U.S. patent application number 11/901254 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-20 for connectors for mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features.
Invention is credited to JoeBen Bevirt.
Application Number | 20080069630 11/901254 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38224571 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080069630 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bevirt; JoeBen |
March 20, 2008 |
Connectors for mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with
gripping features
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.
Inventors: |
Bevirt; JoeBen; (Santa Cruz,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL A. GUTH
2-2905 EAST CLIFF DRIVE
SANTA CRUZ
CA
95062
US
|
Family ID: |
38224571 |
Appl. No.: |
11/901254 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11324994 |
Jan 3, 2006 |
|
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11901254 |
Sep 14, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
403/56 ;
248/231.81 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16C 11/0661 20130101;
F16M 11/16 20130101; Y10T 403/32032 20150115; F16M 13/022 20130101;
F16M 11/2078 20130101; F16M 11/14 20130101; F16M 11/041 20130101;
F16M 11/40 20130101; F16M 13/00 20130101; Y10T 403/32008 20150115;
G03B 17/561 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
403/056 ;
248/231.81 |
International
Class: |
F16B 7/10 20060101
F16B007/10; A47B 96/06 20060101 A47B096/06 |
Claims
1. An interconnected connector assembly, said assembly comprising:
an interconnect connector; and a body portion connector.
2. The interconnected connector assembly of claim 1 further
comprising an intermediate connector, said intermediate connector
comprising: a first end portion; a second end portion; and a socket
engaging end surface at said first end portion, said socket
engaging end surface being the external surface at said first end
portion; and an internal socket receiving cavity at said second end
portion.
3. The interconnected connector assembly of claim 2 wherein said
interconnect connector comprises: a first end portion, said first
end portion comprising an internal socket receiving cavity; and a
second end portion, said second end portion comprising a receiver
for a removable clip, and wherein said socket engaging end surface
of said intermediate connector is attached within said internal
socket receiving cavity of said interconnect connector.
4. The interconnected connector assembly of claim 3 wherein said
body portion connector comprises a first end and a second end,
wherein said first end of said body portion connector comprises a
plurality of internal socket receiving cavities, said plurality of
internal socket receiving cavities flared at an angle from each
other, and wherein said second end of said body portion connector
comprises a socket engaging end surface, and wherein said socket
engaging end surface of said second end of said body portion
connector is attached within said internal socket receiving cavity
of said intermediate connector.
5. The interconnected connector assembly of claim 4 wherein said
interconnect connector further comprises a spring loaded lever.
6. The interconnected connector assembly of claim 4 wherein said
interconnect connector further comprises a tab adapted to capture a
removable clip.
7. The interconnected connector assembly of claim 6 wherein said
receiver further comprises a flat surface, wherein said tab
protrudes through said flat surface.
8. The interconnected connector assembly of claim 5 wherein said
spring loaded lever rotates around a pivot within said interconnect
connector.
9. The interconnected connector assembly of claim 8 wherein said
spring loaded lever further comprises a lever button, and wherein
said tab rotates down through said flat surface when said spring
loaded lever rotates around said pivot.
10. The interconnect connector of claim 3 wherein said first end
portion further comprises a gripping portion around its exterior
surface.
11. The interconnect connector of claim 10 wherein said first end
portion further comprises a circumferential groove along its
external surface, and wherein said gripping portion is molded at
least in part into said groove.
12. An interconnect connector, said interconnect connector
comprising: a first end portion, said first end portion comprising
an internal socket receiving cavity; and a second end portion, said
second end portion comprising a receiver for a removable clip.
13. The interconnect connector of claim 12 wherein said
interconnect connector further comprises a spring loaded lever.
14. The interconnect connector of claim 12 further comprising a tab
adapted to capture a removable clip.
15. The interconnect connector of claim 14 wherein said receiver
further comprises a flat surface, wherein said tab protrudes
through said flat surface.
16. The interconnect connector of claim 13 wherein said spring
loaded lever rotates around a pivot within said interconnect
connector.
17. The interconnect connector of claim 16 wherein said spring
loaded lever further comprises a lever button, and wherein said tab
rotates down through said flat surface when said spring loaded
lever rotates around said pivot.
18. The interconnect connector of claim 12 wherein said first end
portion further comprises a gripping portion around its exterior
surface.
19. The interconnect connector of claim 18 wherein said first end
portion further comprises a circumferential groove along its
external surface, and wherein said gripping portion is molded at
least in part into said groove.
