US20080069630A1 - Connectors for mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features - Google Patents
Connectors for mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080069630A1 US20080069630A1 US11/901,254 US90125407A US2008069630A1 US 20080069630 A1 US20080069630 A1 US 20080069630A1 US 90125407 A US90125407 A US 90125407A US 2008069630 A1 US2008069630 A1 US 2008069630A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- interconnect
- end portion
- ball
- body portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
- F16M11/24—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other
- F16M11/40—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other by means of coilable or bendable legs or spiral shaped legs
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C11/00—Pivots; Pivotal connections
- F16C11/04—Pivotal connections
- F16C11/06—Ball-joints; Other joints having more than one degree of angular freedom, i.e. universal joints
- F16C11/0661—Ball-joints; Other joints having more than one degree of angular freedom, i.e. universal joints the two co-operative parts each having both convex and concave interfaces
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
- F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
- F16M11/12—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction
- F16M11/14—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction with ball-joint
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/16—Details concerning attachment of head-supporting legs, with or without actuation of locking members thereof
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/18—Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
- F16M11/2007—Undercarriages with or without wheels comprising means allowing pivoting adjustment
- F16M11/2035—Undercarriages with or without wheels comprising means allowing pivoting adjustment in more than one direction
- F16M11/2078—Undercarriages with or without wheels comprising means allowing pivoting adjustment in more than one direction with ball-joint
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
- F16M13/02—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
- F16M13/022—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle repositionable
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B17/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
- G03B17/56—Accessories
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B17/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
- G03B17/56—Accessories
- G03B17/561—Support related camera accessories
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
- F16M11/041—Allowing quick release of the apparatus
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/32—Articulated members
- Y10T403/32008—Plural distinct articulation axes
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/32—Articulated members
- Y10T403/32008—Plural distinct articulation axes
- Y10T403/32032—Plural ball and socket
Definitions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping.
- a mounting apparatus uses legs comprising the ball and socket joint connectors for support.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a plurality of connected connectors according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of a plurality of connected connectors according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a plurality of connected connectors according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of a connector according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is illustrates a connector with a gripping portion according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIGS. 6 and 6 A are a side and cross-sectional view of a connector with a gripping portion according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is an illustration of a tripod apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is an illustration of a body and interconnect portion of a tripod apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- 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.
- FIG. 10 is an illustration of a tripod apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the gripping portion is co-molded into the connector body.
- the gripping portion is a rubberized compound.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plurality of ball and socket joint connectors.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the body portion 501 retains the tripod's usual functionality.
- the flaring 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.
- the body portion 501 adds to the range of positions and to the types of uses that the apparatus may entertain.
- FIGS. 11, 12 , and 13 illustrate a series 333 of interconnected connectors 330 , 331 , 332 above the plurality of flexible legs.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 .
- an intermediate connector 332 attached in between the interconnect connector 331 and the body portion connector 330 .
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/324,994 to Bevirt, filed Jan. 3, 2006.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- 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.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a plurality of connected connectors according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of a plurality of connected connectors according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a plurality of connected connectors according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a side view of a connector according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is illustrates a connector with a gripping portion according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
FIGS. 6 and 6 A are a side and cross-sectional view of a connector with a gripping portion according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is an illustration of a tripod apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is an illustration of a body and interconnect portion of a tripod apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
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. -
FIG. 10 is an illustration of a tripod apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
FIGS. 1, 2 , and 3 illustrate a plurality of ball and socketjoint connectors 101 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Aconnector 101 has afirst end portion 102 and asecond end portion 103. A socketengaging end surface 104 is present at thefirst end 102. Thefirst end portion 102 is substantially hollowed out. - The
second end portion 103 has abody 106 with an internalsocket receiving cavity 107. Theinner surface 110 of the an internalsocket receiving cavity 107 is adapted to fit over the socket engagingend surface 104 of anotherconnector 101, or of another piece with a similar socket engaging end surface. Aneckdown 105 separates thefirst end portion 102 from thesecond end portion 103. Astop nub 108 acts as a mechanical stop to prevent over angulation and possible unintentional separation of a ball and socket joint connector pair. - As seen in
FIG. 4 , theconnector 101 has aprimary axis 111 in some embodiments. Theconnector 101 may be symmetric around theprimary axis 111 in some embodiments. The end surface planes of the first and second end portions of the connector may be perpendicular to theprimary axis 111 in some embodiments. - 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.
