US3026784A - Equipment for underwater photography and related uses - Google Patents

Description

EQUIPMENT FOR UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY AND RELATED USES D. J. BYERS March 27, 1962 United States This invention relates to new and useful improvements in equipment for underwater photography and related uses. Particularly, the invention is directed to new and useful means for protecting and facilitating operation of equipment of the type of cameras and photographic instruments under conditions encountered by a swimmer or diver. v

This application is a continuation of my application, Serial No. 420,338, tiled April l, 1954 now abandoned.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cover for use in protecting equipment of the typev of cameras and photographic instruments that will not only protect the photographic equipment from water but that will also inclose a body of entrapped air, sufficient in volume to `provide the buoyancy necessary to cause the entire assembly in event of accidental release from the hands of the operator, to rise in the water and float on the surf-ace for ready recovery.V

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a special exterior finder which will be clearly visible to the operator of the photographic equipment when under water.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an arrangement whereby the special exterior finder and the coveredvcamera are maintained in fixed relative position.

lt is a further object of the present invention to provide means especially-adapted to meet the needs of the free swimming or scuba diver, for protection of photographic equipment.

`Further objects of the invention include over-coming certain disadvantages in presently available underwater.

photographic equipment. Other objects and advantages -according to the present invention will become manifest in the course of the following disclosure.

VIt is a matter of note that the recent development of improved types of diving gear has greatly increased the capacity of a diver to move freely for prolonged periods of time in an underwater environment.V This possibility has arisen very largely as a result of the development of underwater breathing apparatus, of` the type exemplified by the Aqualung Apparatus of this type enables a human being to descend in the Water to considerable depths, unencumbered with heavy diving gear and free from dependence upon a surfacesupply of air. kThe pioneer investigations Vin this eld have stimulated widespread interest, and have given rise to an entire new iield o-f'activity including recreational occupations and specialized professional military, commercial, and scientiiic employments.

Essentially the Aqualung comprises a. cylinder charged with compressed air, a tube and mouthpiece to deliver air tothe diver and a valve, responsive to the pressure of the water, which regulates the pressure of the air received by the diver. yAdditional articles of equiprnent which may be used byy the'diver are buoyancy regu` lating weights, mask or goggles, swimming `flippers and protective clothing. It may'also befnoted that the rise of interest in this form of activity is reliected by an expansion in swimming and diving as a sport, and as a method of1scientic exploration. Thedetails in regard kto thisbackgro'und require no amplification inasmuch f. YICC as they form no part of the prent invention, and are cited merely to indicate the utility and adaptability of the invention. Y

Proceeding in accordance with my invention, I have found that it is possible to provide an article which greatly facilitates the carrying out of underwater photography, and which to a notable degree obviates disadvantages hitherto encountered.

Whereas the several features and novel improvements which characterize the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification, for better understanding of the invention, andthe advantages and speciiic objects thereof, reference is made to the accompanying. drawings and descriptive matter wherein there are illustrated and described certain preferred embodiments of the inven-l tion.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cover composed of a yielding portion and a fixed portion whereon is mounted a camera of conventional design, and whereon also is mounted a finding device. p

FIG. 2 is a sectional View taken at a vertical plane passing through the center of the camera lens and the center line of the finding device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a modified form of the invention wherein three windows are provided in fixed relationship to the camera.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a further form of the invention wherein a iioating window is provided.

FIG. 5 is an exterior view on reduced scale showing the entire cover.

FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 are views showing the manner of closing one end of the yllexible or yielding4 portiony of the cover.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown a cover comprising a yielding portion 20 and a rigid portion 2l. The yielding portion is permanently closedat one end in the manner shown in FlG. 5 at 23, and is open at the opposite end, as shown in FIG. 5 at 22. It may be noted that the relative positions of the closed and open ends may be reversed, or if preferred, both ends may be open. The flexible portion thus forms part of the cover, and is in the nature of a bag'. The latter is provided with a cutaway portion 24 `forming an opening in the iront side of the bag, in the form illustrated. It may be noted that if the yielding or bag-like portion of the cover is formed from transparent material, it may not be'neces.- sary to provide same with a cutaway portion.

Attached to the flexible portion of the cover shown in FIG. l, is the rigid portion'Zl. As shown this comprises a right angled bracket to which the camera is iixe'dly attached, the bottom part or platform part for-ming a support for the camera and yfor the attaching means 26 (shown in FIG. 2), and the vertical part 27 constituting the inner pane of a window.