20. An interconnect connector, said interconnect connector
comprising: a first end portion, said first end portion comprising
a socket engaging end surface; and a second end portion, said
second end portion comprising a receiver for a removable clip.
21. A body portion connector, said body portion connector
comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of
said body portion connector comprises a plurality of internal
socket receiving cavities, said plurality of internal socket
receiving cavities flared at an angle from each other, and wherein
said second end of said body portion connector comprises a socket
engaging end surface.
22. A body portion connector, said body portion connector
comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of
said body portion connector comprises a plurality of internal
socket receiving cavities, said plurality of internal socket
receiving cavities flared at an angle from each other, and wherein
said second end of said body portion connector comprises an
internal socket receiving cavity.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/324,994 to Bevirt, filed Jan. 3, 2006.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to connectors which
interconnect into a flexible assembly, and more specifically to a
mounting apparatus using ball and socket joint connectors.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Typical tripod assemblies consist of three rigid legs which
are splayed out to form a support structure for devices such as
cameras. The legs are usually rigid and adapted to provide support
off of the ground or other flat surface. Some tripods have some
adjustment to leg length which may allow for some deviation from
flatness in the surface upon which they are mounted.
[0006] Such tripods are limited in the manner in which they support
devices such as cameras. What is called for is a mounting apparatus
that may function as a tripod and also as a grip mount for the
mounting to vertical members.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention is directed towards ball and socket
joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible
assembly. Each connector includes a body with a first and second
end portion. An external socket engaging surface is provided at one
end of the body. The other end of the body has an internal cavity.
The socket engaging surface of one connector is snapped into the
internal cavity of another to interconnect the connectors.
[0008] 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
mounting apparatus uses legs comprising the ball and socket joint
connectors for support.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a plurality of connected
connectors according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of a plurality of connected
connectors according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a plurality of connected
connectors according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of a connector according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a connector according
to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is illustrates a connector with a gripping portion
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] FIGS. 6 and 6A are a side and cross-sectional view of a
connector with a gripping portion according to some embodiments of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a tripod apparatus according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a body and interconnect portion
of a tripod apparatus according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a body and interconnect
portion of a tripod apparatus according to some embodiments of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a tripod apparatus according
to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a side and cross-sectional view of a body and
interconnect portion of a tripod apparatus according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a side and cross-sectional view of a body and
interconnect portion of a tripod apparatus according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a side and cross-sectional view of a body and
interconnect portion of a tripod apparatus according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 illustrate a plurality of ball and socket
joint connectors 101 according to some embodiments of the present
invention. A connector 101 has a first end portion 102 and a second
end portion 103. A socket engaging end surface 104 is present at
the first end 102. The first end portion 102 is substantially
hollowed out.
[0024] The second end portion 103 has a body 106 with an internal
socket receiving cavity 107. The inner surface 110 of the an
internal socket receiving cavity 107 is adapted to fit over the
socket engaging end surface 104 of another connector 101, or of
another piece with a similar socket engaging end surface. A
neckdown 105 separates the first end portion 102 from the second
end portion 103. A stop nub 108 acts as a mechanical stop to
prevent over angulation and possible unintentional separation of a
ball and socket joint connector pair.
[0025] As seen in FIG. 4, the connector 101 has a primary axis 111
in some embodiments. The connector 101 may be symmetric around the
primary axis 111 in some embodiments. The end surface planes of the
first and second end portions of the connector may be perpendicular
to the primary axis 111 in some embodiments.
[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention, the wall
thicknesses of the internal socket receiving cavity or the socket
engaging end surface, or both, are constructed so that an
interference fit remains after the ball and socket joint connectors
are connected. In some embodiments, the interference fit is
designed such that the material is stressed to a stress level below
that of the plastic limit but above the creep limit. The material
may then creep until the interference is at or below the creep
limit, typically down to the upper end of the elastic deformation
stress range of the material. In such an embodiment using a
plurality of connectors connected together to form a longer chain,
the stresses will tend to equalize in the different connector
pairs. This equalization of stresses will tend to equalize the
frictions of the various connector pairs. An equalization of the
frictions in the connector pairs in a long chain of connected
connectors will tend to allow the chain of connectors to bend in a
smooth fashion when the chain is subjected to bending forces. For
example, in a 10 unit chain bent to a 45 degree angle, the bending
may be well spread among the connector pairs.
[0027] In some embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 6A, a
connector 120 includes a gripping portion 122. The connector 120
has a first end portion 125 and a second end portion 123. A socket
engaging end surface 124 is present at the first end 125. The first
end portion 125 is substantially hollowed out.
