DE102009038437A1 - Apparatus for positioning camera at elongated shaft portion of utility object, comprises mounting clamp, camera base and connecting device, which connects camera base with mounting clamp - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus (10) comprises a mounting clamp (16), a camera base (18) and a connecting device, which connects the camera base with the mounting clamp. Relative adjustment of the position of the camera base takes place relative to the mounting clamp. The mounting clamp is designed as a clamping sleeve. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for positioning a camera; and (2) a utility object.

Description

The The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for positioning a camera. Furthermore, the invention relates to uses of a such camera positioning device as well as a commodity (eg walking stick, mountain pole etc.), with such a device Is provided.

Of the Term "camera" is meant here in particular a photocamera (eg., Digital camera) denote, for which Particularly advantageous uses of the device result. About that In addition, it can in the camera in general, but also a film camera, video camera (eg., so-called "camcorder") or another optical recording device act.

Out It is known in the art to position a camera a tripod comprising one or more tripod legs (eg "tripod") and one mounted on it tripod head with a camera base for recording and mount the camera. A disadvantage of the known Tripods is that these are usually relatively bulky and heavy so that such tripods in practice predominantly stationary (eg. in the photo studio) or in the professional field. Although there are smaller and lighter tripods that are good for the leisure sector or for are suitable on the road, however, have the disadvantage that with it the camera only in a relatively low height with respect to a tripod support like z. B. the ground can be positioned.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, a simple possibility for positioning a camera, for example, to show a fast, easy and shake-free photography outdoors terrain to enable.

According to one In the first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 or a method according to claim 10. The dependent claims are directed to advantageous developments and uses.

• – eine an diesem Schaftabschnitt festlegbare Befestigungsklemme,
• – eine zur Aufnahme der Kamera ausgebildete Kamerabasis, und
• – eine die Kamerabasis mit der Befestigungsklemme verbindende und eine Relativeinstellung der Lage der Kamerabasis bezüglich der Befestigungsklemme gestattende Verbindungseinrichtung.

The device according to the invention is provided for positioning the camera on an elongated (eg substantially cylindrical) shaft portion of a commodity such as a walking stick, a walking stick, a mountain pole or a ski pole and comprises:

• A fixable on this shaft portion mounting clamp,
• A camera base formed to receive the camera, and
• A connection device connecting the camera base to the mounting clamp and allowing a relative adjustment of the position of the camera base relative to the mounting clamp.

• – eine derartige Kamerapositioniervorrichtung an einem länglichen Schaftabschnitt eines Gebrauchsgegenstandes angeordnet wird, indem die Befestigungsklemme am Schaftabschnitt festgelegt wird (falls nicht schon geschehen),
• – gegebenenfalls die Lage der Kamerabasis bezüglich der Befestigungsklemme eingestellt wird, und
• – die Kamera auf der Kamerabasis angeordnet wird.

The process according to the invention is characterized in that (not necessarily in the order given below):

• A camera positioning device of this type is arranged on an elongated shaft section of a commodity by fixing the fastening clip to the shaft section (if not already done),
• - if necessary, the position of the camera base with respect to the mounting clamp is set, and
• - The camera is placed on the camera base.

The inventive device allows advantageous a quick and easy outdoor photography terrain and is applicable in every season. By using the device, For example, with the help of a walking stick, always can and practically everywhere a camera reliable be positioned to optical recordings such. B. Photos or To make videos. The device is particularly suitable when the user is on the go alone and uncomplicated self-pics self-timer would like to make or when making a group photo with all the group members shall be. It is unnecessary a carrying a usual Statives, especially in the leisure sector, such as athletic activity in nature (eg mountain walks) or the like, saves weight and thus extremely advantageous is.

The Arrangement of the device by means of a mounting clamp has the advantage that in a simple way, a height adjustment the device can be realized on the respective shaft portion can.

Advantageous can the device z. B. as (separate) accessory for a Commodity, in particular a walking stick, walking stick, mountain stick, Skistock or the like provided or offered.