Attached to the vertical part of the braolretavindow is an exterior pane 23, affixed by means of bolts or rivets 29. The inner and outer panes of the window are thus rmly compressed upon the edges of the cut-away portion 24 of the flexible portion of the cover, thereby providing a water tight seal. Thus also,.the flexible portion and the rigid portion are consolidated `into a single protective cover or envelope for the camera. l

, I n the form of the invention shown in FIG. l, there is affixed to the fixed portion of the cover, by means of the, bolts or rivets 29, a finder 3ft?, which extends outside of the cover, and which consists of an eyeV 31 and cross-wires 32 mounted in a frame. This finder enables the operator to orient the camera toward the objectto be photographed. I

In FIG. 3, there is shown a form of the invention wherein the flexible portion 2i) is substantiallyrthe same by said camera and contains forma bracket 42 is provided which extends yas shown on four sides of the camera, in a form approaching a square. The upper windo'w` and the rear Window 314 are constructed in the same manner as the front window which `virtually reproduces the construction of the-Window shown in FIGS. 1 land 2 An exterior linder may be provided yhaving an eye mounted at 35 and a forward cross-wire mounted at 36, although the exterior linder may be dispensed with in this modilication for reasons that will be described. Except for the change in means of attachment, the exterior finder is identical with that lshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is not further illustrated in FIG. 3.

In FIG.Y4, there is shown a modification provided with a rearwardly positioned oating window 37, which is not rigidly attached to lthe bracket.

Referring generally to the invention as shown in FIGS. l, 2, 3, and 4, therl'flexible portion 2o is composed of any suitable thin, pliant, water-resistant materia-l such as rubber or cxible plastic material.V The bracket and window elements are composed'of transparent mate-rial and for this purpose I have found transparent rigid plastic sheet material to be suitable. While glass may bevemployed, especially for the Youter panes '28, I prefer a clear'transparent stiff plastic sheet material for this purpose.

VWhile any suitable means may be employed for closing Y the open end of the yielding portion yof the cover, I have found the method illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 9 to be satisfactory. Asfshown, the lips3l3- and 39 are brought together in the manner shown in FIG. 6r. Thereafter a fold 40 is made at the end. Following this a double bend Y in the fold is made as shown in FIG. 8, and brought smoothly together as shown inf FIG. V9. A clamp (not shown) ofrconventional design may be then attached to hold the folds in permanent sealed contact.

' The platform part of the bracket can be provided with Y any suitable means for attaching the camera.

While if it is desired to 'adapt the cover `only to one camera, I havefound that a single perforation drilled in the platform Ywill serve'satisfactorily, the camera being attached by a conventional set. screw having a knurled knob, for purpose of accommodation of other types or shapes of camera,rslots cut in the platform, or other adjustable means may be employed.;YK Y

The operation of my invention is as lfollows: i' l p Referring to the drawings, the `yielding portion Ztl), together with the Vfixed portion 'Z1 vforms an envelope that Y is waterproof and that completely surrounds the camera.' The latter is inserted through the open end 212 of'the envelope, and aiixed to the platform V255 by Aknob 26. To Vreceive the aixingxmeans, vholes or Vslots are provided in the platform, Vwhereby the camera may be Ysuitable aligned. VWhen the camera has been xed in place, Vthe open end kof the envelope lis'closed tightly, as shown in Y FIGS. 5 through 9. The envelope surrounds the Ycamera loosely and dein'es a space larger than the space occupied Y after closing acertain amount of entrapped air.

The device may be cons'trm'stedk to 'accommodatel a cameraof single design, or it may be'c'onstructed to acvconnn'odate.cameras of diiferent types. yIn any event, the construction ofthe V,rigid 'portion should be such as to`,facilitate usegofthe-op'tical elements of the camera. Y The-,camera lens normally will be substantially centered Y behind the window, and the finder may be aligned with the line of sight 'from the eyeof the oper-atorto theobject to be photographed. The placement orftherfvvindow with respecttothe portions of thecamera to `be brought under observation is within the Yskill ofthe art. In the drawings, the 'apparentslight departure from thevr operating lineof sight is an accommodation ofthe drawings,

'adlobyiolsly iS 'IlO designed as a limitation on the construction. Y y

Y' tively inert gas or atmosphere within thefenvelope,` that,

As previously described, the yielding portion is composed of relatively thin sheet material, preferably but not necessarilyk transparent, water and moisture-resistant, tough and pliant. For this purpose rubber is suitable, or one of the numerous plastic materials available on the market. This Vportion interposes a barrier against ingress of moisture and water, but does not prevent the operator of the camera from reaching the controls, grasping, and move same at Will. There is full ease of movement, and accessibility. The thin material is brought into direct contact with the p'a-rt of the camera grasped by the operator, and interposes no moreimpediment to handling than would be experienced if the hand of the operator were encased in a thin glove.

