Video camera with alignment feature

#The present invention relates generally to video cameras and more particularly to a housing for improved assembly of a video camera.

#Video cameras may be used in for both security and surveillance. Security cameras, also known as closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, are used to convey signals from one particular place to a monitor situated at a distance, whereas surveillance cameras normally work on internet protocol (IP) networks which link the camera from a remote area to an assigned security location. In either application, the video camera often has an exposed camera dome which, over time, may become subjected to a variety of environmental conditions. The camera dome may become scratched or otherwise damaged and need to be replaced. Accordingly, a video camera that facilitates the ability to replace the camera dome is highly desirable.

#The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

#FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a housing for a video camera formed in accordance with some embodiments.

#FIG. 2A is a partially assembled isometric view of the video camera housing formed in accordance with some embodiments.

#Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

#Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in an improved housing configuration for a video camera which facilitates assembly at the factory level, facilitates installation at the customer level, and facilitates replacement of a camera dome. Accordingly, the components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

#In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.