Of the Term "walking stick" should here Both the so-called walking aids of all kinds for the elderly or for medical Rehabilitation ("walking aids", including B. so-called Mehrfussgehhilfen, walker, walker) as well so designated and as sports equipment (eg the so-called "Nordic Walking ") provided sticks include. The term "walking stick" should also walking sticks of all kinds (as a utensil on a walk).

The device can be used to position egg ner camera with the aid of such a commodity having an elongated shaft portion can be used.

at the commodity may be in particular any kind act of stick, which in a not too firm underground (z. Soil, sandy soil or the like, snow, etc.) or can be rammed to in connection with the device according to the invention thus the function of a conventional To provide statives. The application is very simple and for everyone easy to handle. Once on the relevant commodity mounted the device is always ready for use. After the production If desired, the camera can also be mounted on the object of use for optical recording and so always ready to use. If desired, the camera can be removed from the camera base when not in use and / or the camera base re the fixing clamp are adjusted so that the device during further use of the utility less disturbing to the user is.

When Alternative to the ones already mentioned sticks come as usable in the invention commodities also those that are not damaged by rubbing into the ground, but stationary in another way in terms of the soil can be placed or stored and at least one elongated Have shaft portion. These include in particular z. B. motorcycles and bicycles with ground support and baby carriage.

According to one Another aspect of the present invention is the initially asked Task solved by a combination of a suitable (i.e. Shank portion having) utensils with a device of described type or a commodity that already has a Device of the type described comprises, by means of the mounting clamp to a longish one Shank portion of the utility object can be fixed or fixed is (see claim 13). Concrete examples of such utensils (sticks, etc.) have already been mentioned above.

In a preferred embodiment the device is the mounting clamp as a clamping sleeve educated, so with one about at least a part of the circumference of the shaft portion applicable and frictionally thereto fixable sleeve section.

The Clamping effect can z. B. at least partially by an elastic Force or spring force be accomplished, such as by the mounting clamp is designed as a so-called spring clip, which is against one Spring force manually in an open position can be brought and then fixed by simply letting go.

In a preferred embodiment the mounting clamp has a manually operable clamping screw. This can easily a particularly reliable clamping and thus attachment can be achieved. For manual operability can the screw in question z. B. with one directly with your fingers actuated, relatively large in diameter Be provided screw head (eg diameter of more than 1 cm).

In a more specific embodiment it is envisaged that the mounting clamp a cuff portion by means of which the circumference of the shaft portion largely is umgreifbar and on which at both ends two cuff lobes connect, to which the connection device is connected. In the area this cuff can advantageously arranged means for applying the clamping force be, for example, the above-mentioned clamping screw through which activity z. B. the two cuff tabs can be pushed towards each other to to accomplish the clamping of the sleeve portion on the shaft portion.

The palm the sleeve portion can be targeted to the shape of the design be adapted to the relevant shaft portion. For many applications is a cuff inside of substantially cylindrical or partially cylindrical shape particularly well suited. Especially for the arrangement of the device on a conventional hiking, mountain or Ski pole is a part-cylindrical inner surface of a diameter in the range from 15 mm to 20 mm, in particular in the range of 17 mm to 19 mm advantageous. This is a determination of the mounting clamp common sticks usually easy to realize. Optionally, by use one between the shaft portion and the inside of the sleeve to be inserted adapter ring a more accurate adaptation to the diameter of the respective shaft portion can be achieved. The height of a essentially cylindrical sleeve inner surface can, for. B. in the field of 0.5 to 3 times, preferably in the range of 1 to 2 times the diameter of this Cuff inner surface lie.

Also advantageous for a universal and reliable The fixation of the mounting clamp is when its to plant provided on the shaft portion areas, ie z. B. the mentioned sleeve section (Or the clamping sleeve in total) made of a plastic material and / or elastic material (eg with a Shore A hardness in the range from 50 to 80).

In an advantageous development of a shaft portion not Completely encompassing sleeve section is provided that this on Reason for his training from an elastically yielding material appreciably elastic with the fingers can be bent so that thus simplifying the mounting of the mounting clamp on the shank portion becomes.

What the concrete design of the camera base for the camera As far as concerns, there is this diverse Options. It is essential that a blur-free camera actuation is possible.

