Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
246 words
A self-timer device for a camera comprising: an external self-timer set lever rotatably mounted on the outside of the camera; a first cam member rigidly coupled inside the camera to said set lever, said first cam member including a bent portion extending away from said set lever; a second cam member; a locking member mounted inside said camera; an internal shaft and an external release button rigidly coupled to said second cam member, said shaft being rotatable with said set lever but axially movable relative thereto; a stationary pin positioned adjacent to and parallel to said shaft; and a self-timer switch activatable by said bent portion; wherein: said self-timer lever, said first and second cam members, said shaft and release button, said stationary pin and said self-timer switch are positioned such that, prior to depression of said release button, a first cam surface of said second cam member abuts said stationary pin, and upon depression of said release button said second cam member moves inwardly beyond an edge of said stationary pin and is released therefrom, said bent portion of said first cam member abutting a second cam surface of said second cam member, and, upon rotation of said self-timer lever to a set position and release of said button, said self-timer switch is activated by said bent portion to start a time delay, said locking member engaging a third cam surface of said second cam member to hold said self-timer lever at the set position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
246 words
A self-timer device for a camera comprising: an external self-timer set lever rotatably mounted on the outside of the camera; a first cam member rigidly coupled inside the camera to said set lever, said first cam member including a bent portion extending away from said set lever; a second cam member; a locking member mounted inside said camera; an internal shaft and an external release button rigidly coupled to said second cam member, said shaft being rotatable with said set lever but axially movable relative thereto; a stationary pin positioned adjacent to and parallel to said shaft; and a self-timer switch activatable by said bent portion; wherein: said self-timer lever, said first and second cam members, said shaft and release button, said stationary pin and said self-timer switch are positioned such that, prior to depression of said release button, a first cam surface of said second cam member abuts said stationary pin, and upon depression of said release button said second cam member moves inwardly beyond an edge of said stationary pin and is released therefrom, said bent portion of said first cam member abutting a second cam surface of said second cam member, and, upon rotation of said self-timer lever to a set position and release of said button, said self-timer switch is activated by said bent portion to start a time delay, said locking member engaging a third cam surface of said second cam member to hold said self-timer lever at the set position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The self-timer device of claim 1 further comprising an operating member activatable by a release lever, said operating member upon activation releasing said second cam member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The self-timer device of claim 1 wherein said first cam member is provided with first and second cam surfaces cooperating with said stationary pin for defining limits upon the angle of rotation of said first cam member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The self-timer device of claim 1 further comprising a cylindrical member rigidly coupling said first cam member to said self-timer set lever and said shaft being positioned within said longitudinal passage in said hollow cylindrical member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The self-timer device of claim 1 further comprising: a first spring for radially biasing said bent portion of said first cam member away from said second cam surface of said second cam member; and a second spring for longitudinally biasing said release button outwardly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The self-timer device of any of claims 1 to 5 further comprising an electronic self-timer circuit operatively coupled to said self-timer switch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The self-timer device of claim 1 further comprising means responsive to release of the camera shutter at the end of said time delay to release said locking member and restore said self-timer lever and said release button to their original positions.