GB2317240A - Flexible mount for photographic or optical equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

A flexible mount 2 for photographic or optical equipment has an intermediate flexible connector 8 between two connectors 4,6, one of which 4 is removably attached to the equipment and the other of which 6 is attached to a support structure, such as a tripod or monopod. The intermediate connector may be a flexible pad. The mount 2 may include a helical spring 10 within the pad 8. Several individual mounts, each given different flexibility ratings by the selection of different elastomers for manufacture, may form a set of mounts.

Description

MOUNT FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT The present invention relates to a mount for photographic or optical equipment having particular, but not exclusive, application to a still or video camera used to shoot over a wide range of different angles.

Mounting arrangements are known for still and video cameras which permit the operator to rotate the camera in at least one, and often two, rotational directions. The known apparatus typically comprises intricate arrangements of telescopic hydraulic arms which need to be carefully adjusted to provide the requisite combination of flexibility and support.

However, such arrangements are bulky and expensive, for example a flexible mounting apparatus for a professional portable video camera costs in the region of 2,000 (US$3,000). Such equipment is beyond the means of the majority of photographers. In addition, they are impractical for use with still cameras.

It is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus for mounting photographic equipment or optical equipment such as telescopes which overcomes the drawbacks identified above.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mount for stably supporting photographic or optical equipment on a support structure, comprising first connector means for removably attaching the mount to an article of photographic or optical equipment, second connector means for attachment to a support structure and an intermediate flexible member for securely connecting the first and second connector means together.

The mount is particularly suitable for mounting photographic equipment.

The flexible member may comprise a spring, for example, a helical spring but preferably comprises a flexible pad.

The pad is preferably formed from an elastomeric material.

The second connector means may comprise a fitting for attachment to a tripod or monopod but may comprise a base, for example, for placement on a flat surface. The first connector means may comprise a male screw thread to define a standard fitting for photographic equipment.

In a preferred embodiment, for added security, the first and second connector means are joined internally of the pad by a flexible joining means. The flexible joining means may comprise a helical spring or universal joint.

In order to ensure reliable attachment between the pad and the first and second connector means, the first and second connector means each preferably comprise a perforated element, through which the pad may be moulded.

To assist consumer confidence, at least part of the pad may be formed from a transparent or translucent elastomer, so that the attachment between the pad and the first and second connector means may be seen. The same refinement may be applied to enable the flexible joining means to be observed.

According to the invention a compromise is available between ease of rotation and stiffness of the support provided. A relatively soft elastomer may be used for the pad, or a relatively narrow neck may be provided therein in order to permit a wider, and more readily attained, freedom of movement for the user of the article. In the case of photographic equipment, this manifests as an enhanced field of view. However, if a heavy piece of equipment is used, particularly a long telephoto lens on a single lens reflex camera, such an embodiment may be found to "sag" Providing a stiffer elastomer compound, a more squat pad or providing a stiffer joining means therewithin will overcome these problems, requiring a trade-off that the mount will have a reduced field of adjustment and/or a requirement for greater exertion on the part of the user.

Accordingly, the present invention further relates to a range of mounts in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The range comprising different mounts having different degrees of flexibility in the respective pads. Furthermore, the invention relates to a support system for an article, the said support system comprising a support structure and said range of mounts. This aspect of the invention further comprises a tripod or monopod incorporating one or more mounts in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Alternatively, a compensation means may be provided which gives additional support in one or more given directions to compensate for an eccentric load such as a telephoto lens. Such compensation measn may comprise a compression spring located substantially in the same direction as the eccentric load or a tension spring substantially in the opposite direction from the eccentric load.

In addition, the mount in accordance with the invention may be provided with means for fixing the photographic or optical equipment in one, or a number of different positions. To fix the mount in one 'landscape' position, for example, an internal or external brace may be provided to lock the flexible member. In the case of a mount including a pad this could comprise an internal pin or an external collar arranged between the first and second connecting means. This is of particular importance where a tripod or monopod is provided integral with such a mount because the normal, rigid behaviour of such equipment is then easily provided in addition to the flexible behaviour.

Means may be provided in addition or alternatively to provide rigid fixture of the mount in a number of different positions. One such means could comprise a cord threaded between apertures in plates forming part of the first and second connection means respectively. The cord may be locked to either or both plates to prevent movement of the first and second connecting means relative to one another. Alternatively, an arm may be provided which is connected between the connecting means and can be clamped to provide a fixed distance between corresponding points on their circumferences. The arm and the clamp are preferably connected to the first and second connecting means via bearings so that the arm can be clamped at a desired point on the circumference of the mount without requiring cumbersome adjustment.

