface is exposed, it is difficult to attach the inner surface to an external object. Therefore, the clamping structure is configured with a removable second clamping portion to expose the second clamping surface to the outside for attachment to the wall. This allows easy conversion from a crib clamping structure to a wall mounting structure without the need for additional components.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the camera support system according to the present invention, the supporting unit includes a first extension member and a mounting structure for mounting the baby camera, the first extension member has a lower end and an upper end, and the mounting structure is fixed to the second clamping portion through the first extension member.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the camera support system according to the present invention, it further includes: a connecting member attached to the lower end of the first extending member; and a locking mechanism configured in the clamping structure for vertically locking the connecting member, so that the clamping structure can be coupled to the first extending member via the connecting member. The configuration of the locking mechanism allows the clamping structure to be locked to the connecting member, thereby securing the clamping structure to the lower end of the first extending member.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the camera support system according to the present invention, the system further includes a floor extension member, wherein a connecting member connects the first extension member and the floor extension member, and the floor extension member is continuously stretchable to adjust to the height of an object. The floor extension member is configured to be continuously stretchable so that the floor extension member can adjust to the height of the object to which the camera support system is clamped.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the camera support system according to the present invention, it further includes a floor extension member, a connecting member connecting the first extension member and the floor extension member, and the floor extension member is continuously extendable to adjust to the height of an object. Furthermore, the baby camera cable can be positioned within the floor extension member, and the floor extension member is continuously extendable to provide complete cable protection down to the floor. This also helps keep the cable out of reach of infants.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the camera support system according to the present invention, the clamping force generator includes a screw that connects the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion. When the screw is removed from the second clamping portion, the second clamping portion is detached from the first clamping portion, exposing the inner surface of the second clamping portion for wall mounting. The screw is removable, thereby improving the aesthetics of the wall-mounting structure after removal of the screw.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the camera support system according to the present invention, the second clamping portion has at least two screw holes.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the camera support system according to the present invention, the locking mechanism exhibits second-order rotational symmetry, or has two locking positions that form a 180-degree angle. This allows the first extension to be rotated 180 degrees after the camera support system is converted to a wall-mounted configuration. Furthermore, after wall-mounting, the camera will not face the wall.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the camera support system according to the present invention, the clamping structure has a through-hole, a locking mechanism is constructed in the through-hole, and the locking mechanism is also configured with a stopper that prevents the connecting member from falling out of the lower opening. This configuration facilitates removal of the floor extension without causing the connecting member to fall to the floor and increase the user's workload.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the camera support system according to the present invention, the screw is detachably connected to the second clamping part, the screw includes a protrusion mechanism, the second clamping part includes a hole, and the protrusion mechanism is configured to be pushed into the hole and assemble the screw and the second clamping part together.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the camera support system according to the present invention, the clamping force generator further includes a knob coupled to the first clamping portion and configured to mate with the screw to adjust the receiving space by rotating the knob. The combination of the knob and the screw allows for simultaneous adjustment of the receiving space and the clamping force.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the camera support system according to the present invention, the screw is matched with a rotatable knob, and the knob has an internal thread that can engage with the screw.

[0030] The present invention also provides a camera support system for a baby camera, comprising: a mechanical connection structure, a support unit, the support unit being coupled to a mechanical attachment structure, the mechanical attachment structure having a convex outer surface and a flat or concave inner surface, the mechanical attachment structure including a detachable member defining a receiving space having a flat or concave inner surface, and the detachable member forming at least a portion of the convex outer surface, the support unit being coupled to a portion of the mechanical attachment structure other than the detachable member. When the detachable member is detached from the mechanical attachment structure, the flat or concave inner surface is exposed to the outside for wall mounting. The mechanical attachment structure can be configured as a clamping structure as previously mentioned or a similar structure. The camera support system can also include any combination of the features previously mentioned.

[0031] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments of the camera support system of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar features are indicated by the same reference numerals, and in which:

[0033] Figure 1 An embodiment of a camera mount system according to the present invention is shown and is attached to a crib for illustration;

[0034] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 An exploded view of the clamping structure 3, wherein the main components of the clamping structure 3 are shown separated from each other;

[0035] Figure 3A Shown Figure 1 The clamping structure 3;

[0036] Figure 3B Shown Figure 1 a clamping structure 3 wherein the second clamping portion 5 is removed from the clamping structure 3;

[0037] Figure 4 The second clamping part 5 is shown in a wall mounted configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1 An embodiment of a camera support system for a baby camera 1 according to the present invention is shown. The camera support system includes a support unit 2 for supporting the baby camera 1 and a clamping structure 3 for clamping to an object 6 (such as a baby crib in the illustration). The support unit 2 includes a first extension 9 and a mounting structure 10. The mounting structure 10 is located on the top end of the first extension 9, and the lower end of the first extension 9 is substantially supported by the clamping structure 3.

