Panoramic camera mount

• US 7,658,556 B2
• Filed: 01/05/2006
• Issued: 02/09/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Really Right Stuff, LLC
• Original Assignee: Joseph Johnson
• Inventors: Johnson, Joseph
• Primary Examiner(s): Koval; Melissa J
• Application Number:
  US11/327,265
• Publication Number:
  US 20060177215A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,496 Days
• Field of Search: 396/329, 396/419, 396/428, 248/177.1, 248/187.1
• US Class Current: 396/428
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2/065 using screw-thread elements F16B2/08 - F16B2/12 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/02 Heads
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/04 Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/041 Allowing quick release of the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/08 around a vertical axis , e.g. panoramic heads F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/16 Details concerning attachment of head-supporting legs, with or without actuation of locking members thereof
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2078 with ball-joint ball-jointed hinges F16C11/06
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/027 by friction
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/56 Accessories carrying-cases A45C11/38
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/561 Support related camera accessories
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/566 Accessory clips, holders, shoes to attach accessories to camera if integral part of camera body G03B17/02
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 37/00 Panoramic or wide-screen photography; Photographing extended surfaces, e.g. for surveying; Photographing internal surfaces, e.g. of pipe

Abstract

A panoramic device includes a base member having a flat lower surface suitable to be supported by a tripod. A clamp member has a flat upper surface rotatably interconnected within a single plane of rotation with the base that includes a first rotatable knob to selectively inhibit the rotation of the clamp member with respect to the base. The flat upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the flat upper surface. The clamp includes a pair of opposed surfaces suitable to detachably secure a camera thereto. The one of the opposed surfaces is maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to the clamp member. The other one of the opposed surfaces is in a movable relationship with respect to the clamp member using a second rotatable knob. The first knob and the second knob are rotatably connected with respect to one another. The panoramic device includes a level bubble visible on an upper surface at a location exterior to the central region of the clamp.

Claims

1. A panoramic device comprising:

(a) a base member having a flat lower surface suitable to be supported by a tripod;

(b) a clamp member having a flat upper surface rotatably interconnected within a single plane of rotation with said base that includes a first rotatable knob to selectively inhibit the rotation of said clamp member with respect to said base, wherein said flat upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of said flat upper surface;

(c) said clamp including a pair of opposed surfaces suitable to detachably secure a camera thereto, wherein one of said opposed surfaces is maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to said clamp member, wherein the other one of said opposed surfaces is in a movable relationship with respect to said clamp member using a second rotatable knob;

(d) said first knob and said second knob are rotatably connected with respect to one another; and

(e) said panoramic device includes a level bubble visible on an upper surface at a location exterior to said central region of said clamp.

2. The clamp of claim 1 including a bias mechanism that biases said clamp in an unsecured position.

3. The clamp of claim 1 wherein said bias mechanism includes at least one spring.

4. The clamp of claim 1 wherein said bias mechanism includes at least two springs.

5. The clamp of claim 2 including a screw in engagement with one of said opposed surfaces.

6. The clamp of claim 5 wherein said screw passes through a portion of said clamp.

7. The clamp of claim 6 including a sleeve surrounding a portion of said screw.

8. The clamp of claim 7 including a knob attached to said screw.

9. The clamp of claim 1 including a level bubble visible on the upper surface of said clamp.

10. The clamp of claim 9 wherein said level bubble is approximately flush with the said upper surface of said clamp.

11. The clamp of claim 1 including a ring, at least particularly circular, maintained between said base member and said clamp member.

12. The clamp of claim 11 wherein said ring is attached to at least one of said base member and said clamp member.

13. The clamp of claim 12 wherein a securement member selectively maintains in a fixed rotational position said base member and said clamp member by pressing engagement with said ring.

14. The clamp of claim 13 wherein said pressing engagement includes 50% of a surface of said ring.

15. The clamp of claim 14 wherein said pressing engagement includes 75% of a surface of said ring.

16. The clamp of claim 13 wherein said pressing engagement includes 90% of a surface of said ring.