For example, in one embodiment, the camera base is configured as a camera platform on which the camera can be placed. For most popular digital cameras (including "camcorders"), this is sufficient if a flat surface of at least about 30 cm ^{2 is} provided at the top of the platform, for example in the range of 40 to 60 cm ² , preferably approximately square or slightly longer Shape (eg rectangular or oval).

alternative or additionally Can the camera base with a fastener for attachment the camera on the camera base. In a preferred Continuing is the fastener to a Camera mounting screw which can be screwed into the camera base. numerous common Cameras own on its underside a corresponding threaded hole. Such Camera mounting screw is preferred with an enlarged screw head (eg diameter at least 1 cm) provided to their manual activity to enable.

Also for the Design of the connection device between camera base and mounting clamp there are many Options.

The Connecting device could z. B. formed by a so-called "gooseneck" be, so a flexible, but semi-stiff arm of spiral Coiled metal hose, with one end to the mounting clamp and the other end is attached to the camera base.

alternative may comprise the connecting means of a hinge assembly at least one joint (eg pivot joint (s), ball joint (s) etc.) is formed be, where for the adjustability of the position of the camera base and thus of the camera the one or more joints may be designed to be stiff or by suitable means (eg clamping screws) in by the user can be locked (eg, by form or Friction).

In an embodiment the connecting device comprises a support arm which is connected to a first End is pivotally hinged to the mounting clamp and with a second end is attached to the camera base. In the simplest Case, the second end of the support arm is firmly attached to the camera base. Alternatively, however, this connection can also be used as a pivotable linkage be provided, in which case the at least two pivot axes the Tragarmanlenkungen preferably non-parallel, more preferably are provided orthogonal to each other.

In a particularly simple embodiment is the first end of the arm over a pivot axis joint (which, for example, provides exactly one pivot axis) hinged to the mounting clamp. Are conceivable at this point However, joints with multiple degrees of freedom, z. B. a ball joint. The same applies to a possibly provided articulated connection between the second Tragarmende and the camera base.

If the first arm end over a pivot axis joint is hinged to the mounting clamp, so goes the pivot axis of the pivot axis joint at the shaft portion fixed Fixing clamp preferably orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion. This can be z. B. in a simple way with a special mounting clamp a manner already described above be accomplished, namely a Fixing clamp with a collar portion, by means of which the circumference of the shaft portion is largely umgreifbar and at which two cuff tabs join at both ends. In this Case can z. B. the first Tragarmende as a flat flap (eg., Plastic or metal) is formed and disposed between the cuff tabs be, with a this flap arrangement passing through clamping screw then can have a dual function, namely on the one hand to Bewerkstelligen the sleeve clamp and on the other hand to lock the pivoting position of the support arm (which then at the same time between the cuff tabs is trapped). The second Tragarmende can z. B. firmly on the Be screwed camera base, for example, directly to a socket below a serving as a platform camera storage, the in turn screwed to this shelf.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the above object is achieved by a commodity according to claim 14, wherein instead of the mounting clamp a fixed, but with respect to the position of the camera base adjustable connection of Kameraba sis is provided. With regard to the design of the camera base and its adjustability (for example, by a joint arrangement), the design options already described above can be used advantageously.

The Invention will now be described with reference to embodiments with reference on the attached Drawings further described. They show:

1 a perspective view of a device for positioning a camera,

2 a top view of the device,

3 a side view of the device,

4 a perspective view of the device including the camera positioned, and

5 a ridge with device arranged thereon for positioning a camera.

The 1 to 4 illustrate a camera positioning device 10 for positioning a camera 12 (please refer 4 ) on a (dashed lines in the figures drawn) elongated shaft portion 14 z. B. a hiking, mountain or ski pole.

The device comprises one on the shaft portion 14 Clampable mounting clamp 16 , one to take the camera 12 trained camera base 18 and the camera base 18 with the mounting clamp 16 connecting arm 20 that with his ends 22 and 24 so at the terminal 16 or the base 18 Tethered is that the location of the base 18 concerning the clamp 16 can be adjusted by a user.

