Folding camcorder for compact storage
April 12, 2011. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesVideo camera and recorder Electronic camera system Camera and separable video recorder/reproducer arrangement Detachably connectible video camera video recorder Portable video camera with image pick-up device Video recording/reproducing camera Detachable unit electronic camera VTR-integrated camera having playback function with movable lens cover for enabling recording mode and playback mode and method therefor Video camera having rotatable viewfinder Video camera apparatus with grip axis and viewfinder optical axis in parallel relation Patent #: 4963987 InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 634442 filed on 12/27/1990US Classes:386/118, Housing or mounting348/373, Support or housing358/906HAND-HELD CAMERA WITH RECORDER IN A SINGLE UNITExaminersPrimary: Chin, Tommy P.Assistant: Nguyen, Huy Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassH04N 005/225Foreign Application Priority Data1990-01-16 JPAbstractA camcorder (1) has a VCR portion (2) including a video tape drive (2a), and a camera portion (3) including a lens block (4). The VCR portion and camera portion are rotatably connected (11) for movement to a configuration convenient for photographing (FIG. 2 ) and to a compact configuration convenient for carrying (FIG. 1 ). A switch (1010) switches between a camera mode in the photographing configuration and a VCR mode in the carrying configuration. In the camera mode, the VCR portion records video signals from the lens block on the video tape and, in a VCR operation mode, the VCR portion only plays back previously recorded video tapes. The switch is mounted within one of the VCR and camera portions such that the switch is not accessible from the outside. During rotation, a linkage (100) moves a lens cover (12) between lens covering and exposing positions. In the lens exposing position, infrared transmissive portions (109,110) align with a light emitting portion (202) and a light receiving portion (203) of an autofocus range finder (201). In this manner, the camcorder folds to a compact configuration for convenience in storing and carrying and unfolds to conform to the operator's hands and body for convenience in photographing.Field of SearchHAND-HELD CAMERA WITH RECORDER IN A SINGLE UNIT | |
