An improved connection device for cameras

Abstract

An adapter for use with items such as cameras and camera accessories, the adapter having a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion including means for receiving and engaging a clamping stud for attaching an item to the adapter, and the upper portion including a platform assembly including means for attaching other items above the adapter, wherein the lower portion includes a stud-locking mechanism, and wherein when the stud-locking mechanism is engaged, it is connected to the clamping stud, and when the stud-locking mechanism is disengaged, it is not connected to the clamping stud, the stud-locking mechanism having one or more stud-locking plates adapted for movable access during use. In addition to the groove for disengaging the clamping stud, the stud locking mechanism also includes one or more stud release rods adapted to move one or more stud locking plates axially toward and away from the clamping stud during use, and has a lower engagement surface having a flat portion and a raised portion, the flat portion having a hole adapted to receive the clamping stud; an accessory including a body from which the clamping stud is substantially vertically erected, the body also including a hole formed on its lower side adapted to engage a threaded bolt of an article to be connected to the accessory below the accessory, wherein the clamping stud has a groove adapted to receive one or more stud locking plates of an article to be connected above the accessory.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tripod head assembly. Tripods are commonly used to support cameras, etc. Background Technology

[0002] Tripods are widely used to support cameras, which are typically mounted on a head, which in turn is fixed to the tripod. The head provides articulation, allowing the camera operator to move the camera horizontally and vertically, and it usually also provides a mechanism for counterbalancing the camera and applying variable drag to suppress movement about each axis. The head typically also provides pan and tilt brakes to lock the camera in a specific position for safe and stable shooting.

[0003] When operators panning a camera, they typically want the pan axis to be truly vertical: otherwise, the camera will automatically rotate to its lowest point, and any panning shot will not be taken along the horizontal horizon. However, the top of a tripod is rarely level, influenced by the position, length, and angle of each leg. Instead, its orientation changes every time the tripod is moved or adjusted. While it is theoretically possible to adjust a tripod to make its top level, this is practically difficult to achieve, especially when a heavy camera and head are mounted on top.

[0004] Therefore, the common practice is to add a separate leveling device between the tripod and the pan / tilt head, allowing the pan / tilt head to be leveled independently after adjusting the tripod height and safety. When the pan / tilt head is level, the panning axis is vertical. The most common device for providing this leveling mechanism is the use of a cup clamp as the interface between the pan / tilt head and the tripod. The pan / tilt head typically has a bubble level to indicate when it is level.

[0005] A bowl clamp generally consists of four parts: the bottom part of the tripod head, whose outer surface is roughly hemispherical and has a stud protruding downwards; the bowl-shaped part at the top of the tripod, which is hemispherical with an inner radius slightly larger than the bottom of the tripod head; a ring at the top of the hemispherical shell, whose inner diameter is the same as the outer diameter of the bottom of the tripod head; and a clamping nut, which screws onto the stud at the bottom of the tripod head and has a partially spherical washer supporting the outer surface of the hemispherical shell. In use, the tripod head is placed on the ring at the top of the bowl on the top of the tripod head, with the stud at the bottom of the tripod head passing through a hole in the bottom of the bowl; then the clamping nut is screwed onto the protruding stud from below the bowl. When the nut is loosened, the tripod head can move relative to the ring at its bottom to level itself. If the clamping nut is tightened, its washer presses against the bottom of the bowl shell to pull the tripod head down onto the ring; the friction between the tripod head and the ring, and the friction between the washer and the bottom of the bowl, locks the tripod head in place. Therefore, users can level the gimbal by loosening the clamping nut, repositioning the gimbal, and then tightening the nut again.

[0006] Examples of such devices can be found in GB2535682A. Figure 2 Also seen in EP2787270, Figure 5 The cross-section of the clamp with lever operation.