If desired, in order to provide control of the entrapped atmosphere, a humidity controlling means such as a moisture absorbent v'material may be suitablyfcoutained .in the envelope or a heating element may be furnished.

freely movable relationship of the envelope to vthe camera insofar as the flexible portion of the envelope is concerned. The operator consequently can quickly and without diliculty yor preadjustment, reach any part of the cameraat will. .Y g

The air entrapped in the envelope serves the further purpose of constituting a pneumatic body which, in event of loss of the camera underwater, will float the camera to the surface where it can be readily recovered. It will be readily understood that the volume of entrapped air may be apportioned to lthe weight of the equipment. Since, according to the invention, the envelope ts loosely, it may be not only individually proportioned to suit the particular camera size, but any particular size envelope will accommodate a certain variation in camera size, andV further, the envelope may be adjusted to contain various volumes of air. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, 'the photographer has merely to insert the camera through the opening 22, and after aixing the 4 Y The volume of air required Vfor flotation of the ais'sem`- bly maybe most easily determined by the user by simply l tightening the clamp Vand immersing'k the assembly 4in water. For construction'purposes those skilled in Ythe art canreadily vcalculate the necessary size of the cover from the Weight of the equipment the cover is intended to contain. The sizeof the cover should be such as to provide abody of in'closed air thevolume of which when converted to Weight based on the Yknown density of ,Y water, should somewhat exceed the weight of the coni tained yequipment-in brief, should be sufficient to provide buoyancy. 7 v

While I have'found ordinary, atmospheric, unconditioned air to serve'satisfactorily asV the: gaseous content vof the envelope, it is entirely feasible to maintain dehumidilied or conditionedV air, or any other inert or relamay be desired, for long submersion or other purposes. As many Windows maybe provided asrdesired. In FIGS. l and 2, I have. illustrated a'forrn wherein but one Windowis provided. In FIG. 3, three windows arepro-V A vided, afront windowfthrough which the picture Ymaybe taken,V a `rear Window for observation through the iinderi,

` and a top window for observation'of thesetting Aofthe controls. The latter embodiment` contemplates -a Vring-V like plastic transparent mountingopen left and right'to providelaccessibility. I-n FIG. V4a heating/"rear window ,Y is shown,whichfhas the `aclvfrlhta`ge o-ffadjustabilityfto envelope will suffice for purposes Y various designs of cameras, the window being movable in any direction, within the scope of operating orientation.

As hereinbefore described, the fixed mounting portion provides such limitation upon the free relationship between the camera and the iiexible portion as may be desired. Also, the rigid portion provides means for mounting exterior controls if desired, as for example, the finder means illustrated in FIGS. l and 2. The latter thus may be mounted in iixed relationship to the camera. The advantage of this provision of special externally disposed nder means will be understood when it is considered that the normally provided iinder of the inclosed camera is rendered non-visible by the interposition of the cover. The externally mounted sighting device according to the present invention, on the other hand, will be visible to the photographer and since it is iixed in rela* tionship to the camera will enable the operator to accurately sight and properly orient the camera. The dimensions of the finder means preferably should be proportioned so that the frame portion 30 will approximately outline that portion of the field of view that coincides with the picture frame of the photographic iilm.

From the herein description it follows that the iixed portion may be provided with transparent areas, which preferably may be established by formingV the interior part of the rigid portion of a single integral unit of transparent material. The external panes which clamp the edges of the openings in the iiexible portion to the interior mount, may be of the same material, although my invention contemplates the use of a different material if desired. There are available a number of suitable stii lighttransmitting plastic materials which are well adapted to the construction of the xed portion or portions of the envelope. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, preference is for material of suicient mechanical strength, and transparency. Glass may be used. However, it is contemplated to employ any type of light transmitting material for the Windows that may be preferred for particular operations, as for example, light filtering glass or plastic to modify the quality of the light entering the envelope.

From the foregoing description and illustrations of em bodiments oi my invention, further details within the scope thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the aat, or may vbe further developed. I have set forth the aforesaid examples by way of illustration and not of limitation, and what I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is `as follows:

A cover for use in protecting equipment of the type of cameras and photographic instruments, and the controls thereon, from the deleterious effects of water, comprising a yielding portion and a rigid portion, said yielding portion being formed of thin, pliant, water-impervious material, said rigid portion being formed of relatively stii material, and comprising a window and an internally disposed platform rigidly attached to said window, said yielding portion being attached to said window by a Water-tight seal about the periphery of said window, said platform being provided with means for mounting said equipment thereon, said yielding portion constituting a cover loosely surrounding said equipment and said controls, said cover being normally out of contact with said equipment, except at said platform mounting, said cover being water-tight and air-tight, said yielding portion normally extending out of contact with and away from said camera, said cover being of a size in proportion to said equipment to contain a body of entrapped lair, suicient to iioat the entire assembly, said yielding portion being movable with respect to said camera whereby and wherethrough the controls of the camera maybe reached and manually operated, and an externally disposed visual sighting means mounted on said window.

References Cited in the ijle of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,535,312 Hosking Apr. 28, 1925 2,537,303 Cobb Jan. 9, 1951 2,926,572 Weiss Mar. 1, 1960 FOREIGN PATENTS 902,849 Germany Ian. 28, 1954 421,584 Italy May 28, 1947 OTHER REFERENCES Publication: Article entitled Underwater Photography, in The Camera, February 1937, pages 95-99.

Publication: A second article entitled Underwater Photography, by J. B. Collins, in The Photographic Journal, volume B, 1950, pages 28 and 29.

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