WO2009051756A1

WO2009051756A1 - Camera cover

Info

Publication number: WO2009051756A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/011819
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francesco Mangano; Antonino Mangano
Original assignee: Children's Hospital Medical Center
Priority date: 2007-10-19
Filing date: 2008-10-16
Publication date: 2009-04-23
Also published as: US20100258224A1

Abstract

A cover for a camera that is mounted to the camera adjacent the camera lens. An exemplary embodiment includes a ring mounted to the camera and a second ring mounted to the first ring. A bag is captured between the first ring and the second ring, and the bag includes a closure proximate an opening for receiving the camera. Embodiments may include a tear-away portion temporarily covering the camera lens. The camera cover may be utilized in an operating room to permit photography within the sterile field, for example.

Description

Title: CAMERA COVER

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/999,662, filed October 19, 2007, which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a cover for a camera and, more particularly, to a cover for a camera for use in an operating room.

[0003] The use of disposable drapes to cover electronic equipment outside of the surgical field is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,429,142, which is incorporated by reference. A sterile covering for an endoscope is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,522,196, which is incorporated by reference.

INTRODUCTION

[0004] Exemplary embodiments described herein include a cover for a camera that is mounted to the camera adjacent the camera lens. In some embodiments, an attachment base includes a ring mounted to the camera and a second ring mounted to the first ring. A bag is captured between the first ring and the second ring, and the bag includes a closure proximate an opening for receiving the camera. Exemplary embodiments include a tear-away portion temporarily covering the camera lens. The camera cover may be utilized in an operating room to permit photography within the sterile field, for example.

[0005] In a first aspect, a cover for a camera may include an attachment base including an engagement surface adapted to releasably couple with a camera; a flexible bag coupled to the attachment base, the flexible bag having an opening adapted to allow passage of the camera therethrough; and a closure mounted to the flexible bag, the closure being operative to substantially close the opening thereby at least substantially enclosing the camera within the flexible bag.

[0006] In a detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the attachment base may include a first ring and a second ring, the first ring including the engagement surface and the second ring being releasably couplable to the first ring. In a further detailed embodiment, the bag may be mounted to the second ring. In another further detailed embodiment, the bag may be captured between the first ring and the second ring. In still another further detailed embodiment, the second ring may be releasably couplable to the fist ring by releasable engagement of a threaded portion on the first ring with a corresponding threaded portion on the second ring. In yet another further detailed embodiment, the second ring may be releasably couplable to the first ring by releasable engagement of a projection extending from one of the first ring and the second ring with a recess on the other of the first ring and the second ring. In another further detailed embodiment, the second ring may include an outer surface including one or more surface features adapted to increase friction when the outer surface is grasped by a user. In still another further detailed embodiment, at least one of the first ring and the second ring may include an indicator providing an indication of whether the first ring and the second ring are positively engaged. The indication may be at least one of audible, tactile, and visual, for example. The indication may include a first color and a second color, the first color being indicative of a non-engaged condition and the second color being indicative of the first ring and the second ring being positively engaged. In yet another further detailed embodiment, the second ring may fully engage the first ring or the second ring may partially engage the first ring.

[0007] In another detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the engagement surface may include a threaded annular surface adapted to engage a threaded surface on the camera. In another detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the engagement surface may include an adhesive adapted to releasably affix the engagement surface to an exterior of the camera.

[0008] In another detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the cover may include a tear-away portion releasably mounted to the attachment base. The attachment base may include a substantially open interior and the tear away portion may substantially cover the substantially open interior. In a further detailed embodiment, the tear-away portion may be releasably mounted to the attachment base by an adhesive and/or a perforated portion. In another further detailed embodiment, the tear-away portion may include a tab. [0009] In another detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the bag may include at least one transparent portion. In a further detailed embodiment, the bag may include at least one translucent portion.

[0010] In yet another detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the bag may include a textured surface and/or a surface treatment. In still another detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the cover may further include an extendable portion and/or a protruding portion. The extendable portion or the protruding portion may be adapted to receive a lens barrel or a projecting flash of the camera, for example.