Despite much improved resistance thereto in modern elastomeric compounds, there is still a risk that the elastomer will perish. It is in order to address this risk (more perceived than actual) which the internal spring discussed above is aimed. An alternative or additional means of addressing this problem, is to provide pad with a waisted section. As the pad is expanded on one side and contracted on the other to allow movement of the photographic equipment, the actual expansion of the outside of the bend is reduced because it had a greater effective length between the first and second connector means than a non-waisted rubber portion.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a photographic or optical equipment comprising a body, a flexible member attached to the body and further attached to connector means for attachment to a support structure, the flexible member securely connecting the equipment and the connector means together.

Further preferred features of the invention are set out in the appended claims.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the invention; Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are cross-sectional, underneath and plan views, respectively, of a first connector part of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are, respectively, cross-sectional, underneath and plan views of a second connecting portion of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1, but showing the mount in a flexed condition; Figure 5 is a side view of a second embodiment of the invention; Figures 6A to 6C are a side view, a plan view and an underneath view, respectively, of a first connecting part of the second embodiment; Figures 7A to 7C are a side view, an underneath view and a plan view, respectively, of a second connecting part of the second embodiment; Figures 8A to 8C show third to fifth embodiments of the invention; Figure 9 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention, Figures 10A to 10C show an embodiment of the invention which may be locked in a single landscape position, Figures 1 1A to 1 1C show an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the mount may be locked in a single landscape position, Figures 12A to 12C show a variation on the embodiment shown in Figure 10, Figures 13A to 13C show a variation on the embodiment shown in Figure 11, Figures 14A and 14B show a further variation on the embodiment shown in Figure 10, Figures 15A and 1 SB show a further variation on the embodiment shown in Figure 11, Figures 16A to 16E show a further embodiment of the invention which provides a mount which can be locked in a plurality of different positions, Figures 1 7A to 17E show a different embodiment of the invention which provides a mount which can be locked in a plurality of different positions, Figures 18A to 1 SC show a video recorder in accordance with another aspect of the invention, and Figure 19A to 19D show a mount in accordance with the invention which incorporates compensation means for eccentric loads.

A first embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 1 to 4, will now be described.

Figure 1 shows a mount 2 which comprises a first connector part 4, a second connector part 6, a pad 8 and a helical spring 10. Each of these components will now be described in turn.

The first connector part 4 is shown in detail in Figures 2A-2C. Reference to these figures will show that the connector part 4 comprises a radial flange 41, extending about a hub 42. In a first direction, which faces the second connector part 6 when the device is assembled, the hub 42 extends axially to define a spring seat 43, which has a generally circular section and a chamfered edge 44. The hub also extends axially in the opposite direction to define a screw thread 45.

The flange 41 is generally circular when viewed in plan, as can be seen clearly in Figures 2B and 2C. The flange 41 comprises three apertures 46, which are spaced equidistantly about the circumference of a virtual circle which is situated coaxially with the hub and has a radius situated roughly mid-way between those of the hub 42 and the flange 41.

Upon reference to Figure 2A, it will be seen that each aperture 46 comprises first, second and third aperture portions 46a, 46b, 46c arranged consecutively in the axial direction, so as to communicate directly with each other. The first aperture portion 46a has an axial length which is approximately twice that of each of the second and third aperture portions 46b and 46c. In cross-section, the second, intermediate, axial portion 46b has a radial dimension which is somewhat smaller than either of the other two aperture portions. This aperture portion therefore defines a neck. Of the other two aperture portions, the third aperture portion 46c has a greater radial dimension than the first aperture portion 46a. These two aperture portions are mutually eccentric in crosssection.

Each of the apertures 46 have the same configuration.

The flange 41 is provided with a chamfered edge 47, which faces away from the centre of the article, once assembled.

The second connector portion 6 is shown in Figures 3A-3C.

Referring to Figure 3A, it will be seen that the second connector portion 6 comprises a radial flange 61 extending about a hub 62. The hub 62 extends in a first axial direction which extends into the article once assembled, to define a protrusion 63. The protrusion 63 acts as a spring seat and is provided with a chamfered edge 64. A tapped blind bore 65 extends axially within the hub 62 and the protrusion 63 from a surface 67 of the second connector portion 6, which is situated on the outside, when the mount is assembled.

As can be seen clearly in Figures 3C and 3B, the flange 61 is provided with a series of apertures 66, situated equidistantly upon the circumference of a virtual circle which is located coaxially with the hub 62 and has a radius situated between that of the hub and the flange 61.