[0039] A continuously stretchable floor extension 13 is connected to the bottom end of the clamping structure 3. Because the floor extension 13 is continuously stretchable, it does not substantially support the weight of the clamping structure 3 and the baby camera 1. The floor extension 13 may include several tubes of different diameters. These tubes may be movable relative to one another. In this way, the total length of the floor extension 13 may be stretched to accommodate the height of the crib. To prevent the baby from climbing over the crib, there is a reasonable range of heights from the top of the crib to the bed surface. Furthermore, the lengths of the first extension 9 and the mounting structure 10 are fixed heights. The combination of the flexible length and fixed height of the floor extension 13 allows the viewing angle of the baby camera 1 to fall within an ideal range, ensuring a good view above the crib despite a wide variety of cribs.

[0040] The baby camera 1 can be powered by a battery or a cable. When the baby camera 1 is equipped with a cable. The mounting structure 10 can be constructed with an opening to allow the cable to extend into the interior of the mounting structure 10. The first extension 9 is constructed in a tubular shape. The additional continuously stretchable floor extension 13 is also constructed in a tubular shape, so that the cable from the inside of the mounting structure 10 can be extended through the first extension 9 and the floor extension 13 and reach the floor. The bottom of the floor extension 13 can be equipped with an outlet for the cable so that the movement of the camera bracket does not cause wear of the cable insulation layer. The cable can then be connected to a socket or an adapter. The present invention also covers embodiments of other shapes or structures of the first extension 9 and / or the floor extension 13 to achieve similar results. The cable can also enter the interior of the first extension 9 through the opening on the first extension 9. This construction protects the cable from damage by the baby in the crib.

[0041] The clamping structure 3 has a knob 16 for adjusting the clamping force applied to the crib to ensure that the camera support system is fixed relative to the crib. In addition, in order to facilitate the caregiver to adjust the knob 16, the knob 16 is configured to face the outside of the crib.

[0042] Figure 2 The figure shows a detailed exploded view of the clamping structure 3. The clamping structure 3 includes a first clamping part 4 and a second clamping part 5. The first clamping part 4 is in an inverted U-shape and is equipped with a rotatable knob 16. The second clamping part 5 is configured with a screw 12, which matches the rotatable knob 16. The knob 16 has an internal thread that can engage with the screw 12. The second clamping part 5 with the screw 12 can be installed in the first clamping part 4 through the bottom of the inverted U-shaped first clamping part 4. Therefore, the size of the bottom portion of the first clamping part 4 is configured to be larger than the second clamping part 5 and the screw 12 to allow the second clamping part 5 to be installed.

[0043] Once the second clamping part 5 is installed in the first clamping part 4 to form the clamping structure 3, the second clamping part 5 can be moved relative to the first clamping part 4 to adjust the receiving space 6a to fit the object 6. The knob 16 and the screw 12 are configured to drive the second clamping part 5 to move relative to the first clamping part 4 to adjust the receiving space 6a.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the second clamping portion 5 has a through-hole in the vertical direction at the location where the first extension 9 is coupled to the floor extension 13. The first clamping portion 4 is configured with an opening for the first extension 9 at a position corresponding to the position of the through-hole in the second clamping portion 5. Furthermore, this opening is configured to be larger than the through-hole, so that when the first extension 9 and the floor extension 13 are coupled in the through-hole of the second clamping portion 5, the second clamping portion 5 can move relative to the first clamping portion 4 without physical interference.

[0045] The first extension member 9 and the floor extension member 13 are connected via a connector 11. The bottom end of the first extension member 9 and the top end of the floor extension member 13 each have at least one hole that can be adapted to fit into at least one snap-in mechanism on either end of the connector 11. Thus, the first extension member 9 and the floor extension member 13 can be connected via the connector 11.

[0046] The connecting member 11 is further configured with two protrusions 19, which can be locked with the locking mechanism in the through hole of the second clamping portion 5. Thus, the second clamping portion 5 can be fixed to the joint between the first extension member 9 and the floor extension member 13 along the extension direction of the first extension member 9 and / or the floor extension member 13.

[0047] The locking mechanism has 2nd order rotational symmetry, or two locking positions forming a 180 degree angle, which allows the mounting structure 10 to be rotated half a turn when the camera support system is configured for a wall mount configuration.

[0048] Figure 3A The diagram shows the clamping structure 3 in this embodiment. When the second clamping portion 5 is assembled with the first clamping portion 4, the first clamping surface 7 and the second clamping surface 8 are configured to face each other to define a receiving space 6a for receiving at least a portion of the object 6 clamped thereon by the clamping structure 3. The screw 12 and the knob 16 can cooperate to adjust the receiving space 6a.

[0049] Figure 3B The clamping structure 3 is also shown. After the locking mechanism inside the through hole of the second clamping part 5 and the protrusion 19 of the connecting piece 11 are unlocked, the second clamping part 5 is removed from the first clamping part 4.