[0011 ] In another detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the closure may include a purse string, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, a tie, and/or a segment of elastic. In another detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the cover may further include an attachment mechanism mounted to an internal surface of the bag and adapted to releasably couple an exterior of the camera to the bag. In a further detailed embodiment, the attachment mechanism may include first and second components of a hook and loop fastener, and the first component may be mounted to the camera and the second component may be mounted to the internal surface of the bag, for example.

[0012] In another detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the flexible bag may at least partially interpose the attachment ring and the camera. In another detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the flexible bag may include at least one cable penetration separate from the opening.

[0013] In a second aspect, a method of installing a cover on a camera may include coupling a first ring to a camera proximate the lens of the camera; aligning a second ring with the first ring, the second ring being mounted to a cover; coupling the second ring with the first ring; placing the camera into the cover through an opening in the cover; and closing the opening in the cover using a closure.

[0014] In a detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include, before the step of aligning the second ring with the first ring, everting the cover to expose an engagement surface of the second ring. In a further detailed embodiment, the step of placing the camera into the cover through an opening in the cover may be performed prior to the step of aligning the second ring with the first ring. In another further detailed embodiment, the method may further include the step of removing a tear-away portion of the cover mounted within the second ring. In still another further detailed embodiment, the method may further include, prior to the step of aligning the second ring with the first ring, sterilizing the cover. In yet another further detailed embodiment, the step of coupling the second ring with the first ring may include engaging a threaded portion of the second ring with a corresponding portion of the first ring.

[0015] In a third aspect, a cover for a camera may include a bag including a first opening sized to receive a camera therethrough and a second opening sized to encircle a lens of the camera; adhesive provided on the bag proximate a periphery of the second opening; and a closure proximate the first opening and operative to substantially close the first opening thereby at least substantially enclosing the camera within the bag.

[0016] In a detailed embodiment of the third aspect, the cover may include a tear- away portion substantially covering the second opening. In a further detailed embodiment, the tear-away portion may be releasably mounted to the attachment ring by an adhesive and/or a perforated portion. The tear-away portion may include a tab.

[0017] In another detailed embodiment of the third aspect, the bag may include at least one transparent portion. In a further detailed embodiment, the bag may include at least one translucent portion.

[0018] In another detailed embodiment of the third aspect, the bag may include at least one of a textured surface and a surface treatment. In another detailed embodiment of the third aspect, the cover may include an extendable portion and/or a protruding portion. In a further detailed embodiment, the extendable portion and/or the protruding portion may be adapted to receive a lens barrel and/or a projecting flash of the camera, for example.

[0019] In another detailed embodiment of the third aspect, the closure may includes a purse string, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, a tie, and/or a segment of elastic. In another detailed embodiment of the third aspect, the cover may include an attachment mechanism mounted to an internal surface of the bag and adapted to releasably couple an exterior of the camera to the bag. In a further detailed embodiment, the attachment mechanism may include first and second components of a hook and loop fastener, and the first component may be mounted to the camera and the second component may be mounted to the internal surface of the bag.

[0020] In another detailed embodiment of the third aspect, the flexible bag may include at least one cable penetration separate from the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying Figures in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an exemplary two-ring camera cover attachment;

FIG. 2 is a detailed exploded cross-sectional view of the exemplary two-ring camera cover attachment of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary two-ring camera cover attachment;

FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the exemplary two-ring camera cover attachment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary two-ring camera cover attachment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary first ring; FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary second ring;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary camera cover having an expandable portion;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary camera cover of FIG. 8 with the expandable portion extended;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary camera cover including two rings; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary camera cover including a single ring;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary purse string closure; and FIG. 13 is a front elevation view depicting an exemplary tear-away portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a camera cover adapted for use in an operating room. The cover may be sterile to permit use within the sterile field. The camera cover may include mechanisms or other components for attaching to the camera adjacent to the lens. Further, the camera cover may include an opening adapted to allow the camera to be placed substantially completely within the cover.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, a lens barrel 26 of a camera 6 includes a threaded inner annular surface 28. A first ring 20 may be releasably coupled to the lens barrel 26 using a corresponding threaded outer annular surface 30, which is an example of an engagement surface. In other embodiments, an attachment base such as the first ring 20 may couple with the camera 6 using other mechanisms such as, but not limited to, a friction fit or by a coupling mechanism such as, but not limited to, one or more clasps, latches, hooks, clips, slots, tabs, elastic portions and/or adhesive portions and the like. As can be seen in FIG. 1 , a thin, flexible bag 8 is attached around an outer periphery of the first ring 20. The interior of the first ring 20 remains open (uncovered) in this embodiment so as to not block the lens 24 of the camera. While the attachment base in the exemplary embodiment is in the form of a ring, those of ordinary skill would understand that the attachment base could take other forms or shapes in other embodiments.

