Weatherproofing Apparatus and Method for Cameras and Video Recorders

Abstract

This application relates to the improvement to the current state-of-the-art for weatherproofing a camera or video recorder (or a cell phone having those functionalities). That allows an avid photographer to take their camera out into the rain and use all the controls through the skin, without the camera getting wet. (It is not submersion-proof, but for all practical purposes, it is waterproof) It features plug-in covers for gaps, plus any or all of the below: Double layer (with ultra thin layer on inside and/or also outside), Zip Lock features around the holes, Hot shoe drape over top of camera, or Finger Condom. Many other variations and extensions are also discussed in the specification and figures.

1 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder,
 wherein said skin cover comprises one or more access points and holes for one or more buttons, controls, displays, lens, tripod, battery access, media access, or knobs to control or use said camera or video recorder,   wherein said skin cover comprises one or more seals or plugs, and   wherein said skin cover covers said camera or video recorder.   
     
     
         2 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover comprises one or more localized water or rain diverters. 
     
     
         3 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover comprises one or more zip locks. 
     
     
         4 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover comprises one or more lips and grooves. 
     
     
         5 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover comprises one or more sliding seals. 
     
     
         6 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover comprises one or more thin flexible skin pieces. 
     
     
         7 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover comprises one or more overlapping drip guards. 
     
     
         8 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover comprises one or more lens shields, which are attached or screwed to said camera or video recorder, filter, or lens. 
     
     
         9 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover comprises one or more finger condoms or mini-gloves. 
     
     
         10 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said one or more finger condoms or mini-gloves are detachable, exchangeable, or replaceable. 
     
     
         11 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover comprises one or more overlapping rain covers. 
     
     
         12 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover comprises one or more flap covers or hinged skin pieces. 
     
     
         13 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover is weatherproof. 
     
     
         14 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover is waterproof. 
     
     
         15 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the lens of said camera or video recorder is rotated by a user or a motor. 
     
     
         16 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover wraps around said camera or video recorder. 
     
     
         17 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the flash of said camera or video recorder is pulled down or retracted. 
     
     
         18 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover comprises multiple layers. 
     
     
         19 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover is inflatable. 
     
     
         20 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover is made of or comprises one or more of the following materials or structures: plastic, elastic material, nylon, bubble-protection material, layered material, soft material, synthetic material, shock absorbent material, hard material, solid material, liquid-containing material, gas-containing material, pressurized-gas-containing material, balloon-type material, inflatable material, gel-type material, natural material, leather, water-proof material, oil-protected surface, paper, cardboard, stretchable material, elastic band network, net-shape material, magnetic material, metallic material, metallic chain, array of metallic rings, multi-dimensional structure, folded structure, hinges, hinged plates, hinged micro-plates, connected tiles, Lego-shaped material, brick-shaped material, ceramic tiles, stone tiles, artificial material tiles, glass tiles, transparent material, translucent material, reflective material, fluorescent material, metal-plated material, painted material, rug, woven material, bamboo, carpet material, wooden material, sticks, insulation material, water-cooling jacket, air-cooling jacket, heating-element jacket, insulation jacket, or any similar material, compound, chemical, or composite material. 
     
     
         21 . A skin cover for a camera or video recorder as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said skin cover is attached to one or more of the following items: a picture frame, clock, notebook, calculator, solar cell array, battery, pen holder, pen, pencil, magnetic plate, magnetic decoration, light, LED, LCD, display, small TV, small radio, thermometer, pressure gauge, biometric sensor, thumb or fingerprint recognition module, combination lock, lock, Velcro, hook-and-loop, password entry input, small keyboard, input device, pointing device, speaker, microphone, small telephone set, keychain ring, hook, small video game, music player, downloading unit, wireless unit, communication unit, antenna, small computer, small web browser, recorder, or any electronic or mechanical device, apparatus, system, toy, decoration, or equipment.