In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 16 as a clamping collar with a collar portion 26 and adjoining cuff tabs 28 and 30 educated.

In the situation shown in the figures, the part-cylindrical inner surface of the sleeve portion is located 26 over a majority of the (here cylindrical) circumference of the shaft portion 14 flat on this (here, for example, about 330 °).

In the example shown, the sleeve section 26 and the cuff rags 28 . 30 manufactured in one piece as a molded part from a somewhat flexible plastic which has a certain elasticity (eg thermoplastic material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.).

Between the two ends on the cuff section 26 adjoining cuff tabs 28 and 30 is the terminal end 22 of the support arm 20 inserted and by clamping by means of a manually operable clamping screw 32 secured.

The clamping screw 32 has a knurled screw head 34 a diameter of about 1.5 cm and passes through coaxially arranged holes of the two cuff tabs 28 . 30 and the end of the bracket 22 , Into the bore of the cuff flap 28 , that of the screw head 34 opposite cuff tab, as shown a hex nut incorporated, so that by operating the screw head 34 the two cuff flaps 28 and 30 under entrapment of Tragarmendes 22 can be pressed against each other. This is the one hand, the determination of the terminal 16 on the shaft section 14 and on the other hand, the locking of the support arm 20 accomplished in a desired pivot position, wherein the screw axis a pivot axis 36 for the support arm 20 Are defined.

The described arrangement thus forms a simple, lockable by frictional pivot axis joint, by means of which the Tragarmende 22 around the pivot axis 36 pivotable on the clamp 16 is articulated. When the shaft section 14 vertically, it is z. B. a shaft portion 14 is a vertically inserted into the ground walking stick, so the pivot axis runs 36 this pivot axis joint in a horizontal direction.

In the example shown, the kamerabasisseitige Tragarmende 24 immovable at the bottom of the base 18 tethered. As in 3 This end is apparent 24 by means of a screw 38 on a generally cuboidal base 40 bolted in turn by means of two screws 42 at the base 18 screwed on.

The base 18 is as a camera platform with a flat top 44 to turn off the camera 12 educated. Advantageously, the camera 12 also at the base 18 be fixed, for what the base 18 with a camera mounting screw 46 equipped, which is up from the base 18 outstanding and rotatable in the base 18 is integrated, so that by operating a knurled screw head 48 (Diameter about 1.5 cm) from below into a designated hole for the camera 12 screw in.

In the example shown is the camera mounting screw 46 below the camera platform in engagement with an internally threaded locking wheel 50 , By means of this locking wheel 50 can the camera 12 with the screwed in camera fixing screw 46 against the top 44 the base 18 pulled and thus locked.

In general, by means of the device 10 , with the aid of a utility object, the elongated shaft portion as the illustrated shaft portion 14 has to be made in a simple manner in particular blur-free photos, z. Using the self-timer function of the camera 12 ,

If it is in the commodity z. B. is a stick that can be inserted or rammed into the ground, it results in it mounted device 10 advantageous a tripod function. After making one or more shots, the device 10 readily remain on the stock shaft. Optionally, the support arm 20 including camera base 18 be folded down to the stock shaft, if the device 10 In the folded down pivot position, the use of the pole is less obstructed by the user.

For disassembly of the device 10 is the clamping screw 32 completely unscrew, whereupon the clamp 16 detached from the remaining device parts and from the shaft portion 12 can be deducted. The two cuff tabs 28 . 30 can be at least as far pushed apart because of the elasticity of the plastic material used that the terminal 16 of shaft section 14 is released (see dashed line in 2 ). The device 10 can in the reverse procedure then z. B. be arranged on another utility item and clamped again. The bore diameter of the illustrated clamp 16 is about 18 mm. This corresponds to the outer diameter of common hiking and ski poles.

Also, in the example described by loosening the clamping screw 32 the mounting clamp 16 (Cuff 26 ) are adjusted in height.

If the bore diameter for a certain shaft section is too large and thus no sufficient clamping effect allows, so z. B. a bendable and at one point of its circumference interrupted adapter ring used between shaft portion and sleeve inner surface become. For example, a set consisting of a camera positioning device the type described and several adapter rings different Ring inner diameter can be provided.

