Camera mounting systems

• US 20080099655A1
• Filed: 10/26/2007
• Published: 05/01/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ardisam Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Ardisam Incorporated
• Inventors: Goodman, Robert J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,832,696 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 248/674
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/14 with ball-joint ball-jointed hinges F16C11/06 ; adjustable mountings employing universal joints for lighting devices F21V21/26 - F21V21/30
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/02 for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/022 by friction
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19632 Camera support structures, e.g. attachment means, poles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32631 Universal ball and socket

Abstract

Embodiments of camera mounting systems are disclosed. Certain embodiments include a ball swivel mechanism that joins a camera mounting plate to a bracket arm. In some embodiments, the bracket arm is joined to a grip plate that can be secured to an object such as a tree. In other embodiments, the bracket arm is joined to a monopod that can be secured to the ground. Some embodiments of camera mounting plates are configured to secure multiple types of game-security cameras.

Claims

1. A camera mounting apparatus comprising:

a bracket arm;

a ball swivel mechanism connected to the bracket arm; and

a camera mounting plate connected to the ball swivel mechanism such that the camera mounting plate is manually adjustable to any of a range of different angular positions relative to the bracket arm.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a grip plate connected to the bracket arm.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the ball swivel mechanism is positioned proximate a first end of the bracket arm and the grip plate is positioned on a second end of the bracket arm.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the grip plate comprises a lag screw bolt and a screw through hole.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the grip plate further comprises at least one prong.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the grip plate and bracket arm are formed from one piece.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the grip plate is non-parallel relative to at least a portion of the bracket arm.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ball swivel mechanism comprises:

a ball;

a bolt that contacts the ball surface;

a washer opposite the bolt that contacts the ball surface; and

wherein the ball is held in a fixed position by pressure exerted by the bolt and the washer.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the bolt is a threaded T-bolt.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a set screw stud connected to the ball.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate comprises:

two pressed out slots;

a slide bar that includes a flange and a securing aperture; and

wherein the slide bar fits through the pressed out slots and is held in place utilizing the flange.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate comprises a bent out locking tab that includes an aperture and a surface that is in a plane other than the plane the mounting plate is in.

13. A method for positioning a game camera, the method comprising:

providing a camera mount apparatus that includes a tree engaging mechanism and a camera engaging mechanism;

attaching the tree engaging mechanism to a tree by screwing a lag screw bolt through an attachment plate and into the tree; and

attaching a camera to the camera engaging mechanism.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising adjusting the position of the camera utilizing a ball swivel mechanism.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein screwing comprises screwing such that projections from the attachment plate engage the tree and limit rotation of the attachment plate while the lag screw bolt is being screwed into the tree.

16. A camera mounting apparatus comprising:

a bracket arm;

a camera mounting plate connected to the bracket arm such that the camera mounting plate is manually adjustable to any of a range of different angular positions relative to the bracket arm; and

a monopod connected to the bracket arm such that the height of the bracket arm relative to the ground is manually adjustable.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the monopod comprises a telescopic boom that fits within a telescopic base.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the camera mounting plate is suspended below the bracket arm.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the camera mounting plate is connected to the bracket arm utilizing a ball swivel mechanism.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the monopod comprises a step-in-ground bar.