[0050] See also Figure 4After the second clamping part 5 is removed, the screw 12 can be pressed horizontally to disengage the protrusion on the screw 12 from the corresponding hole 18 inside the second clamping part 5. The screw 12 can then be removed from the second clamping part 5. The floor extension 13 can be detached from the connector 11, while the first extension 13 remains connected to the connector 11. The connector 11 can then be locked with the locking mechanism inside the second clamping part 5, half a turn away from its previous locked position in the crib clamping configuration.

[0051] For the wall mounting configuration, screws 17 may be screwed into the screw holes to secure the second clamping portion 5 in the wall mounting configuration.

[0052] However, when the second clamping part is in the crib clamping configuration, the screw 12 can be attached to the second clamping part 5. There is a protrusion on the screw 12 that pushes into the hole 18 in the second clamping part 5 and assembles the screw 12 and the second clamping part 5 together.

[0053] Variations on the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the principles and techniques described herein, by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere recitation of certain measures in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A camera support system for a baby camera (1), comprising: a supporting unit (2), the supporting unit being used to support the baby camera (1); A clamping structure (3), wherein the clamping structure (3) is suitable for clamping on an object (6); The clamping structure (3) comprises a first clamping portion (4) and a second clamping portion (5), and is characterized in that: The clamping structure (3) further comprises a clamping force generator, The first clamping portion (4) and the second clamping portion (5) define a receiving space (6a), and the receiving space (6a) is configured to receive at least a portion of the object (6); The clamping force generator is connected to the first clamping portion (4) and the second clamping portion (5), and generates a clamping force for clamping on the object (6); The supporting unit (2) is configured to be fixed on the second clamping portion (5); The second clamping portion (5) can be removed from the clamping structure (3) and is configured to be mounted on a wall.

2. The camera support system according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping force generator is connected to the first clamping portion (4) and the second clamping portion (5), and generates a clamping force to adjust the receiving space (6a) to fit the object (6) and clamp on the object (6).

3. The camera support system according to claim 1, wherein: The first clamping portion (4) and the second clamping portion (5) are capable of relative movement along a first direction.

4. The camera support system according to claim 3, wherein: The clamping force generator is configured to generate the clamping force substantially parallel to the first direction.

5. The camera support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first clamping portion (4) has a first clamping surface (7), and the second clamping portion (5) has a second clamping surface (8), the first clamping surface (7) and the second clamping surface (8) defining the receiving space (6a) configured to receive at least a portion of the object (6), When the second clamping portion (5) is removed from the clamping structure (3), the second clamping surface (8) is exposed to the outside and is configured to be mountable to the wall surface.

6. The camera support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The support unit (2) comprises a first extension member (9) and a mounting structure (10) for mounting the baby camera (1), The first extension member (9) has a lower end and an upper end; The mounting structure (10) is fixed to the second clamping portion (5) via the first extension member (9).

7. The camera support system according to claim 6, further comprising: a connecting member (11), the connecting member (11) being attached to the lower end of the first extension member (9), A locking mechanism is configured in the clamping structure (3) to lock the connecting piece (11) so that the clamping structure (3) can be coupled to the first extension piece (9) through the connecting piece (11).

8. The camera support system according to claim 6, further comprising: Floor extension (13), The connecting member (11) connects the first extension member (9) and the floor extension member (13), The floor extension (13) can be continuously stretched to adapt to the height of the object (6).

9. The camera support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The clamping force generator comprises a screw (12) that attaches the first clamping part (4) and the second clamping part (5) together, When the first clamping part (4) is removed from the second clamping part (5), the second clamping part (5) is detached from the first clamping part (4) to expose the inner surface of the second clamping part (5) to the outside for wall mounting.

10. The camera support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The second clamping portion (5) has at least two threaded holes (15).

11. The camera support system according to claim 7, wherein: The locking mechanism has a 2nd order rotational symmetry, or the locking mechanism has two locking positions, the two locking positions forming an angle of 180 degrees.

12. The camera support system according to claim 7, wherein: The clamping structure (3) has a through hole, the locking mechanism is constructed in the through hole, and the locking mechanism is also constructed with a limiter, the limiter is used to prevent the connecting member (11) from falling from the lower opening.

13. The camera support system according to claim 9, wherein: The screw (12) is detachably connected to the second clamping part (5), the screw (12) includes a protrusion mechanism, and the second clamping part (5) includes a hole (18), and the protrusion mechanism is configured to be inserted into the hole (18) and assemble the screw (12) and the second clamping part (5) together.

14. The camera support system according to claim 9, wherein: The clamping force generator further includes a knob (16) coupled to the first clamping portion (4), and the knob (16) is configured to match the screw (12) to adjust the receiving space (6a) by rotating the knob.

15. The camera support system according to claim 14, wherein: The screw (12) is matched with the rotatable knob (16), and the knob (16) has an internal thread capable of engaging with the screw (12).

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