Viscoelastic Mounting Device

• US 20070152117A1
• Filed: 01/02/2007
• Published: 07/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/04/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Randel Byrd
• Original Assignee: Randel Byrd
• Inventors: Byrd, Randel
• Application Number:
  US11/619,094
• Publication Number:
  US 20070152117A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 248/187.100
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 47/003 using adhesives for attaching purposes using adhesives for connecting constructional elements F16B11/006
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/08 around a vertical axis , e.g. panoramic heads F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/00 Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles heads thereof F16M11/02 ; undercarriages thereof F16M11/20 ; adapted to be stuck in the ground A45F3/44 ; sockets or holders for poles or posts E04H12/22; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles supports for measuring instruments G01D11/30; supports for casings of remote control switching devices H01H9/025
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/022 repositionable
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/08 Foot or support base
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/561 Support related camera accessories

Abstract

An apparatus for selectively holding a device, such as a camera, to a surface is disclosed. An internal frame has at one end an attachment means, such as a threaded stud, for selectively attaching the device to the apparatus. The frame further includes a substantially circular flat base that has a first side and a second side. The flat base is substantially conformable to the shape of the surface. A longitudinal shaft is included that extends orthogonally from the first side of the base. A viscoelastic material is fixed about the internal frame and extends beyond a second end of the frame. The viscoelastic material is temporarily adhered to the frame and is capable of selectively adhering the apparatus to the surface. The viscoelastic material preferably includes an R.T.V.-type silicon-based compound, a dimethyl siloxane compound, a borosilicone rubber combination with silicone oil, a silicone polymer combination with boric oxide, or a combination thereof. As such, the viscoelastic material is able to temporarily adhere to most surfaces with enough strength to hold the apparatus and the device thereto, even against the force of gravity and in virtually any typical environmental temperature. At least one lateral frame member is included, projecting away from the longitudinal shaft for increasing the surface area of the frame to which the viscoelastic material adheres. An outer covering surrounds the viscoelastic material and the frame and serves as a barrier between the viscoelastic material and the device.

Claims

1. An apparatus for selectively holding a device to a surface, the apparatus comprising:

an internal frame having an attachment means at one end for selectively attaching the device to the apparatus; and

a viscoelastic material fixed about the internal frame and extending beyond a second end of the frame, the viscoelastic material temporarily adhered to the frame and capable of selectively adhering the apparatus to the surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment means is a threaded stud.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further including a threaded locking nut, the nut being threaded to the stud.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including an outer covering surrounding the viscoelastic material and the frame between substantially the first and second ends of the frame.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second end of the frame includes a concave portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame includes a substantially flat base, the flat base including a first side and a second side, the second side of the base forming the second end of the frame.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the frame further includes a longitudinal shaft extending substantially orthogonally from the first side of the base, a first end of the shaft forming the first end of the frame, a second end of the shaft fixed to the first side of the flat base.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 further including at least one lateral frame member projecting away from the longitudinal shaft, whereby each lateral frame member increases the surface area of the frame to which the viscoelastic material adheres, thereby increasing the adhesion between the viscoelastic material and the frame.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein each lateral frame member is in the form of a ring, each ring projecting substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal shaft and fixed along the longitudinal shaft.

10. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the flat base further includes at least one aperture formed between the first and second sides of the flat base, whereby the viscoelastic material may be introduced into each aperture for further securing the viscoelastic material to the frame.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein at least one ring further includes at least one aperture formed between a first and second sides thereof, whereby the viscoelastic material may be introduced into each aperture for further securing the viscoelastic material to the frame.

12. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the flat base is flexible and substantially conformable to the shape of the surface.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the viscoelastic material includes an R.T.V.-type silicon-based compound.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the viscoelastic material includes a dimethyl Siloxane compound.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the viscoelastic material includes a borosilicone rubber combination with silicone oil.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the viscoelastic material is a silicone polymer combination with boric oxide.