Apart from this use of the device 10 for positioning a camera with the aid of a commodity, the device 10 Advantageously, as a separate accessory or accessory set (with adapter rings) for utensils, especially walking sticks, hiking poles, mountain poles, ski poles or the like, are sold.

Finally, can be beneficial already with a camera positioning device of the type described equipped utensils to be provided.

An example of this, namely one with the device 10 already provided mountain loft 60 is in 5 dargstellt. The Storey 60 has one between a stick handle 62 and a stick top 64 arranged stock shaft 66 (optionally telescopic), in the upper end of the device 10 already mounted.

Deviating from in 5 illustrated embodiment, it would also be possible, the articulated (here: simply pivotable) connection of the support arm 20 the device 10 otherwise than with the described mounting clamp 16 to realize. For example, this could be a fixed, in particular insoluble with the stock 66 connected or in the stock 66 integrated joint means may be provided which perform the function of with respect to 1 to 4 described pivot axis joint met.

Claims (15)

Device for positioning a camera ( 12 ) on an elongated shaft portion ( 14 ) of a commodity ( 60 ), comprising one on the shaft portion ( 14 ) fixable mounting clamp ( 16 ), one to take the camera ( 12 ) trained camera base ( 18 ) and a camera base ( 18 ) with the mounting clamp ( 16 ) and a relative adjustment of the position of the camera base ( 18 ) with respect to the mounting clamp ( 16 ) connecting device ( 32 . 20 . 40 ). Device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening clip ( 16 ) is formed as a clamping sleeve. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening clip ( 16 ) a manually operable clamping screw ( 32 ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening clip ( 16 ) a sleeve portion ( 26 ), by means of which the circumference of the shaft portion ( 14 ) is largely umgreifbar and at which both ends of two cuff tabs ( 28 . 30 ) to which the connection device ( 32 . 20 . 40 ) is attached. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera base ( 18 ) is designed as a camera platform on which the camera ( 12 ) can be turned off. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera base ( 18 ) with a fastening element ( 46 ) for fixing the camera ( 12 ) on the camera base ( 18 ) Is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting device ( 32 . 20 . 40 ) a support arm ( 20 ) having a first end ( 22 ) on the mounting clamp ( 16 ) is articulated pivotably and with a second end ( 24 ) on the camera base ( 18 ) is attached. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first support arm end ( 22 ) via a pivot axis joint ( 28 . 30 . 32 ) on the mounting clamp ( 16 ) is articulated. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a pivot axis ( 36 ) of the pivot axis joint ( 28 . 30 . 32 ) at the shank portion ( 14 ) fixed mounting clamp ( 16 ) substantially orthogonal to the shank portion ( 14 ) runs. Method for positioning a camera ( 12 ), characterized in that a device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9 on an elongate shaft portion ( 14 ) of a commodity ( 60 ) is arranged by the mounting clamp ( 16 ) on the shank portion ( 14 ), possibly the location of the camera base ( 18 ) with respect to the mounting clamp ( 16 ) and the camera ( 12 ) on the camera base ( 18 ) is arranged. Use of a device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9 as a separate accessory for a commodity ( 60 ), in particular a walking stick, walking stick, mountain stick, ski pole or the like. Use of a device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9 for positioning a camera ( 12 ) with the aid of a commodity ( 60 ), which has an elongate shank portion ( 14 ), in particular a walking stick, walking stick, mountain stick, ski pole or the like. Utility article comprising a device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, which by means of the fastening clip ( 16 ) on an elongated shaft portion ( 14 ) of the commodity ( 60 ) is fixed or fixed. Utility article comprising a camera ( 12 ) trained camera base ( 18 ) and a camera base ( 18 ) with a section ( 66 ) of the commodity ( 60 ) and a relative adjustment of the position of the camera base ( 18 ) with regard to the section ( 66 ) of the commodity ( 60 ) connecting device ( 20 ). A commodity article according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the article of daily use ( 60 ) is a walking stick, walking stick, mountain stick or ski pole.

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