[0028] The second end 123 has a body 121 with an internal socket
receiving cavity 130. The inner surface 129 of the an internal
socket receiving cavity 130 is adapted to fit over the socket
engaging end surface 124 of another connector, or of another piece
with a similar socket engaging end surface. A neckdown 128
separates the first end portion 125 from the second end portion
123. A gripping portion 122 allows the connector to grip surfaces
more readily. In some embodiments, the gripping portion is
co-molded into the connector body. In some embodiments, the
gripping portion is a rubberized compound. In some embodiments, the
gripping portion is a circumferential ring molded into the outer
surface of the connector. The gripping portion may provide a higher
friction interface when the connector is set upon or wrapped around
an object.
[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, the outer
surface 109 of the socket engaging end surface 104 may be
lubricated. Lubrication of the outer surface 109 of the socket
engaging end surface 104 may allow for more even frictions between
various connections in a chain of connectors. In some embodiments,
the inner surface 110 of the internal socket receiving cavity 107
may be lubricated. Lubrication of the inner surface 110 of the
internal socket receiving cavity 107 may allow for more even
frictions. In some embodiments, both the outer surface 109 of the
socket engaging end surface 104 and the inner surface 110 of the an
internal socket receiving cavity 107 may be lubricated. In some
embodiments, the surfaces may be coated with an adhesive. With some
connector materials, such as acetyl materials, Delrin, and Nylon,
compounds normally used as adhesive may function as a lubricant
when used in an interference fit ball and socket joint
connector.
[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, the outer
surface 109 of the socket engaging end surface 104 may be textured.
The texture may take the form of a surface roughness. Texturing of
the outer surface 109 of the socket engaging end surface 104 may
allow for more even frictions between various connections in a
chain of connectors. In some embodiments, the inner surface 110 of
the internal socket receiving cavity 107 may be textured. The
texture may take the form of a surface roughness. Texturing of the
inner surface 110 of the internal socket receiving cavity 107 may
allow for more even frictions. In some embodiments, both the outer
surface 109 of the socket engaging end surface 104 and the inner
surface 110 of the an internal socket receiving cavity 107 may be
lubricated.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plurality of
ball and socket joint connectors. In some embodiments of the
present invention, a stop nub 108 resides within the internal
socket receiving cavity. The inner rim 140 of the socket engaging
end surface 104 is adapted to contact the stop nub 108 as the two
connectors reach a certain angle relative to each other. The
contact of the stop nub 108 and the inner rim 140 of the socket
engaging end surface 104 acts as a mechanical stop with regard to
further angulation of the two pieces relative to each other. The
mechanical stop function works to prevent over-rotation and
possible disconnection of the two connectors.
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a tripod apparatus 200 according to some
embodiments of the present invention. A body portion 201 provides a
base of support for three flexible legs 202, 203, 204. The flexible
legs 202, 203, 204 consist of a series of interconnected ball and
socket joint connectors. The flexible legs are able to be flexed
into a variety of positions and can be used to support the body
portion 201 by forming tripod support. The flexible legs are able
to adapt to uneven surfaces to allow the tripod to function in a
variety of situations. Although three legs are used here for
illustration, more legs may be present in some embodiments. As seen
in FIG. 7, the body portion 201 itself may have a series of
interconnected ball and socket joint connectors within it, allowing
for even more flexibility with regard to its mounting function.
[0033] Although the flexible legs are illustrated as functioning
legs in FIG. 7, the legs are of sufficient flexibility that the may
be used to wrap around items such as bars or other objects in order
to fasten the tripod apparatus to objects that would not be
suitable for mounting of a typical tripod. In conjunction with the
gripping portion, this allows the tripod apparatus to be fastened
to a variety of objects. For example, when used to position a
digital camera, the legs may wrap around a vertical gate rail,
allowing the mounting of the camera for a photo taking opportunity
not previously available.
[0034] In some embodiments, the body portion 201 is connected to an
interconnect portion 205. A clip 220 is removably fastened to the
interconnect portion 205. The clip 220 may have a threaded post
adapted to fit into a camera or other device in some
embodiments.
[0035] In some embodiments, the flexible legs 202, 203, 204 may use
connectors that have a co-molded gripping portion 208. The gripping
portions 208 may allow for use of the tripod in a variety of ways,
including wrapping of the legs around a post or other object. In
some embodiments, the flexible legs may be terminated with a
gripping pod 207. As seen in cross-section in FIG. 3, the gripping
pod 207 may be fully molded into the cavity of the connector. In
some embodiments, the terminal connector of each leg has a socket
engaging end surface on its first end and a suction cup on its
second end. The suctions cups may allow for a secure attachment of
the tripod apparatus 200 to a variety of surfaces.