As can be seen from Figure 3A, each of the apertures 66 is formed from three aperture portions 66a-66c. Aperture portion 66a has an axial length which is approximately twice that of each of the second and third axial portions 66b and 66c. In cross-section, the second, intermediate axial portion 66b has a radial dimension somewhat smaller than that of both the first aperture portion 66a and the second aperture portion 66c.

This portion, therefore, constitutes a neck within the aperture 66. The first aperture portion 66a has a radial dimension slightly larger than that of the third aperture portion 66c. The three aperture portions are mutually eccentric in cross-section.

The helical spring 10 is of any suitable type. Its desired characteristics will be appreciated upon reference to the following description.

The pad 8 is, in this embodiment, formed from a translucent elastomeric silicone compound. The translucence is provided in order to enable the connections between all of the components (and the existence of the helical spring 10) to be clearly seen by a user. However, this translucence is not necessary for the function of the device and, therefore, an opaque material may be used for the pad 8, if preferred.

To assemble the mount, a first end of the spring 10 is fitted over the spring seat 43 provided on the first connector 4 and the opposite end of the spring is fitted over the spring seat 63 provided on the second connector portion 6. The location and fitting of the spring during this procedure is assisted by the provision of the chamfered edges 44 and 64. Once these three components are assembled together, the whole structure is inserted into a mould and the molten elastomeric material which is used to form the pad 8 is introduced into the mould. At this stage, the mould can flow freely in and around the spring, so as to totally encapsulate it. In addition, the melt can flow through the apertures 46 and 66.

Once the molten elastomer cools and solidifies, the structure is held securely together.

This is largely a consequence of the shape of the apertures 46, 66 described above.

Because the apertures each comprise a neck, plugs of material accumulated in the third aperture portions 46c and 66c cannot pass through the apertures 46 and 66, thus resisting the axial separation of the first and second connector portions 4 and 6, so as to hold the device securely together in the axial direction. Furthermore, the elastomer 8 completely surrounds and penetrates the spring 10, thereby completely resisting any displacement of the spring 10 within the pad 8.

Prior to the moulding stage, the assembled spring 10 and connector portions 4, 6 may be sprayed with a bonding agent which securely bonds the elastomer to the components during moulding. This forms a very powerful bond. Because this bond acts at an infinite number of points along the full length of the spring and the opposed faces of the connector portions 4, 6, the connectors 4, 6 will not separate catastrophically in the event that the elastomer deteriorates and splits.

As an alternative to the spring, a universal joint may be used to provide additional stability. Indeed an alternative construction of the present invention provides a spring or universal joint connected between two connecting means and surrounded by a sleeve of rubber or elastomer.

To use the mount, the screw thread 45 is screwed into the mounting socket of a camera or the like. The screw thread provided on a tripod or monopod is screwed into the bore 65. The camera is thus mounted on the tripod or monopod via the mount 2. Due to the inherent flexibility of the pad 8 and spring 10, the orientation of the camera relative to the tripod or monopod may be adjusted. Due to the resilience of these components, the camera is still supported. Obviously, the relative flexibility of the structure will determine the ease with which the camera can be manoeuvred and the support provided by the mount.

While a mount having a pad of substantially equal size and shape at the interface between the first and the second connector means has been described it will be understood that this need not necessarily be the case. If a base, for example a tripod, having a large mounting area were to be used to support a relatively small camera then a tapered pad might be more appropriate. If a pad having consistently large cross sectional dimensions were to be used it could interfere with the operation of the camera.

The shape of the pad cross section need not be constant and indeed could vary over the length of the pad.

Figures 5 to 7C show a second embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is generally similar in principle to the first embodiment. Wherever possible, common features are identified by the same reference numerals.

The primary differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment are found in the means by which the components of the mount are connected together. First, the spring is attached to the spring seats 43 and 63 by welding. Second, the flanges 61 and 41 do not comprise apertures for accommodating the elastomeric material. Instead, subsidiary flanges 61a and 41a are provided on the hubs 62 and 42 respectively. These flanges are generally circular in plan and coaxial with their respective hubs. Although the subsidiary flanges 41a and 61a are, by virtue of their separation from the primary flanges 61 and 41, totally encapsulated by the elastomeric material, they are still provided with apertures 66 and 46 respectively. This is to anchor the flanges 61a and 41 a within the elastomeric material more securely. It should be noted that eight apertures are provided on each flange in this embodiment.