[0007] The bowl clamp device has proven to be simple and robust, but it does have some drawbacks in use. It relies on tightening and loosening a clamping nut located below the top of the tripod. Space in this area is limited, especially when the legs are extended to a near-vertical position, making it difficult for the operator to maneuver the clamp and potentially causing knuckle injuries. Loosening the clamp and retightening it once the tripod head is level also takes a considerable amount of time, which becomes difficult when a heavy camera is on the tripod head, as the operator must maintain its balance until the clamp is fully secured. To operate the clamp, the user must reach below the top of the tripod while observing the level bubble on the top of the tripod head and maintaining the camera's balance on top of the head. This can be inconvenient, especially when using heavy cameras. Finally, to remove the tripod head from the tripod, the clamping nut must be completely loosened, which can be time-consuming. Once detached from the tripod, the tripod head must be placed on its side, as the protruding studs on its bottom prevent it from standing upright on a flat surface, potentially damaging the tripod head and, if the camera is still mounted on it, the camera.

[0008] EP2787270 describes a bowl-shaped clamp mechanism that addresses some of these problems. Instead of using clamping nuts that must be tightened and loosened for operation, this device uses a lever-operated clamp. This makes operation easier and allows for faster clamping and loosening within the space below the top of the tripod, but the operator still needs to reach between the legs to operate the clamp. The clamp is still screwed onto studs protruding from the bottom of the gimbal, meaning that removing the entire gimbal still takes a considerable amount of time, and the gimbal cannot stand upright on a level surface due to the studs.

[0009] Our co-pending international patent application, PCT / GB2020 / 050649 (later published as WO / 2020 / 201695), describes a tripod head assembly comprising a releasably interconnected head and a bowl, the bowl having a clamping stud and the head having a stud-locking mechanism adapted for releasably connecting to the clamping stud, and wherein the head assembly further includes an adjustment mechanism adapted for adjusting the connection between the head and the bowl when the head and the bowl are connected to each other. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention provides an adapter for use with items such as cameras and camera accessories, the adapter having a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion including means for receiving and engaging a clamping stud for attaching an item to the adapter, and the upper portion including a platform assembly including means for attaching other items above the adapter, wherein the lower portion includes a stud-locking mechanism, and wherein when the stud-locking mechanism is engaged, it is adapted to engage with the clamping stud, and when the stud-locking mechanism is disengaged, it is not engaged with the clamping stud; the stud-locking mechanism has one or more bolt-locking plates adapted to be movable into and out of a groove of the clamping stud in use, the stud-locking mechanism further including one or more stud release rods adapted to move the one or more stud-locking plates axially toward and away from the clamping stud in use, the lower portion having a lower engagement surface having a flat portion and a raised portion, the flat portion having a hole adapted to receive the clamping stud.

[0011] The present invention also provides an accessory comprising a body from which a clamping stud stands substantially vertically, the body further comprising a hole formed on its underside for engaging a threaded bolt or stud of an article to be attached to the accessory below the accessory, wherein the clamping stud has a groove for receiving a stud snap plate of one or more articles to be attached to the accessory above the accessory.

[0012] Such bolts can be the industrially standardized bolt type used in fittings.

[0013] Therefore, the accessory can be attached to the upper part of the first item (e.g., a slider), allowing the second item to be attached to the clamping studs of the accessory. The second item can be, for example, the adapter described. The second item can be, for example, a gimbal assembly from one of the common pending applications listed above.

[0014] If the tripod is equipped with a suitable clamping stud device, the adapter can be attached to items such as the tripod.

[0015] Therefore, the present invention provides a modular connection device that eliminates the need for tightening and loosening to connect and disconnect items. It also allows adjustment of the connection between the accessory and the adapter on a rotating shaft coinciding with a stud; or adjustment of the rotating shaft and its vertical angle in the connection between the adapter and a cup clamp fitted with a suitable stud.

[0016] Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as “upper,” “top,” “lower,” “bottom,” and similar terms are used for clarity and refer to the positioning of the element described in its intended use. Nevertheless, no specific positioning is required to realize the concept of the invention.

[0017] In the engaged state, the interaction between the clamping stud and one or more stud catch plates prevents relative movement between the clamping stud and the stud catch plates along the axis of the clamping stud, because the stud catch plates are held in the grooves of the clamping stud. This distinguishes the device from previously known threaded devices as described above.

[0018] The body of the accessory may include an upper surface comprising a generally flat area and a recessed area. This surface is capable of engaging with a corresponding outer surface of an article (such as the adapter described above).

[0019] The main body of the attachment can be basically circular.

[0020] The lower mating surface of the adapter can engage with the corresponding surface of an article (such as the aforementioned accessory or gimbal assembly).

[0021] The means for attaching other items to the platform assembly can be a groove suitable for receiving and engaging the camera plate. The groove can therefore have a trapezoidal or wedge-shaped cross-section.

[0022] The camera plate is supplied in an industry-standard format, allowing for the attachment of various cameras and accessories. This camera plate can be equipped with industry-standard bolts. The aforementioned holes in the accessories can therefore be used to accommodate bolts that match the camera plate.

[0023] The device can be daisy-chained to connect several items together. For example, the platform component can be equipped with accessories that allow other items, such as adapters or gimbal components, to be attached to it, and so on.

[0024] The accessory may also include a wedge-shaped collar substantially surrounding the lower part of the clamping stud. The clamping stud may have a first region with a reduced diameter in its lower part to form an engagement portion with the upper edge of the wedge-shaped collar. The accessory may also include an annular groove in its flat region. The accessory may also include an annular wave spring disposed within the annular groove in the flat region. The clamping stud may have a second region with a reduced diameter located below the first region, the second region having a smaller diameter than the first region. When engaged, the reduced diameter region, the wave spring, and the wedge-shaped collar form a means suitable for more firmly pressing the accessory together onto the corresponding article.

[0025] The lower part of the adapter may include a spring and a spring compression plate. The spring is designed to cause the spring compression plate to move vertically away from the lower part. In other words, the spring compression plate can be pushed upwards from the lower part by the spring.

[0026] The spring compression plate may have one or more slots; the stud snap plate may move within the slots.

[0027] Alternatively, a spring compression plate can be used to provide vertical interaction, allowing the spring to push the stud snap plate upwards.

[0028] The lower part may also include a lead screw arranged substantially vertically along the central axis and located above the spring compression plate, the downward surface of the lead screw being adapted to engage the upward surface of the spring compression plate. Rotation of the lead screw can thus be transmitted to the spring compression plate to push it downward. Therefore, the upward push of the spring on the spring compression plate can be mitigated by the downward push of the lead screw.

[0029] The lead screw can engage with one or more stud release levers to drive them to move one or more stud snap plates into or away from the groove of the clamping stud.

[0030] The spring can be a disc spring.

[0031] The lead screw can engage with the handle at its upper end. Rotating the handle allows rotational force to be applied to the lead screw or to move one or more stud plates. The handle is preferably configured to rotate in a horizontal plane (i.e., about a vertical axis). This horizontal rotation prevents the handle from interfering with the connection to items above the adapter.

[0032] The base of the adapter preferably includes a substantially flat area located at its lower end. This allows the adapter to be placed on a flat or near-flat surface when separated from other items, without the risk of tipping over or rolling.

[0033] The top of the clamping stud can be tilted. The bottom of the stud snap plate can be tilted accordingly. Therefore, if the adapter is pushed down onto the clamping stud, the stud snap plate can automatically move outward and then inward again (e.g., be pushed), so that the stud snap plate can engage in the groove of the clamping stud. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the components of the inventive concept will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary adapter is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 The cross-section of the same adapter shown;

[0037] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The same adapter is shown in both engaged and disengaged states.

[0038] Figure 5 The upper part of the same adapter is shown from different angles;

[0039] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary platform component is shown;

[0040] Figure 7 A cross-section of an exemplary attachment is shown; and

[0041] Figure 8 A perspective view of the same attachment is shown.

[0042] The accompanying drawings focus on certain components of the inventive concept. In some drawings, not every component is explicitly labeled and / or mentioned in the accompanying description. For clarity, labeling has been minimized, and some figures are not labeled; these should not be construed as implying that a particular component shown or described elsewhere does not exist.

[0043] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, adapter 100 is shown as a bowl 102 with a flat bottom and convex side profile, the flat bottom and convex side profile of bowl 102 together forming the engagement surface of the lower part of adapter 100. A bowl insert 104 is disposed within bowl 102, which has a design suitable for engaging clamping studs. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) A portion of the inner surface. The bowl insert 104 is placed in the annular groove in the bowl 102 (…). Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). The bowl insert 104 has an annular flange that engages with the lower end of a groove and a set of spring washers 108. At the upper end of the set of spring washers 108 is a spring edge contact ring 110, which in turn engages with the annular flange of the spring compression plate 112. The spring compression plate 112 houses three stud snap plates 114 (not all shown or labeled). The stud snap plates 114 are horizontally movable within the groove of the spring compression plate 112. The lower side of the spring compression plate 114 contacts and is supported by the contact ring 110. The horizontal movement of the spring compression plate 114 is actuated by a corresponding stud release rod 116. The stud release rod 116 is pushed by a spring 118, causing the stud snap plate 114 to be pushed inward toward the center of the adapter, thereby being pushed toward the clamping stud (when it is present) in use. In order to enter the disengaged state, the stud catch plate 114 moves away from the center of the adapter, thereby moving away from the clamping stud (when it is present) during use.

[0044] The stud clip plate 114 has an end with a sloping region, and its shape corresponds to a groove in the clamping stud. In the engaged state, the sloping region provides a force along the axis of the clamping stud to push the clamping stud (upward) into the adapter, thereby holding the adapter, the clamping stud, and the attached components together.

[0045] The angled ends enable a third state between an engaged state and a disengaged state. The stud catch plates 114 can be moved to a position where they contact the recessed area of ​​the clamping stud along the angled ends. This provides a small degree of movement or play between the adapter and the clamping stud along the axis of the clamping stud. In this third state, rotation about the axis of the clamping stud is possible, allowing the adapter and the clamping stud, as well as the attached elements, to rotate relative to each other. If the clamping stud is attached to a cup clamp, the clamping stud can move relative to the cup, allowing leveling movements between the adapter and the cup along two axes.

[0046] The spring compression plate 112 is part of module 120, which essentially has a disc portion forming the spring compression plate 112 and three sockets 122 extending vertically upward from the disc portion, these sockets 122 being equidistantly spaced around the periphery of the spring compression plate. The sockets 122 form a pivot for a stud release lever 116, allowing a stud catch plate 114 to move therefrom. The stud catch plate 114 moves within a groove formed together with module 120. Module 120 also has a truncated conical portion located above the spring compression plate 112, its diameter being smaller than that of the spring compression plate and spaced apart from the sockets 120, forming an annular flat portion between the truncated conical portion and the sockets 120. The truncated conical portion of module 120 engages with a corresponding shaped portion of a lead screw nut 124, within which a lead screw shaft 126 is disposed. The lead screw shaft 126 and the lead screw nut 124 have corresponding threads so that the shaft 126 can rotate within the nut 124.

[0047] The lead screw 126 has an upper portion with a wider diameter forming a disk portion, and above that is a portion with an approximately square cross-section. There are portions with reduced diameters at the top and bottom of the lead screw 126, which are sized to fit corresponding holes in the module 120 (at the bottom of the lead screw 126) and the housing 128 (at the top of the lead screw 126).

[0048] The housing 128, located above the module 120, houses the lead screw shaft 126 and the lead screw nut 124. The housing 128 also houses a portion of a handle 130, which has a nearly square hole at one end to engage a corresponding square cross-sectional portion of the lead screw shaft 126. The housing 128 also houses a thrust bearing 132 and a corresponding thrust bearing race 134. The thrust bearing 132 and the thrust bearing race 134 facilitate rotation of the handle 130 within the housing 128. The leveling rod 130 is held in place relative to the lead screw shaft 126 by a screw 136.

[0049] The outer casing 128 is connected to the bowl 102 by a series of bolts 138.

[0050] Above the housing 128 and connected to the bowl 102 by a series of bolts 140 is the platform assembly 142. The platform assembly 142 has a groove or channel 144 formed therein, the channel having a wider portion toward the bottom and a narrower portion toward the top of the platform assembly 142, thus the channel 144 has a trapezoidal or wedge-shaped cross-section. This arrangement of the channel 144 thus accommodates articles of a corresponding shape, allowing the articles to slide horizontally into and out of the channel along its length, but remaining vertically within the channel 144.

