Camera support system for infant camera

Abstract

The utility model provides a camera support system for an infant camera (1). 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 utility model relates to a camera support system for baby camera, including the support unit for supporting baby camera, clamping structure, this clamping structure is suitable for clamping on object, this clamping structure includes first clamping part and second clamping part. BACKGROUND

[0002] Camera support systems for clamping on objects or wall mounting as described in the "TECHNICAL FIELD" section are well known. Caregivers often use (video) baby cameras to keep track of their baby when they are not around the environment, especially when the baby is sleeping. In recent years, these baby cameras have become more intelligent, with algorithms that use video and audio information to draw certain conclusions about the health of the baby. For example, information about the baby's movements, breathing or crying can be extracted and translated into information about the baby's sleep state or the reason for the baby'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 baby bed in a relatively fixed position or in the form of a floor stand. Especially for babies younger than 6 months, the position is very important.

[0004] However, baby bed clamping solutions are only suitable for smaller babies (e.g. up to 9 months), as larger babies will be able to grab the cradle or the camera, which can lead to undesirable consequences. Therefore, wall-mounted stands are the preferred configuration for larger babies.

[0005] For camera support systems for baby monitors currently on the market, baby bed clamping stands and wall-mounted stands are usually provided as two separate stands with a new baby monitor. Therefore, when the baby grows up, the caregiver can need to make extra efforts to find or order a new separate wall-mounted stand to fix the baby camera on the wall.

[0006] Baby cameras and camera support systems are usually designed with a convex outer shape, so that the camera and the support system can avoid sharp edges and turn. It can avoid potential harm to the baby. It also brings a better emotional feeling to the baby, making it better integrated into the family environment. Therefore, most baby cameras and camera support systems on the market tend to have a smooth convex outer surface.

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

[0008] US10708550B2 discloses a camera mount system for mounting a baby monitor with a floor stand as described in the “BACKGROUND” section. This known camera mount system is configured to hold a camera in a fixed position and orientation above a baby monitor such that the image sensor captures images of the baby monitor and an intervention area near the baby monitor from a fixed angle. It also provides a separate screw-in bracket for wall mounting of the camera head.

[0009] US8152389B1 discloses a camera mount system for a camera mounting device as described in the “BACKGROUND” section, which would typically be used in an overhead position to obtain a downward view of a sporting event. The mount comprises an inverted “U” shaped flexible member comprising first and second fingers parallel to each other, a connecting member coupling the first and second fingers at one end, the free ends of the first and second fingers having a rigidity of about ten to thirty pounds per inch. The mount further comprises a camera mounting interface extending from the connecting member opposite the first and second fingers. Therein the first and second fingers and the connecting member have a sliding compression fit over a beam to secure the mount in place to give the camera an overhead view.

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

[0011] US2019 / 0004404A1 discloses a camera support device comprising a collapsible folding monopod, a cushion sized and shaped to fit a user, particularly a user in a wheelchair, and a central mounting assembly having a magnet that is selectively interconnectably coupled between the cushion and the monopod. When used with a wheelchair, the wheelchair preferably includes a magnetically attachable side mount to secure the monopod to the side when not in use.

[0012] As mentioned before, the disadvantage of the known camera mount systems is that they fail to provide a camera mount system that is suitable for being mounted on a baby monitor and fail to ensure a good camera position when the baby is small and the camera position is most sensitive. Because as the baby grows and can reach the camera. SUMMARY

[0013] It is an object of the present utility model to provide a camera mount system as described in the "TECHNICAL FIELD" section to increase safety and convenience when used as the baby grows.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present utility model, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a camera mount system having the features mentioned in the "TECHNICAL FIELD" section above, characterized in that the camera mount system, wherein the clamping structure further comprises a clamping force generator, the first clamping part and the second clamping part define a receiving space configured to receive at least a portion of an object, the clamping force generator is connected with the first clamping part and the second clamping part and generates a clamping force for clamping on the object, the support unit is configured to be fixed on the second clamping part, the second clamping part can be removed from the clamping structure and is configured to be installed to a wall surface. The utility model provides a camera mount system suitable for baby use for the user, and can be converted into a wall-mounted configuration without additional wall-mounted brackets or components.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the camera mount system according to the present utility model, the clamping force generator is connected with the first clamping part and the second clamping part and generates a clamping force to adjust the receiving space to fit the object and clamping on the object. The camera mount system needs to generate a proper clamping force to generate enough friction to fix the camera mount system on the object, such as a baby bed.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the camera mount system according to the present utility model, the first clamping part and the second clamping part are relatively movable along the first direction. With the change of the size of the baby bed and different parts of the baby bed, the movable configuration allows the clamping structure to adjust the receiving space to fit the baby bed.