[0024] A second ring 22 may releasably couple onto the first ring 20. This second ring 22 is used in certain embodiments to lock the bag material between the first and second rings, and consequently, to the camera. The second ring 22 may releasably couple with the first ring 20 by a friction fit or by a coupling means such as, but not limited to, one or more corresponding threaded portions, clasps, latches, hooks, clips, slots, tabs, elastic portions and/or adhesive portions and the like. In an embodiment, the inner surface 32 of ring 22 engages surface 34 of ring 20. The rings 20, 22 may fully engage (as shown, for example, in FIG. 3) or may partially engage (as shown, for example, in FIGS. 5-7). The respective interfacing annular surfaces 32, 34 of the first and second rings may include corresponding threads, may be smooth, and/or may include other surface features (such as, but not limited to, slots, grooves, tabs, nubs, etc.).

[0025] Outer surfaces 36, 38 of rings 20, 22 may be knurled or may include other surface features which may increase friction when the ring 20, 22 is gripped by a user. The rings 20, 22 may be adapted to engage each other edge-to-edge, one over the other, or a combination thereof. The rings may be constructed of rigid materials such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, or a combination thereof and/or flexible materials such as, but not limited to, plastic, resin, rubber, vinyl, or a combination thereof.

[0026] In exemplary embodiments, the film portion of the cover 8 may be mechanically captured between the rings 20, 22. The film portion of cover 8 may extend between the rings 20, 22 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Alternatively, the film portion of the cover 8 may extend around the second ring 22 and between the interfacing surfaces 32, 34 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This configuration provides the advantage that tension on the cover 8 tends to tighten the connection between the rings 20, 22. In various exemplary embodiments, both rings 20, 22 may be reusable and the film portion of the cover may be disposable.

[0027] In another exemplary embodiment, the film portion of the cover 8 may be affixed to the second ring 22. In such an embodiment, the film portion and the attached second ring 22 may be disposable and the first ring 20 may be reusable. In any two-ring embodiment, the first ring 20 may remain on the camera for subsequent uses or both rings may be removed from the camera after each use.

[0028] As depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cover 8 may include a portion which is adapted to allow an extendable portion of the camera 6 to extend and/or a portion which is adapted to allow the cover 8 to fit over a protruding portion of the camera 6 such as, but not limited to, a lens barrel or a flash. For example, the lens barrel 26 of the camera 6 may extend as the camera 6 is zoomed (see FIG. 9). As another example, a camera 6 may have a protruding flash assembly.

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the cover may include one or more rings. As described above and as depicted in FIG. 10, exemplary embodiments may include one or more rings 20, 22 for attaching the cover 8 to a camera 6 proximate the lens 24 of the camera 6. Additionally, exemplary embodiments may include a single ring 22 as shown in FIG. 11. In such an embodiment, ring 22 may releasably couple with the camera 6. The cover 8 may be affixed to ring 22 or the cover may be captured between ring 22 and the camera 6.

[0030] In exemplary embodiments, the cover 8 may include a portion including an adhesive for attaching the cover to the camera 6. In such an embodiment, the cover 8 may be adapted to adhere to the camera barrel 26 proximate the lens 24. The cover 8 may directly attach to the camera 6 using an adhesive portion 60 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) and/or the cover 8 may include one or more rings 20, 22 in combination with adhesive to couple to the camera 6 (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0031] In exemplary embodiments, one or more of the rings 20, 22 may provide a user with an indication of positive engagement with another of the rings 20, 22 or with the camera 6. Such an indication may be, for example, auditory, tactile, and/or visual. As an example, the device may emit a "snap" sound when ring 22 is properly engaged with ring 20. As another example, a certain color may be visible when rings 20, 22 are properly engaged.

