US3710697A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Folding camera viewfinder
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-12-01
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Granted: 1973-01-16
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Expires: 1991-12-01
Abstract
Abstract A compact folding camera including a viewing device for framing a scene to be photographed. The viewing device includes first and second optical elements and an erecting system for moving the optical elements from an inoperative position to an operative position. The erecting system includes a latch for releasably retaining the optical elements in the inoperative position. One of the links of the erecting system is responsive to movement of the camera to its operative, extended position for releasing the latch to allow the erecting system to move the optical elements to their operative positions.
Inventors
- 👤 R Fraser
- 👤 Grath J Mc
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 14:10
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B19/00; G03B19/02; G03B19/12; G03B17/00; G03B17/02; G03B17/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A folding camera adapted for movement between folded and extended positions and including a viewing device for providing an image of a scene to be photographed, comprising: a housing; first and second optical means operatively associable with each other for providing said image, said first and second optical means being coupled to said housing for movement relative to each other between inoperative and operative positions; first and second erecting means coupled to said first and second optical means, respectively, for guiding said first and second optical means between said inoperative and operative positions; latching means extending from one of said first and second erecting means and engageable with the other of said first and second erecting means for releasably retaining said first and second optical means in said inoperative position; and means responsive to movement of said camera housing from said folded position toward said extended position for releasing said latching means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A folding camera adapted for movement between folded and extended positions and including a viewing device for providing an image of a scene to be photographed, comprising: a housing; first and second optical means operatively associable with each other for providing said image, said first and second optical means being coupled to said housing for movement relative to each other between inoperative and operative positions; first and second erecting means coupled to said first and second optical means, respectively, for guiding said first and second optical means between said inoperative and operative positions; latching means extending from one of said first and second erecting means and engageable with the other of said first and second erecting means for releasably retaining said first and second optical means in said inoperative position; and means responsive to movement of said camera housing from said folded position toward said extended position for releasing said latching means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A folding camera as defined in claim 1 wherein said latching means includes resilient means coupled to said first erecting means and a protuberance extending from said second erecting means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
81 words
A folding camera as defined in claim 2 wherein said housing includes first and second housing sections coupled to each other for movement between said folded and extended positions, means mounting said first and second optical means on said first housing section, said second erecting means including said means responsive to movement of said camera housing from said folded position toward said extended position for releasing said latching means when said first and second optical means are in said inoperative position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
75 words
A folding camera as defined in claim 3 wherein said first erecting means includes biasing means for urging said first optical means toward said operative position and said responsive means urges said second optical means toward said operative position, whereby movement of said first and second housing sections from said folded position toward said extended position releases said latching means to allow said first and second optical means to automatically move into said operative position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
A folding camera as defined in claim 1 wherein said latching means includes resilient means extending from said second erecting means and adapted to eNgage means on said first erecting means for releasably retaining said first and second optical means in said inoperative position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
81 words
A folding camera as defined in claim 5 wherein said housing includes first and second housing sections coupled to each other for movement between said folded and extended positions, means mounting said first and second optical means on said first housing section, said second erecting means including said means responsive to movement of said camera housing from said folded position toward said extended position for releasing said latching means when said first and second optical means are in said inoperative position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
75 words
A folding camera as defined in claim 6 wherein said first erecting means includes biasing means for urging said first optical means toward said operative position and said responsive means urges said second optical means toward said operative position, whereby movement of said first and second housing sections from said folded position toward said extended position releases said latching means to allow said first and second optical means to automatically move into said operative position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
A folding camera as defined in claim 5 wherein said second erecting means includes a link pivotally coupled between said housing and said second optical means and said resilient means in an integral part of said link.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-16 | 1976-07-17 | 1977-01-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-16 | 1980-07-17 | 1981-01-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-16 | 1984-07-17 | 1985-01-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |