Camera mount for tripod

Abstract

A camera mount with a tilting arm for attaching a camera to a photo ball head is provided. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the mount converts a photo ball head to a video head by addition of a tilting arm. While this tilt axis adapter can be used with any camera, it is particularly useful for filming videos where control of speed and smoothness of panning and tilting and side-to-side and up and down camera movement are particularly desirable.

Description

CAMERA MOUNT FOR TRIPOD

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority from U . S . Provisional Application Serial No . 63 / 669, 019 filed July 9 , 2024 , teachings of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety .FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to a mounting accessory for a camera to a tripod .BACKGROUND

[0003] Wobbling in hand-held videos can reduce otherwise great footage down to amateur-looking shots that distract from the film itself .

[0004] Stabilizing filming via a tripod makes shots clearer, more professional and less distracting for the viewer . However, video specific tripods can be expensive, bulky, or unavailable at times .

[0005] Further, video specific tripods oftentimes have a fluid head which tends to be heavier and bulkier than a ball head. The added weight and size can be a hindrance, particularly for photographers or videographers who prioriti ze portability, ease of use, and quick adjustments and freedom of movement provided by a ball head for still photography .

[0006] Existing solutions such as gimbals or motorized pan-tilt heads introduce battery reliance, calibration requirements , and higher cost, making them impractical for casual and field-based users .

[0007] There is a need for accessories which mount a camera to a video tripod or photo tripod and which are capable of controlling the speed and smoothness of panningand tilting when moving the camera from side to side and up and down .SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An aspect of this disclosure relates to a mount for a camera to a video tripod or photo tripod.

[0009] In one nonlimiting embodiment , the mount converts a photo ball head to a video head by addition of a tilting arm.

[0010] While this tilt axis adapter can be used with any camera, it is particularly useful for filming videos where control of speed and smoothness of panning and tilting and side-to-side and up and down camera movement are particularly desirable .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] FIGs . 1 through 6C depict various views of a nonlimiting embodiment of a camera mount of this disclosure useful as a tilt axis adapter .

[0012] FIG . 1 is a diagram depicting a top, frontal view of a nonlimiting embodiment of a camera mount of this disclosure with the handle unfolded.

[0013] FIG . 2 is a diagram depicting a front view of the nonlimiting embodiment of the camera mount of this disclosure depicted in FIG . 1 .

[0014] FIG . 3 views (A) through (C) are diagrams of the left side (A) , back side (B) and right side (C ) of the camera mount of this disclosure depicted in FIG . 1 with the handle removed and stowed adj acent to the tilting arm .

[0015] FIG . 4 is a diagram depicting a top, frontal view of the nonlimiting embodiment of the camera mount depicted in FIG . 1 with the handle removed and stowed adj acent to the tilting arm.

[0016] FIG. 5, views (A) through (5) are diagrams depicting the top (A) , back (B), left side (C) , front (D) , right side (E) and bottom (F) of the camera mount depicted in FIG. 1 with the handle attached.

[0017] FIGs . 6A, 6B and 6C are diagrams of a top, frontal view (FIG. 6A) , a left side view (FIG. 6B) and a front view (FIG. 6C) of a nonlimiting embodiment of a camera mount of this disclosure with the handle attached and extended.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Provided by this disclosure are mounts for a camera to a video tripod or photo tripod.

[0019] FIGs. 1 through 6C show various views of a nonlimiting embodiment this mount 1.

[0020] As shown therein, the mount 1 of this disclosure comprises a tilting arm 2 with a top 3 and bottom 4 and a first side 10 and a second side 11. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the top and bottom of the tilting arm are connected via a curved side 5. This tilting arm 2 provides the mount 1 with the capability of converting a photo ball head with panning capability into a video head with both panning and tilting capability.

[0021] In one nonlimiting embodiment the tilting arm 2 is lockable at any user selected tilting degree via a locking means 6. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the locking means 6 is positioned at the first side 10 of the tilting arm 2, thus providing the mount with a wider range of rotation. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the locking means comprises a lock knob. In this nonlimiting embodiment, the first side 10 of the tilting arm 2 is referred to as the lock knob side.

[0022] In one nonlimiting embodiment , the mount is simply tilted back and forth and moved side to side via the user by hand .

[0023] In an alternative nonlimiting embodiment , the mount 1 of this disclosure further comprises a handle 7 for up and down and side to side movement of any camera mounted at the top 3 of the tilting arm 2 .

[0024] In one nonlimiting embodiment , the handle is attached at the second side 11 of the tilting arm 2 via a rotating handle knob 15.