[0032] The cover 8 may include a closable opening 10 through which the camera 6 may be placed within the cover 8 (see FIG. 12, for example). In some exemplary embodiments, the opening 10 may be located generally opposite the portion of the cover 8 that attaches adjacent to the lens 24. The opening 10 may be sized to allow the camera 6 to pass through without substantial difficulty. The opening 10 may have any shape such as, but not limited to, circular or linear. The opening 10 may be closed using a closure 12 such as, but not limited to, one or more purse string closures, adhesive portions, adhesive tapes, hook and loop closures, zippers, ties, and/or elastic portions. An example of a purse string closure is depicted in FIG. 12.

[0033] The cover may be adapted to allow one or more cables to extend from the camera to other equipment. A cable may provide a transmission path for pictures or video to external equipment such as, but not limited to, one or more monitors, storage media, or image processing devices (such as a computer). Further, a cable may provide a path for control signals directed at the camera or the external equipment. The cover may surround the camera such that little or none of the cable is covered by the cover. Alternatively, such a cover may cover some or all of the length of a cable. The portion of the cover covering the camera my include a fastening means such as, but not limited to, one or more adhesive portions, hook and loop closure portions, zippers, ties, and/or elastic portions that may be different from the closure means used to close the cover around the camera. A cable may extend through the opening 10 that is used to place the camera within the cover and/or a cable may extend through a separate opening. The cable may enable live viewing of images from the camera.

[0034] The cover may include a portion which covers the lens of the camera. Such a portion may be removable and may be adapted to be reinstalled over the lens at a later time. An exemplary removable portion 40, shown in FIG. 13, may include a tab 42 and/or another feature adapted to allow easy grasping by a user. Further, an exemplary tear-away portion 40 may be held over the lens by, for example, a releasable adhesive and/or a perforated portion 44 of film. In an exemplary embodiment, the tear-away portion 40 may be temporarily retained in position over the camera lens by a perforated portion 40 extending near the inner periphery of the second ring 22. In such an embodiment, the removable portion may be removed from the lens by tearing it away from the camera at the perforations.

[0035] In another exemplary embodiment, the removable portion may be attached to the second ring 22 using adhesive and may be adapted to be peeled off of the second ring 22 prior to using the camera. In embodiments of the invention including only a single ring, the removable portion may be attached to the single ring. It is within the scope of the disclosure to include a removable portion that is attached to one or more rings, the camera, or a portion of the cover using one or more attachment devices such as, but not limited to, adhesive portions, adhesive tapes, hook and loop closures, zippers, ties, and/or elastic portions.

[0036] In exemplary embodiments, portions of the camera cover are made of a thin and flexible polymer film. For example and without limitation, the film may include high density polyethylene and/or low density polyethylene. The cover may be made of other materials such as, but not limited to, nylon. The cover may be sterilized by, for example, exposure to ethylene oxide.

[0037] The cover may be entirely transparent or may include one or more transparent portions. A transparent portion may permit a user to view the camera through the cover. For example, a user may view a digital camera's screen through a transparent portion. As another example, a user may view a camera's controls through the same or another transparent portion. Further, a portion of the cover proximate the camera's flash may be transparent or translucent such that light emitted by the flash may reach an object external to the cover.

[0038] In exemplary embodiments, the cover may be generally in the form of a bag adapted to substantially surround a camera. The cover may fit loosely over the camera or may be shaped to be form-fitting around a particular camera. The cover may be adapted to allow the user to manipulate the controls of the camera through the cover.

[0039] Some or all of the cover may include a textured surface and/or a surface treatment. Such a textured surface and/or surface treatment may provide increased friction when a user grasps the cover when it is installed on a camera.