[0051] exist Figure 2 In the middle, it is shown that... Figure 1 Same adapter 100. In Figure 2 The image shows the bowl insert 104 positioned within an annular groove 106 in the bowl 102, which is shown more clearly. The camera plate assembly 146 is shown within a slot 144 in the same figure. The camera plate assembly 146 has a threaded bolt 148 extending upward therefrom for attaching to other items or accessories.

[0052] Figure 3 and Figure 4 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same adapter 100 shown, such as Figure 2 As shown, a camera board assembly exists within the slot. These figures show the adapter 100 from above (corresponding upper figure) and in a side cross-section (lower figure). Most of the components of the adapter 100 are within... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The figures are not marked to aid in clarity. Figure 3 In the middle, the handle 130 is in the first position, while... Figure 4 In the middle, handle 130 is in the second position. Figure 3 In the first position, the handle 130 has already affected the axis of the stud catch plate 114 near the gimbal portion 100 to engage the clamping stud during use. Conversely, in Figure 4In the middle, the position of the handle 130 has affected the axis of the stud clip plate 114 away from the gimbal portion 100 so as to disengage the clamping stud during use.

[0053] Figure 5 It shows the relationship from different perspectives. Figures 1 to 4 The upper part 100 of the same adapter. For example... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, a camera board assembly exists in the slot.

[0054] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of platform component 142 as described above is shown. Platform component 142 has a platform side-loading slot 144 as described above. A side-loading release button 150 enables or disables the release of items within slot 144. Platform component 142 has as... Figure 6 Further components shown include clamping shaft 152, clamping knob 154 with screw 156, lock 158, clamp 160, springs 162 and 164, and mechanism cover unit 166 secured by screw 168. Platform assembly unit 142 has a bubble level 170 disposed therein.

[0055] Figure 7 A perspective cross-section of an exemplary accessory 200 of the present invention is shown. Accessory 200 has a circular body 202 having a flat base 204 and a bowl-shaped inner surface 206 having regions of a generally vertical wall 208 and an inclined wall 210. Standing upright from the flat base 204 is a clamping stud 212 having a groove 214 along its length and a spherical end 216. In use, the shape of the groove 214 corresponds to a suitable stud snap plate. Located within the spherical end 216 is a groove 218. Towards the lower end of the clamping stud 212, a wedge-shaped collar 220 surrounds the clamping stud 212. The wedge-shaped collar 220 is held against the clamping stud 212 by an engagement portion 222. The annular groove 224 in the flat base 204 of the attachment 200 accommodates the wave spring 226, which pushes the wedge collar 220 against the engagement portion 220 of the clamping stud 212.

[0056] The accessory 200 has a hole 228 formed in its underside, which has threads that match the threads of a threaded bolt 230 or stud, which may be part of other articles. The bolt 230 may be secured by a flat-head screw 232.

[0057] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A perspective view of Annex 200 shown. Figure 8 As shown, the components are labeled as follows Figure 7 As shown in the image.

Claims

1. An attachment for engagement with an adaptor, the attachment comprising a body from which a clamping stud is upstanding substantially perpendicularly, the body further comprising a hole formed in its underside, the hole of the body being adapted to engage a threaded bolt of an article to be connected to the attachment below the attachment, wherein, The clamping stud has a groove adapted to receive a stud snap plate for one or more items to be attached above the accessory, and the body of the accessory also includes an upper surface comprising a generally flat area and a recessed area; The adapter is for use with cameras and camera accessories. The adapter has a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion includes means for receiving and engaging clamping studs for releasably connecting discrete items to the adapter. The upper portion includes a platform assembly including means for attaching other items to the top of the adapter. The lower portion includes a stud-locking mechanism, wherein when the stud-locking mechanism is engaged, it is connected to the clamping studs, and when it is disengaged, it is not engaged. The stud clamping mechanism includes one or more bolt clip plates adapted to be movable into and out of the groove of the stud clamping stud during use. The stud clamping mechanism also includes one or more stud release rods adapted to move the one or more stud clip plates axially toward and away from the stud clamping stud during use. The lower portion has a lower engagement surface adapted to engage with a corresponding surface of the discrete article. The lower engagement surface has a flat portion and a raised portion, the flat portion having a hole adapted to receive the stud clamping stud.

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