Alternatives to welding the spring to the spring seats 43 and 63 will be evident to the skilled person. The spring could, for example, be hooked onto suitable constructions, for example eyelets,attached to or provided on the spring seats. As a further alternative, by arranging for the spring and/or the spring seats to be treated with bond agent prior to the moulding of the pad. The connection between the spring and the spring seats in then effected when the moulding is carried out.

As explained above, the relative flexibility of the mount will not only affect the manoeuvrability of the camera relative to the tripod or monopod, but also the support that the mount provides. A pad 8 that is relatively flexible, so as to provide relatively easy manipulation will provide a less steady support than a stiffer pad which is more difficult to manipulate. Consequently, at the manufacturing stage the flexibility of the mount needs to be carefully considered. The flexibility can, of course, be determined by selection of an appropriate elastomer. Furthermore, the spring characteristic of the spring can be chosen in order to exercise a certain degree of control. Alternatively, the dimensions of the pad 8 can simply be altered. Figures 8A and 8B show two different sized devices that will offer respectively different characteristics if made from the same elastomer. Figure 8C shows another embodiment, which utilizes a relatively small pad, such as shown in Figure A, with the connector portions of the embodiment of Figure 8B. From this, it will be seen that it is not necessary to provide different sized connector portions for mounts having different flexibility ratings.

As an alternative, a mount can be stiffened by the provision of an auxiliary ring 50.

Such a mount is shown in Figure 9. It will be readily apparent that such a ring resists flexion of the pad and, therefore, provides a relatively simple method of controlling the mount. This method has the advantage of providing a certain degree of adjustability.

That is to say, the ring 50 could be removable. If desired, a series of rings of different thicknesses can be provided and an appropriate ring selected by the user. Of course the stiffeners do not need to be ring-shaped. Any shape which affects lateral movement can be employed.

Figures 10A to 10C show schematic views of a mount which can be fixed, when required, in a rigid, landscape position. This is of particular importance when the mount is attached to, or incorporated into, a tripod or monopod. Normal rigid operation can then be readily obtained in addition to flexible operation. In the figures a mount 100 comprises a first 102 and a second 103 connecting means and an elastomeric pad 104 incorporating a spring which operates as previously described. However the means 102 is provided with a blind bore 108 and the means 104 is provided with a through-bore 107 ofthe same diameter. The elastomer 104 is also provided with a through bore which links the bores in the connecting means. The diameter of the through bore may be substantially equal to the diameter of the bores in the means 102, 103. Making the diameter of the bore through the pad slightly smaller however will provide additional retention of the rod in use. In addition a rod 105 is provided which is a snug fit within the bores of the connecting means.

The manner of operation can be seen in the figures 10B and 10C. In Figure 10B the rod 105 is inserted through the connecting means 103 and partially into the bore in the pad 104. This will provide some reduction in the freedom of movement of the pad and may be used to provide a progressive adjustment of the stiffness of the pad in order to compensate for heavy or unevenly-loaded equpment as discussed previously. When the rod 105 is fully inserted as shown in Figure 10C, the snug fit of the rod within the bores 107, 108 effectively locks the connectors together giving a rigid mount. The rod may be spring-loaded in such a way that it is normally urged into the position shown in Fgure 10C. A lever may be provided to enable an operator to extract the rod by the desired amount. The rod, or shaft 105 can be retracted or inserted, for example, by rotation of the shaft relative to the mount. Alternatively, a bayonet action, a snap fit or an O-ring fit could be employed.

One particularly useful type of stiffener takes the form of a cylindrical collar, which slides between a raised and lowered position. In the raised condition, the collar surrounds the pad and holds it in position. In the lowered condition, the pad is free to be moved. The collar may be spring-loaded in such a way that it is normally urged into the raised condition. The collar arrangement can be configured in such a way as to be capable of holding the pad in more than one rigid position.

Such a collar is shown in Figures 11A to 1 1C which are analogous, in terms of operation, to Figures 1 0A to 10C respectively. Details which are not pertinent to this embodiment of the invention, such as an internal spring (when present) have been omitted for reasons of clarity. A mount 110 comprises a first connecting means 112 and a second connecting means 113 connected together by an elastomeric pad 114. A collar 115 has an internal diameter substantially equal to the external diameter of the means 112 and 113. Figure 1 1B shows the collar 115 partially applied to the mount and Figure 1 1C shows the mount fully applied. The degree of application may be used to vary the amount of stiffness provided by the mount and the fully applied collar provides a rigid mount. By providing appropriate threads to the outer circumferences of the first and second connectors and the inner circumference of the collar the adjustment may be effected by twisting the collar relative to the mount. Alternatively a bayonet action or a snap fit may be provided.