[0040] In exemplary embodiments, one or more internal surfaces of the cover may include hook and loop or other attachment mechanisms adapted to couple with the camera. Such attachment mechanisms may improve the handling characteristics of the camera and bag by reducing the amount of dead space and slack in the cover. See, e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9, which include corresponding hook and loop fasteners 50, 52 on the camera 6 and the interior 54 of the cover 8, respectively.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the invention may further comprise a stand or mount adapted to support the camera in the sterile field. Such a stand may be freestanding or may couple to one or more pieces of equipment located adjacent to, within, or above the sterile field. The stand may include a removable cover.

[0042] While the exemplary embodiments described above may be particularly adapted for use as a cover for a camera in an operating room environment, embodiments of the invention may be useful in other situations when a cover for any type of device may be advantageous. For example, embodiments of the present invention may be useful where a removable cover would provide a removable handling surface for the device. For example, such a cover may be useful when photography is performed in an environment with radioactive, biological, or chemical contamination. In such an application, the present invention may serve as a disposable cover which reduces the risk of spreading the contamination because the cover can be removed and discarded or decontaminated after use.

[0043] Further, embodiments of the present invention may be useful where it may be advantageous to prevent the environment from being exposed to the device. For example, embodiments of the present invention may be used to cover a device in a clean room where the spread of a contaminant from the device to the environment could be harmful. Similarly, an embodiment of the present invention may be used to cover a device used while inspecting complex machinery where any part or piece falling off of the device may risk damage to the machinery.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 10, an embodiment of the present invention may be attached to a camera 6 as follows. First, a user may couple a first ring 20 to the camera 6. The user may align a second ring 22, which is attached to the cover 8, with the first ring 20 and couple the rings 20, 22 together. The user may place the camera 6 into the cover 8 through opening 10. The user may then use the closure 12 to close opening 10. Prior to aligning rings 20, 22, the user may evert the bag 8 so that the rings 20, 22 can be coupled before the bag 8 is pulled around the camera. Alternatively, the camera 6 may be placed in the bag 8 before the rings 20, 22 are aligned.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, a first ring 20 may have an inner diameter of 54 mm and a depth of 12.3 mm. The threaded outer annular surface 30 may have a diameter of 58 mm with 0.75 mm deep threads. The outer annular surface 34 may have a diameter of 60.25 mm. The second ring 22 may have an inner diameter of 60.5 mm and an outer diameter of 65 mm.

[0046] While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been set forth above for the purpose of disclosure, modifications of the disclosed embodiments of the invention as well as other embodiments thereof may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the inventions contained herein are not limited to the above precise embodiments and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Likewise, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not necessary to meet any or all of the stated advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein to fall within the scope of the claims, since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.

[0047] What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A cover for a camera comprising: an attachment base including an engagement surface adapted to releasably couple with a camera; a flexible bag coupled to the attachment base, the flexible bag having an opening adapted to allow passage of the camera therethrough; and a closure mounted to the flexible bag, the closure being operative to substantially close the opening thereby at least substantially enclosing the camera within the flexible bag.

2. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the attachment base includes a first ring and a second ring, the first ring including the engagement surface and the second ring being releasably couplable to the first ring.

3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the bag is mounted to the second ring.

4. The cover of claim 2, wherein the bag is captured between the first ring and the second ring.

5. The cover of claim 2, wherein the second ring is releasably couplable to the fist ring by releasable engagement of a threaded portion on the first ring with a corresponding threaded portion on the second ring.

6. The cover of claim 2, wherein the second ring is releasably couplable to the first ring by releasable engagement of a projection extending from one of the first ring and the second ring with a recess on the other of the first ring and the second ring.

7. The cover of claim 2, wherein the second ring includes an outer surface including one or more surface features adapted to increase friction when the outer surface is grasped by a user.

8. The cover of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first ring and the second ring includes an indicator providing an indication of whether the first ring and the second ring are positively engaged.

9. The cover of claim 8, wherein the indication is at least one of audible, tactile, and visual.

10. The cover of claim 8, wherein the indication includes a first color and a second color, the first color being indicative of a non-engaged condition and the second color being indicative of the first ring and the second ring being positively engaged.

