Panoramic camera mount

• US 8,262,299 B2
• Filed: 11/10/2011
• Issued: 09/11/2012
• 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): Laballe, Clayton E
• Assistant Examiner(s): ADAMS, BRET W
• Application Number:
  US13/293,648
• Publication Number:
  US 20120070144A1
• Time in Patent Office: 306 Days
• Field of Search: None
• 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 and a clamp member 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 upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the 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.

Claims

1. A panoramic device comprising:

(a) a base having a planar first surface suitable for supporting said base;

(b) a first clamp member secured for rotation to said base and comprising a first clamp surface rotatable about a single axis substantially normal to said first surface;

(c) a second clamp member slidably secured to said first clamp member and movable by rotation of a first screw to approach said first clamp surface and clamp an article therebetween and movable by reversing rotation of said first screw to separate from said first clamp surface to release an article clamped between said first clamp surface and said second clamp member; and

(d) a clinching ring secured against rotation relative to one of said base and said first clamp member and having a dimension reducible by rotation of a second screw to impede relative rotation of said first clamp member and said base and increasable by reversing rotation of said second screw to release said first clamp member for rotation relative to said base.

2. The panoramic device of claim 1 further comprising a bias mechanism that biases said second clamp member away from said first clamp surface.

3. The panoramic device of claim 2 wherein said bias mechanism includes at least one spring.

4. The panoramic device of claim 2 wherein said bias mechanism includes at least two springs.

5. The panoramic device of claim 1 wherein said first screw is in threaded engagement with said first clamp member.

6. The panoramic device of claim 4 wherein said first screw passes through a portion of said second clamp member.

7. The panoramic device of claim 6 further comprising a sleeve surrounding a portion of said first screw.

8. The panoramic device of claim 7 further comprising a knob attached to said first screw.

9. The panoramic device of claim 1 further comprising a level bubble visible at an upper surface of said panoramic device.

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

11. The panoramic device of claim 1 wherein said clinching ring is at least partially circular.

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

13. The panoramic device of claim 12 wherein said dimensional reduction of said clinching ring produces a pressing engagement with a portion of one of said base and said first clamp member.

14. The panoramic device of claim 13 wherein said pressing engagement includes at least 50% of a surface of said clinching ring.

15. The panoramic device of claim 13 wherein said pressing engagement includes at least 75% of a surface of said clinching ring.

16. The panoramic device of claim 13 wherein said pressing engagement includes at least 90% of a surface of said clinching ring.