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

[0018] In the preferred embodiment of the camera mount system according to the present utility model, 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 configured to receive at least a portion of the object, the second clamping surface is exposed to the outside when the second clamping portion is removed from the clamping structure and is configured to be mountable to the wall surface. The clamping surface in the clamping structure is also suitable for attachment to the wall surface. However, the clamping surface usually requires a surface on the inside of the clamping structure. And it is difficult to attach the inner surface to the external object unless the inner surface is exposed. 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 surface. This allows easy conversion from the baby crib clamping configuration to the wall mount configuration without the need for additional components.

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

[0020] In the preferred embodiment of the camera mount system according to the present utility model, it further comprises a connecting piece attached to the lower end of the first extension piece, and a locking mechanism configured in the clamping structure for vertically locking the connecting piece, so that the clamping structure can be coupled to the first extension piece through the connecting piece. The configuration of the locking mechanism allows the clamping structure to be locked to the connecting piece, so the locking mechanism can fix the clamping structure on the lower end of the first extension piece.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment of the camera mount system according to the present utility model, it further comprises a floor extension piece, the connecting piece connects the first extension piece and the floor extension piece, and the floor extension piece can be continuously stretched to adapt to the height of the object. The floor extension piece is configured to be continuously stretchable, and then the floor extension piece can adapt to the height of the object on which the camera mount system is clamped.

[0022] In the preferred embodiment of the camera mount system according to the present utility model, it further comprises a floor extension piece, the connecting piece connects the first extension piece and the floor extension piece, and the floor extension piece can be continuously stretched to adapt to the height of the object. And the cable of the baby camera can be configured inside the floor extension piece, and the floor extension piece can be continuously stretched to provide complete protection to the cable up to the floor. This also helps to keep the cable away from the reach of the baby.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment of the camera stand system according to the present application, the clamping force generator comprises a screw connecting the first clamping part and the second clamping part together, and when the screw is removed from the second clamping part, the second clamping part is detached from the first clamping part to expose the inner surface of the second clamping part to the outside for wall mounting. The screw is removable, and thus, after the screw is removed, the aesthetics of the wall mounting configuration will be better.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment of the camera stand system according to the present application, the second clamping part has at least two screw holes.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment of the camera stand system according to the present application, the locking mechanism has 2-fold rotational symmetry, or the locking mechanism has two locking positions forming an angle of 180 degrees. This allows the first extension to be rotated by 180 degrees after the camera stand system is converted to the wall mounting configuration. And, after wall mounting, the camera does not face the wall.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment of the camera stand system according to the present application, the clamping structure has a through hole, the locking mechanism is configured in the through hole, and the locking mechanism is further configured with a stopper for preventing the connecting piece from falling out of the lower opening. This configuration makes the floor extension easy to disassemble, and the connecting piece does not fall on the floor to increase the workload of the user.

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

[0028] In the preferred embodiment of the camera stand system according to the present application, the clamping force generator further comprises a knob coupled with the first clamping part, and the knob is configured to match with the screw to adjust the receiving space by rotation of the knob. The combination of the knob and the screw allows simultaneous adjustment of the receiving space and the clamping force.

[0029] In the preferred embodiment of the camera stand system according to the present application, the screw matches with a rotatable knob, and the knob has an inner thread that can engage with the screw.

