Mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features

• US 20070212163A1
• Filed: 05/09/2007
• Published: 09/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/03/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vitec Imaging Solutions S.p.A. (Vitec Group PLC)
• Original Assignee: Joby Photo Incorporated
• Inventors: Bevirt, Joeben
• Granted Patent: US 7,891,615 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 403/56
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 11/0661 the two co-operative parts each having both convex and concave interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/041 Allowing quick release of the apparatus
• 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 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 11/40 by means of coilable or bendable legs or spiral shaped legs
• 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: G03B 17/561 Support related camera accessories
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32008 Plural distinct articulation axes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32032 Plural ball and socket

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors are designed and constructed such that the interference fit of the ball and socket causes creep in the material resulting in more even frictions in the various ball and socket joints. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping. In an exemplary embodiment utilizing the aforementioned ball and socket joint connectors, a tripod apparatus uses legs comprising the ball and socket joint connectors for support and for gripping objects.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a body portion;

a plurality of flexible legs, said flexible legs comprising a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said body portion;

an interconnect portion connected to said body portion;

wherein said body portion comprises;

a plurality of internal socket receiving cavities distributed around a vertical central axis, said plurality of internal socket receiving cavities adapted to receive said flexible legs, wherein said plurality of internal socket receiving cavities are angled out from said vertical central axis;

wherein each of said plurality of flexible legs comprises a plurality of connectors, said connectors comprising;

a connector body, said connector body comprising;

a first end portion;

a second end portion; and

a longitudinal axis extending from said first end portion to said second end portion;

a socket engaging end surface at said first end portion, said socket engaging end surface being the external surface at said first end portion;

an internal socket receiving cavity at said second end portion; and

a gripping portion overmolded onto said connector body.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said gripping portion is a circumferential ring.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said interconnect portion comprises a receiver for a removable clip, said receiver comprising a spring loaded tab adapted to capture a removable clip.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a clip removably attached to said receiver of said interconnect portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said clip comprises a recess in its bottom surface, said recess adapted to fit said spring loaded tab when said tab is attached to said receiver of said interconnect portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said spring loaded tab is adapted to deflect while said clip is inserted into said receiver.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus comprises three flexible legs.

9. The apparatus of claim of claim 6 wherein said clip comprises a flat plate, said flat plate having rails along its sides, said rails adapted to fit into recesses in said receiver when said clip is attached to said receiver.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said socket receiving cavities comprise a textured surface.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said clip comprises a threaded fastener.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the threads of said threaded fastener protrude through the top of said clip.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said clip comprises a hole in its bottom surface, wherein the head of said threaded fastener resides in said hole.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said head of said fastener is restrained in said hole by a ridge portion in the bottom of said clip.

3. The apparatus 2 wherein said gripping portion comprises a rubber compound.