U.S. patent application number 14/293671 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-25 for mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features.
This patent application is currently assigned to DAYMEN US, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is DAYMEN US, INC.. Invention is credited to JOEBEN BEVIRT.
Application Number | 20160053935 14/293671 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38224571 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160053935 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BEVIRT; JOEBEN |
February 25, 2016 |
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) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DAYMEN US, INC. |
Petaluma |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
DAYMEN US, INC.
Petaluma
CA
|
Family ID: |
38224571 |
Appl. No.: |
14/293671 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13006434 |
Jan 14, 2011 |
8740160 |
|
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14293671 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
396/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 403/32008 20150115;
F16M 11/14 20130101; F16C 11/0661 20130101; F16M 11/2078 20130101;
F16M 11/40 20130101; Y10T 403/32032 20150115; F16M 13/022 20130101;
F16M 11/041 20130101; F16M 13/00 20130101; G03B 17/561 20130101;
F16M 11/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16M 11/40 20060101
F16M011/40; F16C 11/06 20060101 F16C011/06; G03B 17/56 20060101
G03B017/56; F16M 13/02 20060101 F16M013/02 |
Claims
1. A tripod suitable for supporting a camera, the tripod
comprising: three flexible legs, each of said flexible legs having
sufficient flexibility to substantially wrap around an object, each
of said legs having a first end attached to the body of the tripod;
and a body having a central axis and three sockets and having a
first series of interconnected ball and socket connectors, each of
said three sockets having an associated opening and being arranged
to pivotally receive an associated leg, wherein the socket openings
are flared relative to the central axis such that they do not face
in the same direction, to thereby facilitate a greater range of
motion in their associated legs in a direction away from the
central axis than would be possible if the openings all faced in
the same direction.
2. A tripod as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said three
flexible legs is composed of a multiplicity of connector pieces
that join together in ball and socket joints that permit pivotable
movement between connecting ball and socket components to together
provide each leg with sufficient flexibility to substantially wrap
around an object, and wherein each of said legs has a ball feature
on said first end interconnected with an associated socket of said
body of said tripod.
3. A tripod as recited in claim 2, wherein each ball and socket
joint in the legs has a socket member portion having a maximum
diameter, and a socket opening that receives an associated ball
member, each ball and socket joint further comprising a gripping
member formed on an exterior surface of the associated socket
member portion, the gripping member being formed from a different
material than the associated socket member portion and having a
maximum diameter that is greater than a maximum diameter of the
associated socket member portion.
4. A tripod suitable for supporting a camera, the tripod
comprising: three flexible legs that have sufficient flexibility to
substantially wrap around an object, wherein each of said three
flexible legs is composed of a multiplicity of connector pieces
that join together in ball and socket joints that permit pivotable
movement between connecting ball and socket components to together
provide each leg with sufficient flexibility to substantially wrap
around an object, and wherein each ball and socket joint in the
legs has a socket member portion having a maximum diameter, and a
socket opening that receives an associated ball member, each ball
and socket joint further comprising a gripping member formed on an
exterior surface of the associated socket member portion, the
gripping member being formed from a different material than the
associated socket member portion and having a maximum diameter that
is greater than a maximum diameter of the associated socket member
portion; and a body having three ports and having a first series of
interconnected ball and socket connectors, each port being arranged
to receive an associated leg.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/006,434 to Bevirt filed Jan. 14, 2011,
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/801,234 to Bevirt filed May 9, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.
7,891,615, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/324,994 to Bevirt filed Jan. 3, 2006.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 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.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a plurality of connected
connectors according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of a plurality of connected
connectors according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a plurality of connected
connectors according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of a connector according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a connector according
to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is illustrates a connector with a gripping portion
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] 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.
[0014] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a tripod apparatus according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a body and interconnect portion
of a tripod apparatus according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0016] 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.
[0017] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a tripod apparatus according
to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
* * * * *