- In some embodiments, as seen in
FIGS. 5, 6 and 6A, aconnector 120 includes a grippingportion 122. Theconnector 120 has afirst end portion 125 and asecond end portion 123. A socketengaging end surface 124 is present at thefirst end 125. Thefirst end portion 125 is substantially hollowed out. - The
second end 123 has abody 121 with an internalsocket receiving cavity 130. Theinner surface 129 of the an internalsocket receiving cavity 130 is adapted to fit over the socket engagingend surface 124 of another connector, or of another piece with a similar socket engaging end surface. Aneckdown 128 separates thefirst end portion 125 from thesecond end portion 123. Agripping 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. - In some embodiments of the present invention, the
outer surface 109 of the socket engagingend surface 104 may be lubricated. Lubrication of theouter surface 109 of the socket engagingend surface 104 may allow for more even frictions between various connections in a chain of connectors. In some embodiments, theinner surface 110 of the internalsocket receiving cavity 107 may be lubricated. Lubrication of theinner surface 110 of the internalsocket receiving cavity 107 may allow for more even frictions. In some embodiments, both theouter surface 109 of the socket engagingend surface 104 and theinner surface 110 of the an internalsocket 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. - In some embodiments of the present invention, the
outer surface 109 of the socket engagingend surface 104 may be textured. The texture may take the form of a surface roughness. Texturing of theouter surface 109 of the socket engagingend surface 104 may allow for more even frictions between various connections in a chain of connectors. In some embodiments, theinner surface 110 of the internalsocket receiving cavity 107 may be textured. The texture may take the form of a surface roughness. Texturing of theinner surface 110 of the internalsocket receiving cavity 107 may allow for more even frictions. In some embodiments, both theouter surface 109 of the socket engagingend surface 104 and theinner surface 110 of the an internalsocket receiving cavity 107 may be lubricated. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plurality of ball and socket joint connectors. In some embodiments of the present invention, astop nub 108 resides within the internal socket receiving cavity. Theinner rim 140 of the socket engagingend surface 104 is adapted to contact thestop nub 108 as the two connectors reach a certain angle relative to each other. The contact of thestop nub 108 and theinner rim 140 of the socket engagingend 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. -
FIG. 7 illustrates atripod apparatus 200 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Abody portion 201 provides a base of support for threeflexible legs flexible legs 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 inFIG. 7 , thebody 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. - 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. - In some embodiments, the
body portion 201 is connected to aninterconnect portion 205. Aclip 220 is removably fastened to theinterconnect portion 205. Theclip 220 may have a threaded post adapted to fit into a camera or other device in some embodiments. - In some embodiments, the
flexible legs gripping portion 208. The grippingportions 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 agripping pod 207. As seen in cross-section inFIG. 3 , thegripping 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 thetripod apparatus 200 to a variety of surfaces. - In some embodiments of the present invention, as further illustrated in
FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, theinterconnect portion 205 is adapted to receive aclip 220. Theclip 220 may haverails 228 adapted to slide intoslots 227 within theinterconnect portion 205. Theclip 220 may haverecess 226 adapted to be filled by atab 225 on a spring loadedlever 222. The clip is removably attached to theinterconnect portion 205 and may be released by pressing on thelever 222. In some embodiments, thelever 222 is on the same side of theinterconnect portion 205 as which theclip 220 slides in on. In other embodiments, thelever 222 is on the side opposite that which theclip 220 slides in on. - A mounting
screw 221 may be recess mounted into theclip 220 in some embodiments. Thescrew 223 may be of the standard size and thread to attach to a camera in some embodiments. Thehead 223 of thescrew 221 may be held into therecess 224 by a slight ridge in the molding of the recess in some embodiments. - In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in
FIGS. 10, 11 , 12, and 13, atripod apparatus 500 utilizes abody portion 501 which spaces and locates the legs of the apparatus in a different configuration. The spacing of thebody sockets 502 allows for better use of the tripod legs as attaching arms in some uses. In some embodiments, thebody sockets 502 are equally spaced around the center of thebody 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. - 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 thebody portion 501 adds to the range of positions and to the types of uses that the apparatus may entertain. -
FIGS. 11, 12 , and 13 illustrate aseries 333 ofinterconnected connectors series 333 of interconnected connectors is abody portion 501, which is comprised of abody portion connector 330 which has three internalsocket receiving cavities 340 at a first end in some embodiments. The internalsocket receiving cavities 340 may flared at an angle from each other in some embodiments. The internal socket receiving cavities may have arubberized grip ring 342 around their exterior in some embodiments. A socket engagingend surface 341 may be present at a second end. - At a second end of the series of
interconnected connectors 333 is an interconnect portion comprising aninterconnect connector 331. The interconnect connector has a first end portion with a internalsocket receiving cavity 301 and a second end portion with areceiver 300 adapted to receive a removable clip. The first end portion may have agripping portion 308 molded around its exterior circumference. Thereceiver 300 may have aflat surface 305 surrounded on three sided by alip 302 in some embodiments. Theremovable clip 350 may haverails 352 adapted to slide under thelip 302 of thereceiver 300 as the clip slides into thereceiver 300 along theflat surface 305. Theremovable clip 350 has arecess 351 within its bottom surface adapted for the insertion of atab 304. Thetab 304 is part of a spring loaded lever 303 which rotates around apin 306 in some embodiments. - The spring loaded lever 303 is adapted to deflect upon the pressure of the
clip 350 being inserted into thereceiver 300, wherein thetab 304 rotates down through theflat surface 305 of thereceiver 300, and then locks the clip in place. Upon the pressing of thelever button 307, the spring loaded lever 303 rotates and thetab 304 rotates downward, removing thetab 304 from therecess 351 and allowing the clip to be removed by the user. - The series of
interconnected connectors 333 may also have anintermediate connector 332 attached in between theinterconnect connector 331 and thebody portion connector 330. Although the balls and sockets of the various connectors are seen in a particular array inFIGS. 11-13 , there may be a differing distribution of balls instead of sockets, and vice versa, in other embodiments. - 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.