[0030] The utility model also provides a camera support system of baby camera, include: mechanical connection structure, support unit, this support unit is coupled to mechanical attachment structure, this mechanical attachment structure has convex outer side surface and flat or concave inner side surface, this mechanical attachment structure includes detachable member, the receiving space with flat or concave inner side surface is defined to the detachable member, and the detachable member forms at least a part of convex outer side surface, the support unit is coupled to the part of mechanical attachment structure except detachable member. When detachable member is detached from mechanical attachment structure, flat or concave inner side surface is exposed to outside for wall installation. Mechanical attachment structure can be configured as the clamping structure or similar structure as mentioned previously. The camera support system can also include any combination of features as mentioned previously.

[0031] The above and other aspects of the utility model will be apparent and elucidated with reference to the following detailed description of embodiments of the camera support system of the utility model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] The utility model will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein identical or similar features are indicated by identical reference signs, and wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 An embodiment of a camera support system according to the utility model is shown, and the camera support system is attached to a baby bed for illustration;

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

[0035] Figure 3A The clamping structure 3 of Figure 1 is shown;

[0036] Figure 3B The clamping structure 3 of Figure 1 is shown, wherein the second clamping portion 5 is removed from the clamping structure 3;

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

[0038] Figure 1An embodiment of a camera mount system of a baby camera 1 according to the present utility model is shown. The camera mount system comprises a support unit 2 for supporting the baby camera 1 and a clamping structure 3 for clamping on an object 6, such as the illustrated baby cot. The support unit 2 comprises 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. Since 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 can comprise several tubes with different diameters. These tubes can be moved relative to each other. In this way, the overall length of the floor extension 13 can be stretched to fit the height of the baby cot. In order to prevent the baby from climbing over the baby cot, there is a reasonable range of height from the top end of the baby cot to the bed surface. Also, the length of the first extension 9 and the mounting structure 10 is a fixed height. The combination of the flexible length of the floor extension 13 and the fixed height allows the angle of view of the baby camera 1 to fall within the desired range, so as to ensure a good view above the baby cot despite the wide variety of baby cots.

[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 configured with an opening to allow the cable to extend to the inside of the mounting structure 10. The first extension 9 is configured in a tubular shape. The additional continuously stretchable floor extension 13 is also configured 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 to 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 mount will not cause the abrasion of the cable insulation layer. The cable can then be connected to a socket or an adapter. The present utility model 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 inside of the first extension 9 through an opening on the first extension 9. This configuration protects the cable from the baby inside the baby cot.

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

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

[0043] Once the second clamping portion 5 is installed in the first clamping portion 4 to form the clamping structure 3. The second clamping portion 5 is movable relative to the first clamping portion 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 portion 5 to move relative to the first clamping portion 4 to adjust the receiving space 6a.

[0044] As Figure 2 illustrated in the middle, the second clamping portion 5 has a through hole in the vertical direction at the joint of the first extension 9 and 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 of the second clamping portion 5. And the 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 9 and the floor extension 13 are coupled by the connecting piece 11. The bottom end of the first extension 9 and the upper end of the floor extension 13 both have at least one hole that can be fitted with at least one snap-in mechanism on the two ends of the connecting piece 11. Therefore, the first extension 9 and the floor extension 13 can be coupled by the connecting piece 11.

[0046] The connecting piece 11 is also configured with two protrusions 19 that can be locked with the locking mechanism inside the through hole of the second clamping portion 5. Thus, the second clamping portion 5 can be fixed on the joint of the first extension 9 and the floor extension 13 along the extension direction of the first extension 9 and / or the floor extension 13.

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

[0048] Figure 3AThe clamping structure 3 is illustrated 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 oppose each other to define a receiving space 6a to receive at least a portion of an object 6 clamped 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 illustrated. When the locking mechanism inside the through hole of the second clamping portion 5 is unlocked with the protrusion 19 of the connector 11, the second clamping portion 5 can be removed from the first clamping portion 4.

[0050] Referring to Figure 4 When the second clamping portion 5 is removed, the screw 12 can be pressed in the horizontal direction so that the protrusion mechanism on the screw 12 is disengaged from the corresponding hole 18 inside the second clamping portion 5. Then, the screw 12 can be removed from the second clamping portion 5. The floor extension 13 can be detached from the connector 11, and the first extension 13 remains connected to the connector 11. Then, the connector 11 can be locked with the locking mechanism inside the second clamping portion 5, which is half a turn away from its previous locked position in the crib clamping configuration.