11. The cover of claim 2, wherein the second ring fully engages the first ring.

12. The cover of claim 2, wherein the second ring partially engages the first ring.

13. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the engagement surface includes a threaded annular surface adapted to engage a threaded surface on the camera.

14. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the engagement surface includes an adhesive adapted to releasably affix the engagement surface to an exterior of the camera.

15. The cover of claim 1 , further comprising a tear-away portion releasably mounted to the attachment base, wherein the attachment base includes a substantially open interior and the tear away portion substantially covers the substantially open interior.

16. The cover of claim 15, wherein the tear-away portion is releasably mounted to the attachment base by an adhesive.

17. The cover of claim 15, wherein the tear-away portion is releasably mounted to attachment base by a perforated portion.

18. The cover of claim 15, wherein the tear-away portion includes a tab.

19. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the bag includes at least one transparent portion.

20. The cover of claim 19, wherein the bag includes at least one translucent portion.

21. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the bag includes at least one of a textured surface and a surface treatment.

22. The cover of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of an extendable portion and a protruding portion.

23. The cover of claim 22, wherein at least one of the extendable portion or the protruding portion is adapted to receive at least one of a lens barrel and a projecting flash of the camera.

24. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the closure includes at least one of a purse string, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, a tie, and a segment of elastic.

25. The cover of claim 1 , further comprising an attachment mechanism mounted to an internal surface of the bag and adapted to releasably couple an exterior of the camera to the bag.

26. The cover of claim 25, wherein the attachment mechanism includes first and second components of a hook and loop fastener; and wherein the first component is mounted to the camera and the second component is mounted to the internal surface of the bag.

27. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the flexible bag at least partially interposes the attachment base and the camera.

28. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the flexible bag includes at least one cable penetration separate from the opening.

29. A method of installing a cover on a camera comprising: coupling a first ring to a camera proximate the lens of the camera; aligning a second ring with the first ring, the second ring being mounted to a cover; coupling the second ring with the first ring; placing the camera into the cover through an opening in the cover; and closing the opening in the cover using a closure.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising, before the step of aligning the second ring with the first ring, everting the cover to expose an engagement surface of the second ring.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of placing the camera into the cover through an opening in the cover is performed prior to the step of aligning the second ring with the first ring.

32. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of removing a tear-away portion of the cover mounted within the second ring.

33. The method of claim 30, further comprising, prior to the step of aligning the second ring with the first ring, sterilizing the cover.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of coupling the second ring with the first ring includes engaging a threaded portion of the second ring with a corresponding portion of the first ring.

35. A cover for a camera comprising: a bag including a first opening sized to receive a camera therethrough and a second opening sized to encircle a lens of the camera; adhesive provided on the bag proximate a periphery of the second opening; and a closure proximate the first opening and operative to substantially close the first opening thereby at least substantially enclosing the camera within the bag.

36. The cover of claim 35, further comprising a tear-away portion substantially covering the second opening.

37. The cover of claim 36, wherein the tear-away portion is releasably mounted to the attachment ring by an adhesive.

38. The cover of claim 36, wherein the tear-away portion is releasably mounted to attachment ring by a perforated portion.

39. The cover of claim 36, wherein the tear-away portion includes a tab.

40. The cover of claim 35, wherein the bag includes at least one transparent portion.

41. The cover of claim 40, wherein the bag includes at least one translucent portion.

42. The cover of claim 35, wherein the bag includes at least one of a textured surface and a surface treatment.

43. The cover of claim 35, further comprising at least one of an extendable portion and a protruding portion.

44. The cover of claim 43, wherein at least one of the extendable portion or the protruding portion is adapted to receive at least one of a lens barrel and a projecting flash of the camera.

45. The cover of claim 35, wherein the closure includes at least one of a purse string, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, a tie, and a segment of elastic.

46. The cover of claim 35, further comprising an attachment mechanism mounted to an internal surface of the bag and adapted to releasably couple an exterior of the camera to the bag.

47. The cover of claim 46, wherein the attachment mechanism includes first and second components of a hook and loop fastener; and wherein the first component is mounted to the camera and the second component is mounted to the internal surface of the bag.

48. The cover of claim 35, wherein the flexible bag includes at least one cable penetration separate from the opening.