IES980533A2 - Mounting device for a camera - Google Patents

Abstract

A mounting device (10) for a camera (11) includes a ball-and-socket joint (16,17). The socket (17) is mounted on a bracket (not shown) to a wall and a stem (15) leads from the ball (16) to the housing of the camera (11). For increased security, the camera power supply and video signal cables are concealed within the stem (15) and the ball-and-socket joint (16,17) to hinder unauthorised interference. In preferred embodiments, the camera housing is fitted with a sun screen for improved picture quality. <Figure 1>

Description

Mounting device for a camera Technical Field This invention relates to a mounting device for a camera, in particular for a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera.

Background Art CCTV cameras are generally held in a frame or housing which is bolted to a wall or ceiling by means of a bracket or a similar arrangement. Such a mounting may be restrictive as regards the freedom of movement of the camera in that it may not be possible to point the camera in different directions. Furthermore, such mountings may be unsightly and obtrusive.

In outdoor applications the cable leading from the camera will be subject to weathering, and if moisture penetrates the camera housing at the point where the cable enters the camera, corrosion problems can occur.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative mounting for a camera which provides improved freedom of movement and adjustability while also being more pleasant in appearance. It is a further object of the invention to provide a cost-effective camera mounting device which provides improved protection from the elements in outdoor applications .

Disclosure of the Invention The invention comprises a mounting device for a camera comprising a ball-and-socket joint including a ball member and a socket member, means for mounting a camera on one of said joint members, and means for mounting the other of said.joint members to a surface, whereby the camera mounting means is freely pivotable relative to a surface on which the device is mounted.

Preferably, the ball-and-socket joint is provided with a conduit adapted to carry a cable in concealed manner from the camera to the surface on which the device is mounted.

It will be appreciated that the use of a ball-and-socket joint enables any cables from the camera to be concealed from the weather, reducing the problems of weathering and corrosion. Additionally, such cables are concealed from view making the appearance of the device neater and reducing possibilities for tampering or vandalism.

Brief description of Drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective wireframe view of a first embodiment of a mounting device for a camera; Fig. 2 is a perspective wireframe view of a second embodiment of a mounting device for a camera,· and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the camera shown in Fig. 2 before the mounting device is fitted.

Description of Preferred Embodiments In Fig. 1 there is indicated, generally at 10, a mounting device for a CCTV camera housing 11 having a front face 12 provided with a lens 13.

At the rear face 14 of the camera housing 11, there is provided a stem 15 connected to a ball 16. Ball 16 is pivotally mounted in a socket 17. For clarity, a bracket for mounting socket 17 to a surface has not been shown, but it is to be understood that the socket can be mounted to a surface by any conventional mounting means. For example, socket 17 could be provided with a flat bracket having holes for bolts or screws, whereby the socket would be. mountable on a wall or ceiling. Alternatively, the socket 17 could be provided with an angle bracket adapted to be mounted in the corner of a wall. Such a bracket can be moulded integrally with the socket or the bracket can be provided with means for mating with the socket. The skilled person will be aware of numerous alternative methods of mounting a socket to a surface.

The cable carrying the camera power supply and the video signal from the camera is not visible as it is .carried from the rear face 14 within stem 15 and ball 16 to emerge from the rear of socket 17. A slot is provided in ball 16 to allow the cable to emerge therefrom, and a further slot is provided at the rear of socket 17 to allow the cable to be buried in the wall, ceiling or other surface on which the camera is to be mounted.

Device 10 can be integral to the camera housing 11 or can be supplied separately apd fitted to a conventional camera.

The use of a ball and socket joint allows the camera to be pivoted in any direction relative to the wall, and even allows the camera to be rotated about the axis of the stem 15, if for example it is desired to view pictures whose major axis is vertical as opposed to horizontal.

In Fig. 2 there is indicated, generally at 20, a second embodiment of a mounting device according to the invention which differs from device 10 only in the details of the camera housing 21 which is provided with a sun-shield 22 to improve picture quality in outdoor locations. In Fig. 3, the camera housing 21 and sunshield 22 are shown from a different prespective for clarity.

As with device 10, the camera housing 21 is connected to a ball-and-socket joint, indicated generally at 23, which can be mounted to a support surface by any conventional means, and which carries the camera cable in concealed manner.