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

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

[0053] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description of the principles and techniques of the application, and variations thereof, can be implemented by those skilled in the art in practice of the principles and techniques of the application. 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 fact that measures are recited 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 stand system for a baby camera (1), comprising: a support unit (2) for supporting the baby camera (1); a clamping structure (3) adapted to be clamped on an object (6); the clamping structure (3) comprises a first clamping part (4), a second clamping part (5), characterized in that, the clamping structure (3) further comprises a clamping force generator, the first clamping part (4) and the second clamping part (5) define a receiving space (6a) configured to receive at least a portion of the object (6); the clamping force generator is connected with the first clamping part (4) and the second clamping part (5) and generates a clamping force for clamping on the object (6); the support unit (2) is configured to be fixed on the second clamping part (5); the second clamping part (5) can be removed from the clamping structure (3) and is configured to be mountable to a wall surface.

2. The camera stand system according to claim 1, characterized in that, the clamping force generator is connected with the first clamping part (4) and the second clamping part (5) and generates a clamping force to adjust the receiving space (6a) to fit on the object (6) and clamping on the object (6).

3. The camera stand system according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first clamping part (4) and the second clamping part (5) are relatively movable along a first direction.

4. The camera stand system according to claim 3, characterized in that, the clamping force generator is configured to generate the clamping force substantially parallel to the first direction.

5. The camera stand system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, the first clamping part (4) has a first clamping surface (7) and the second clamping part (5) has a second clamping surface (8), the first clamping surface (7) and the second clamping surface (8) define the receiving space (6a) configured to receive at least a portion of the object (6), when the second clamping part (5) is removed from the clamping structure (3), the second clamping surface (8) is exposed externally and is configured to be mountable to the wall surface.

6. The camera stand system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, the support unit (2) comprises a first extension piece (9) and a mounting structure (10) for mounting the baby camera (1), the first extension piece (9) has a lower end and an upper end; the mounting structure (10) is fixed on the second clamping part (5) through the first extension piece (9).

7. The camera mount system of claim 6, wherein, Further comprising, a connecting piece (11) attached on the lower end of the first extension piece (9), a locking mechanism 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 mount system of claim 7, wherein, Further comprising, a floor extension (13), the connecting member (11) connects the first extension (9) and the floor extension (13), the floor extension (13) can be continuously stretched to fit the height of the object (6). 9.The camera mount system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the clamping force generator includes a screw (12) that attaches the first clamping portion (4) and the second clamping portion (5) together, when the first clamping portion (4) is removed from the second clamping portion (5), the second clamping portion (5) is detached from the first clamping portion (4) to expose the inner surface of the second clamping portion (5) to the outside for wall mounting. 10.The camera mount system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the second clamping portion (5) has at least two threaded holes (15). 11.The camera mount system according to claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism has 2-fold rotational symmetry, or the locking mechanism has two locking positions that form an angle of 180 degrees. 12.The camera mount system according to claim 7, wherein the clamping structure (3) has a through hole, the locking mechanism is configured in the through hole, and the locking mechanism is further configured with a stopper for preventing the connecting member (11) from falling out of the lower opening. 13.The camera mount system according to claim 9, wherein the screw (12) is detachably connected with the second clamping portion (5), the screw (12) includes a protrusion mechanism, the second clamping portion (5) includes a hole (18), and the protrusion mechanism is configured to be inserted into the hole (18) and assemble the screw (12) with the second clamping portion (5) together. 14.The camera mount system according to claim 9, wherein the clamping force generator further includes a knob (16) coupled with the first clamping portion (4), and the knob (16) is configured to match with the screw (12) to adjust the receiving space (6a) by rotation of the knob. 15.The camera mount system according to claim 14, wherein the screw (12) matches with the knob (16), and the knob (16) has an inner thread capable of engaging with the screw (12).

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