[0036] In some embodiments of the present invention, as further
illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the interconnect portion 205 is
adapted to receive a clip 220. The clip 220 may have rails 228
adapted to slide into slots 227 within the interconnect portion
205. The clip 220 may have recess 226 adapted to be filled by a tab
225 on a spring loaded lever 222. The clip is removably attached to
the interconnect portion 205 and may be released by pressing on the
lever 222. In some embodiments, the lever 222 is on the same side
of the interconnect portion 205 as which the clip 220 slides in on.
In other embodiments, the lever 222 is on the side opposite that
which the clip 220 slides in on.
[0037] A mounting screw 221 may be recess mounted into the clip 220
in some embodiments. The screw 223 may be of the standard size and
thread to attach to a camera in some embodiments. The head 223 of
the screw 221 may be held into the recess 224 by a slight ridge in
the molding of the recess in some embodiments.
[0038] In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in
FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13, a tripod apparatus 500 utilizes a body
portion 501 which spaces and locates the legs of the apparatus in a
different configuration. The spacing of the body sockets 502 allows
for better use of the tripod legs as attaching arms in some uses.
In some embodiments, the body sockets 502 are equally spaced around
the center of the body portion 501. The body sockets are also
flared at an angle relative to the ground (in typical usage). In
some embodiments, the flared angle is 45 degrees. The flaring of
the body sockets allows a different range of potential wrapping
angles for the legs of the tripod.
[0039] With the flaring of the body sockets, the tripod legs may
still be utilized as in the case of a typical tripod. The range of
motion of the body sockets and the connectors which form the legs
still allow for vertical positioning of the legs. Thus, the body
portion 501 retains the tripod's usual functionality. The flaring,
however, allows for greater bending of the legs in cases where the
legs are used as gripping arms, such as when wrapped around
vertical bars and the like. Thus the body portion 501 adds to the
range of positions and to the types of uses that the apparatus may
entertain.
[0040] FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 illustrate a series 333 of
interconnected connectors 330, 331, 332 above the plurality of
flexible legs. At a first end of the series 333 of interconnected
connectors is a body portion 501, which is comprised of a body
portion connector 330 which has three internal socket receiving
cavities 340 at a first end in some embodiments. The internal
socket receiving cavities 340 may flared at an angle from each
other in some embodiments. The internal socket receiving cavities
may have a rubberized grip ring 342 around their exterior in some
embodiments. A socket engaging end surface 341 may be present at a
second end.
[0041] At a second end of the series of interconnected connectors
333 is an interconnect portion comprising an interconnect connector
331. The interconnect connector has a first end portion with a
internal socket receiving cavity 301 and a second end portion with
a receiver 300 adapted to receive a removable clip. The first end
portion may have a gripping portion 308 molded around its exterior
circumference. The receiver 300 may have a flat surface 305
surrounded on three sided by a lip 302 in some embodiments. The
removable clip 350 may have rails 352 adapted to slide under the
lip 302 of the receiver 300 as the clip slides into the receiver
300 along the flat surface 305. The removable clip 350 has a recess
351 within its bottom surface adapted for the insertion of a tab
304. The tab 304 is part of a spring loaded lever 303 which rotates
around a pin 306 in some embodiments.
[0042] The spring loaded lever 303 is adapted to deflect upon the
pressure of the clip 350 being inserted into the receiver 300,
wherein the tab 304 rotates down through the flat surface 305 of
the receiver 300, and then locks the clip in place. Upon the
pressing of the lever button 307, the spring loaded lever 303
rotates and the tab 304 rotates downward, removing the tab 304 from
the recess 351 and allowing the clip to be removed by the user.
[0043] The series of interconnected connectors 333 may also have an
intermediate connector 332 attached in between the interconnect
connector 331 and the body portion connector 330. Although the
balls and sockets of the various connectors are seen in a
particular array in FIGS. 11-13, there may be a differing
distribution of balls instead of sockets, and vice versa, in other
embodiments.
[0044] As evident from the above description, a wide variety of
embodiments may be configured from the description given herein and
additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those
skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is,
therefore, not limited to the specific details and illustrative
examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures from such
details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of
the applicant's general invention.
* * * * *