[0025] In one nonlimiting embodiment , the handle 7 is stowable . In one nonlimiting embodiment , the handle 7 is stowed adj acent within the curved side 5 of the tilting arm 2 . In one nonlimiting embodiment, the tilting arm further comprises a magnetic means 20 to stow the handle .

[0026] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the handle folds into the stowed position .

[0027] In another nonlimiting embodiment, the handle is removable .

[0028] In one nonlimiting embodiment, wherein the handle 7 is removable, the rotating handle knob 15 further comprises a handle connector 16 with a twist knob 17 for easy twist on and twist off of the removable handle .

[0029] In one nonlimiting embodiment, as depicted in FIGs . 6A-6C, the handle 7 is extendable . In one nonlimiting embodiment, the extendable handle 7 can be temporarily locked into extended positions . In one nonlimiting embodiment , the handle 7 is stowable and extendable and also locks . In one nonlimiting embodiment, the handle 7 is removable , stowable and extendable and also locks The mount 1 of this disclosure further comprises a means 8 for attachment of a camera to the topthe camera attachments means 8 comprises a conventional cam lock . In one nonlimiting embodiment , the camera mount further comprises a lever 14 integrated with the cam lock for staging of the cam lock in various positions such as , but not limited to, closed, open and sliding positions . In one nonlimiting embodiment, the means for attached of a camera further comprises one or more safety pegs 18. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the safety pegs are removable .

[0030] In addition, the mount 1 of this disclosure comprises a means 9 at the bottom 4 of the tilting arm 2 for attachment of the mount to a tripod . In one nonlimiting embodiment , the tripod attachment means 9 attaches to a photo ball head . In one nonlimiting embodiment , the attachment means provides adequate clearance so that the plate pegs of the photo ball head do not require removal . In one nonlimiting embodiment, the tripod attachment means 9 is an ARCA .

[0031] In one nonlimiting embodiment , the mount of this disclosure provides for forward tilting of up to 90° and backward or downward tilting of up to 55° . Further, the ability for alternative attachment of this mount to a photo ball head in opposite directions and movability of components such as the handle knob allows the user to extend this tilting range further upward .

[0032] In additional nonlimiting embodiments, the mount may include features that enhance its versatility and control . For instance, the tilting arm may incorporate a damping element, such as a friction pad or fluid cartridge— configured to resist rapid movement and enable smoother, more controlled tilting motion, particularly valuable for video recording .

[0033] The tilt mechanism may also feature detent positions or indexed stops to allow for repeatable andconsistent angle settings, which are especially useful in time-lapse photography or repeat shots .

[0034] The handle of the mount may be swappable or modular, with variations in length, shape , or ergonomic design to accommodate user preferences or shooting conditions . To further expand compatibility, the mount may provide universal camera mounting options including standard screw threads or quick-release plates such as the ARCA-compatible plates .

[0035] Additionally, accessory attachment points such as cold shoe mounts or threaded inserts may be integrated into the mount to support the use of lights , microphones , or monitors, thus optimizing the setup for hybrid still and video workflows .

Claims

Claims1 . A camera mount for attaching a camera to a photo ball head, said mount comprising : a tilting arm with a top and bottom and a first side and second side, said tilting arm being capable of moving up and down and side to side on a photo ball head; a means for attaching a camera to the top of the tilting arm; and a means for attaching the bottom of the tilting arm to a photo ball head .2 . The camera mount of claim 1 , further comprising a locking means for the tilting arm.3 . The camera mount of claim 1 , wherein the locking means is positioned at the first side of the tilting arm to provide a wider range of rotation for the mount .4 . The camera mount of any of the preceding claims , further comprising a handle for up and down and side to side movement of a camera mounted at the top of the tilting arm .

5. The camera mount of claim 4 , wherein the handle is attached to the tilting arm via a rotating handle knob at the second side of the tilting arm.6 . The camera mount of claim 4 , wherein the handle is stowable .7 . The camera mount of claim 4 , wherein the handle is extendable .8 . The camera mount of claim 4 , wherein the handle locks .

9. The camera mount of claim 4 , wherein the handle is removable .

10. The camera mount of claim 9 , wherein the handle is removably attached to the second side of the tilting arm via a rotating handle knob and handle connector .11 . The camera mount of claim 4 , wherein the top and bottom of the tilting arm are connected via a curved side .12 . The camera mount of claim 11 , wherein the handle stows adj acent to the curved side .

13. The camera mount of any of the preceding claims , wherein the means for attaching a camera to the top of the tilting arm comprises a cam lock .14 . The camera mount of claim 13 , further comprising a lever integrated with the cam lock for staging of the cam lock in a closed, open or sliding position .

15. The camera mount of any of the preceding claims , wherein the means for attaching the bottom of the tilting arm to a photo ball head comprises an ARCA .

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