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US4999657A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Methods and apparatus for taking portraits

Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1990-04-04
•
Granted: 1991-03-12
•
Expires: 2010-04-04
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Abstract

Abstract A mirror is secured to a camera and adjusted so that a subject being photographed can see himself or herself in the mirror when the photograph is taken. The subject can take his or her own photograph, if desired. A mounting bracket is provided which can be secured to the camera after the camera is purchased. The mirror is easily secured to the mounting bracket for use, and can be readily removed for storage and transportation.

Inventors

  • 👤 Thomas J. Leuer

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-09 20:00
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B17/00; G03B17/48; G03B17/50; G03B17/53; G03B17/02; G03B17/06

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim 129 words
Apparatus for taking a portrait photograph of at least one subject in a selected field, said apparatus comprising (a) camera means for exposing a photographic negative to make an exposure; (b) mirror means for reflecting the field to the subject within the field; and (c) means for adjustably mounting said mirror means on said camera means; (d) said mounting means comprising a first ball and socket joint secured to aid camera means, a second ball and socket joint secured to said mirror means, and a shaft secured between said first and second ball and socket joints, said first and second ball and socket joints being tight enough to hold said mirror means in a fixed position during use, while at the same time allowing adjustment of said mirror means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 129 words
Apparatus for taking a portrait photograph of at least one subject in a selected field, said apparatus comprising (a) camera means for exposing a photographic negative to make an exposure; (b) mirror means for reflecting the field to the subject within the field; and (c) means for adjustably mounting said mirror means on said camera means; (d) said mounting means comprising a first ball and socket joint secured to aid camera means, a second ball and socket joint secured to said mirror means, and a shaft secured between said first and second ball and socket joints, said first and second ball and socket joints being tight enough to hold said mirror means in a fixed position during use, while at the same time allowing adjustment of said mirror means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mounting means further comprises means for removably securing said mirror means to said mounting means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 46 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said mirror securing means comprises (a) two mating halves, including a first half secured to said mounting means and a second half secured to said mirror means; an (b) means for removably securing said first half to said second half.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 comprising means for remotely controlling the camera from within the field.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US877283A Cited
US1099820A Cited
US1879949A Cited
US3893145A Cited
US4560261A Cited
US4771300A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1994-03-11 1994-09-10 1995-03-12 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1998-03-11 1998-09-10 1999-03-12 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2002-03-11 2002-09-10 2003-03-12 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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