Claims (22)
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US11/901,254 Abandoned US20080069630A1 (en) | 2006-01-03 | 2007-09-14 | Connectors for mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features |
US13/006,434 Active - Reinstated 2026-06-08 US8740160B2 (en) | 2006-01-03 | 2011-01-14 | Mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features |
US14/293,671 Abandoned US20160053935A1 (en) | 2006-01-03 | 2014-06-02 | Mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features |
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US14/293,671 Abandoned US20160053935A1 (en) | 2006-01-03 | 2014-06-02 | Mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features |
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2006
- 2006-01-03 US US11/324,994 patent/US20070154254A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-06-06 WO PCT/US2006/021703 patent/WO2007081388A2/en active Application Filing
- 2006-06-06 AU AU2006335293A patent/AU2006335293A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-06-06 KR KR1020087019034A patent/KR20090016441A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2006-06-06 CN CN2006800148816A patent/CN101194127B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-06-06 EP EP06772124A patent/EP1969244B8/en active Active
- 2006-06-06 DE DE202006021110U patent/DE202006021110U1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2006-06-06 CA CA2649539A patent/CA2649539C/en active Active
- 2006-06-06 JP JP2008548496A patent/JP5031769B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-07-04 TW TW095124320A patent/TW200804712A/en unknown
-
2007
- 2007-05-09 US US11/801,234 patent/US7891615B2/en active Active - Reinstated
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2011
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Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20080093516A1 (en) * | 2006-01-03 | 2008-04-24 | Bevirt Joeben | Mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with composite connectors |
US7891615B2 (en) * | 2006-01-03 | 2011-02-22 | Joby Photo, Inc. | Mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features |
US20070212163A1 (en) * | 2006-01-03 | 2007-09-13 | Bevirt Joeben | Mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features |
US8297566B2 (en) * | 2006-01-03 | 2012-10-30 | Day Men US, Inc | Mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with composite connectors |
US8197149B2 (en) | 2007-04-27 | 2012-06-12 | Tocad America, Inc. | Apparatuses and systems for supporting and positioning cameras and other equipment |
US20080265111A1 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2008-10-30 | Tocad America, Inc. | Apparatuses and systems for supporting and positioning cameras and other equipment |
US20080267613A1 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2008-10-30 | Tocad America, Inc. | Apparatuses and systems for supporting and positioning cameras and other equipment |
US20080283697A1 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2008-11-20 | Richard Darrow | Apparatuses and systems for supporting and positioning cameras and other equipment |
US20090039213A1 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2009-02-12 | Richard Darrow | Apparatuses and systems for supporting and positioning cameras and other equipment |
US20100034579A1 (en) * | 2008-08-08 | 2010-02-11 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd | Ball joints and connection unit using same |
US20110042536A1 (en) * | 2009-08-19 | 2011-02-24 | Thule Organization Solutions, Inc. | Selectively Positionable Device for Securing an Instrument |
US20110042530A1 (en) * | 2009-08-19 | 2011-02-24 | Mark Phillips | Flexipod with flexible bendable legs with a gripping surface |
US20130099075A1 (en) * | 2011-10-21 | 2013-04-25 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Support device |
USD782464S1 (en) * | 2016-06-20 | 2017-03-28 | Paul J. Chung | Mobile device accessory with flexible neck |
US10595471B2 (en) * | 2017-03-24 | 2020-03-24 | Ian Gilley | System and methods for directing plant growth |
US20210262611A1 (en) * | 2020-02-24 | 2021-08-26 | Onyekachi Eke-Okoro | Apparatus and Methods using hollow figures for storing edible products at a portable electronic device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2649539C (en) | 2014-10-07 |
US20070154254A1 (en) | 2007-07-05 |
EP1969244A4 (en) | 2010-07-21 |
WO2007081388A3 (en) | 2007-11-01 |
AU2006335293A1 (en) | 2007-07-19 |
DE202006021110U1 (en) | 2012-09-06 |
TW200804712A (en) | 2008-01-16 |
US20160053935A1 (en) | 2016-02-25 |
EP1969244B8 (en) | 2012-10-03 |
CN101194127A (en) | 2008-06-04 |
JP5031769B2 (en) | 2012-09-26 |
CN101194127B (en) | 2013-03-27 |
US20070212163A1 (en) | 2007-09-13 |
KR20090016441A (en) | 2009-02-13 |
JP2009522516A (en) | 2009-06-11 |
US20110108683A1 (en) | 2011-05-12 |
US8740160B2 (en) | 2014-06-03 |
EP1969244B1 (en) | 2012-08-29 |
CA2649539A1 (en) | 2007-07-19 |
EP1969244A2 (en) | 2008-09-17 |
WO2007081388A2 (en) | 2007-07-19 |
US7891615B2 (en) | 2011-02-22 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT, CO Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:JOBY PHOTO, INC.;JOBY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026843/0837 Effective date: 20110831 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ANTARES CAPITAL LP, AS SUCCESSOR AGENT, ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS RETIRING AGENT;REEL/FRAME:037109/0887 Effective date: 20150821 |