# US 2020/0401023 A1 · System for holding objects at the front of a camera lens > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2020/0401023 A1 - Document ID: US20200401023A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/905,795 - Filed: 2020-06-18 - Published: 2020-12-24 - Earliest claimed: 2019-06-18 - Applicants: Lensbaby, LLC - Inventors: Andrew B. Stevens; Craig C. Strong - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20200401023A1 ## CPC - G03B 17/566: {Accessory clips, holders, shoes to attach accessories to camera (if integral part of camera body G03B17/02)} - F16B 1/00: Devices for securing together, or preventing relative movement between, constructional elements or machine parts - F16C 11/04: Pivotal connections (hinges for doors, windows or wings E05D) - F16C 11/06: Ball-joints; Other joints having more than one degree of angular freedom, i.e. universal joints (universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts F16D3/16) - F16M 11/041: {Allowing quick release of the apparatus} - F16M 11/14: with ball-joint (ball-jointed hinges F16C11/06 {; adjustable mountings employing universal joints for lighting devices F21V21/26 - F21V21/30}) - F16M 11/2078: {with ball-joint (ball-jointed hinges F16C11/06)} - F16M 13/022: {repositionable} - G03B 11/00: Filters or other obturators specially adapted for photographic purposes - G03B 15/05: Combinations of cameras with electronic flash apparatus; Electronic flash units - F16B 2200/83: Use of a magnetic material - F16M 2200/06: Arms - G03B: APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR (optical parts of such apparatus G02B; photosensitive materials or processes for photographic purposes G03C; apparatus for processing exposed photographic materials G03D) - F16B: DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING (couplings for transmitting rotation F16D) - F16C: SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS - F16M: FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS ## Abstract A system for holding objects at the front of a camera lens includes a mount and positionable objects for creating photographic effects. The system includes a magnetically receptive surface that receives one or more effect wands in a magnetic ball-socket relationship. The strength of the magnetic ball-socket is sized according to the size and weight of effect wands used by the photographer to place such wands in the light path of the camera lens to achieve a desired effect. Extension arms may also be integrated between a mounting ring base and the effect wands providing additional flexibility. Related methods are also disclosed. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A system for maintaining a position of objects in a light path of a camera lens, comprising: a mounting base structured to attach to a camera lens; one or more objects that modify light when placed in the light path of the camera lens; and at least one articulating joint structure disposed between the mounting base and the one or more objects and structured to allow the one or more objects to be movably positioned in the light path of the camera lens. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 1, in which the articulated joint structure allows adjustment in one or more of the group consisting of circumferential adjustment, radial adjustment, pitch adjustment, yaw adjustment, roll adjustment, and distance from the camera lens for at least one of the one or more objects. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 1, in which the one or more objects maintain its position after being positioned. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 1, in which the articulating joint structure is structured to allow the one or more objects to be manually positioned. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 1, in which the mounting base comprises a first set of threads for mounting to the camera lens and a second set of threads for accepting a threaded filter. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 1, further comprising a motor coupled to at least one of the one or more objects that is structured to move the coupled object relative to the camera lens. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 6, further comprising a programmable motor controller. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 7, in which the programmable motor controller is structured to control the motor based on movement of the camera lens or based on movement of a subject in an image produced by the camera lens. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 1, in which at least one of the one or more objects comprises a light source for casting light. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 9, in which the light source is structured to illuminate a photographic subject. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 9, in which the light source is structured to project light into the camera lens. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 1, in which at least one of the one or more objects is formed of crystal, liquid crystal, glass, metal, or plastic. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 1, in which at least one of the one or more objects is a diffraction grating film. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 1, in which at least one of the one or more objects is a colored gel. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 1, in which the articulating joint structure comprises a magnetic socket. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 1, in which the articulating joint structure comprises a pair of magnetic sockets structured to be magnetically coupled to mounting base. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 15, further comprising a magnetic ball structured to be magnetically retained in the magnetic socket. ### Claim 18 (depends on 15) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 15, in which the magnetic ball is attached to one of the one or more objects. ### Claim 19 (depends on 15) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 15, in which the magnetic ball is attached to an arm that additionally includes its own magnetic socket. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to claim 19, in which the articulating joint structure comprises at least two arms, each of which includes a magnetic ball and a magnetic socket.