Instrument support

• US 4,270,721 A
• Filed: 09/22/1978
• Issued: 06/02/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/1978
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ross F. Mainor Jr
• Original Assignee: Ross F. Mainor Jr
• Inventors: Mainor, Ross F. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Foss, J. Franklin
• Application Number:
  US05/944,959
• Time in Patent Office: 984 Days
• Field of Search: 248/278, 248/279, 248/298, 248/280.1, 248/281.1, 248/122, 248/324, 248/285, 248/226.4, 248/289 R, 248/309 R
• US Class Current: 248/285.1
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/08 around a vertical axis , e.g. panoramic heads F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/022 repositionable
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 15/00 Surveying instruments or accessories not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G12B 9/08 Supports; Devices for carrying

Abstract

Apparatus for supporting a surveying instrument and for releasably attaching the instrument to a structural member of a building, which apparatus includes an arm having a clamping device pivotally connected thereto at one end and an instrument connection means at the other end. Alternative embodiments include means for leveling the instrument connection means, an adapter for connection to a massive structural member, and a telescopable arm.

Claims

1. Apparatus for releasably attaching a surveying instrument to a vertical column, comprising:

(a) a tubular arm having an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve slidable within said outer sleeve, and a locking mechanism for fixing said outer sleeve relative to said inner sleeve;

(b) clamping means at one end of said arm, said clamping means including a generally U-shaped base including a pair of legs, an adjustable clamping screw threadedly engaging one of said legs;

(c) universal joint coupling means connecting said arm to said clamping means, said universal joint including locking means for holding said arm in fixed orientation;

(d) means carried by said arm remote from said clamping means for connecting a surveying instrument thereto;

(e) a level indicator carried by said arm; and

(f) a clamping member adapted for releasably attachment to a massive vertical column and carrying a projecting flange adapted for engagement by said clamping means.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said clamp includes adjustable bearing screws theadedly engaging the leg opposing said clamping screw.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said screw has a hardened point.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which said screws have spike points for engaging soft surfaces.