Figures 12 and 13 respectively show the embodiments of Figures 10 and 11 relative to the base of a camera or other equipment with which the mount may be used. In Figure 1 2A the rod 105 is shown connected to the base of a camera 109. In the fully retracted position shown in Figure 12A, the full flexibility of the mount 100 is provided. As the rod 105 is inserted progressively further into the mount 100 (Figure 12B) the degree of flexibility is reduced until the rod is fully inserted (Figure 12C) and the mount is locked rigid. The insertion may conveniently be effected by providing the rod and at least one connecting means with cooperating screw threads. In addition, a rotatable joint (not shown) may be provided between the rod 105 and the camera 109 so that the orientation of the camera relative to the mount can be independent of the degree of flexibility required.

Figure 13 shows an analogous mounting of the collar 115 to the base of a camera or piece of optical equipment 119. Screw threads may be applied to the collar and at least one of the connecting means (the uppermost one in the figure) to permit adjustment of flexibility by way of relative rotation. Again, the collar may be connected to the camera by way of a rotatable joint (not shown).

The present invention further provides a tripod or monopod which includes a mount according to the invention. The mounts described with reference to Figures 10 and 11 may be combined with a camera support as shown in Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14A shows a mount substantially as shown in Figure 10B wherein the connecting meansl03 is attached to a camera support 101. The camera support 101 is provided with an aperture through which the rod 105 can pass to provide the adjustment of the flexibility of the mount. Figure 14B shows the mount with the rod 105 in the rigid position.

Figures 15A and 15B show a mount substantially as shown in figure 11 similarly incorporated with a support 111. A camera support 111 is attached to the connecting means 111 and the collar 115 is moved relative to the mount to provide the required degree of stiffness. Figure 15B shows the collar in the rigid, 'landscape' position. In this position the support, be it a tripod or whatever, may be used in the conventional manner with conventional universal joints, quick release mechanisms and so on as are known in the art.

Further advantages are provided by the embodiments shown in Figures 1 6A to 1 6E and 17A to 17 E which provide a mount having means for fixing the mount in a number of rigid positions. In Figure 16A a mount 130 is provided with a pair of plates 136, 138 and a cord 132. The plate 136 is attached to the first connection means and the plate 138 is attached to the second connection means. Each plate includes four holes and the cord 132 connects these plates in a continuous loop. Figure 16C shows the arrangement of the cord more clearly by omitting the main body of the mount. The plates 136 and 138 may be formed integrally with the first and second connection means. The cord is arranged to form a tight frictional fit around the plates but not so tight that the mount cannot be deformed as required to provide flexibilty. Figure 16B shows an elevational view similar to that of Figure 1 6A but in which the mount has been rotated about it vertical axis by aproximately 45" In order to lock the mount in a desired position, both of the plates may be provided with a locking plate 137 as shown in Figure 16E. Figure 16D shows a plan view of the plate 136 having unobstructed holes for the cord. The locking plate 137 is provided immediately beneath the plate 136 and has an identical arrangement of holes. The plate 137 is also rotatable about its centre relative to the plate 136. In order to lock the mount in a particular position, the plate 137 is rotated slightly in this manner to effectively reduce the size of the holes as shown in Figure 16E. The cord cannot now move and the position of the mount is fixed until the locking plate is released. By locking the cord at only one plate a degree of movement of the mount is retained, for example pan or tilt.

By locking both plates, the mount will be fully locked. Any desired position of the mount can thus be fixed for any desired length of time. Releasing the mount from the fixed position is accomplished easiliy by a small rotation of only two components. In an alternative embodiment, the plate 137 may be provided with fewer holes than the plate 136 so as to lock the cord at only one or more points. In addition, the number of holes provided in the plates 136, 138 may be altered as required. A minimum of two holes per plate are required with increased stability being provided by increased numbers of holes.

An alternative technique for providing this locking capability is shown in Figures 1 7A to 17E. A mount 150 is provided with a rotatable ring 156 and a rotatable ring 158 mounted to the first and second connection means respectively. The ring 156 is connected to an arm 160 by means of a hinged joint 162. The arm 160 passes through a hole 164 in the ring 158 which hole is provided with any suitable clamping means (not shown) for clamping the arm to the ring. Figure 17C shows the mount in a pa additional stability, the hinge 162 may be provided with locking capability and the rotation of the rings 156 and 158 may also be provided with locking capability. Figure 16D shows a schematic plan view of the ring 156 and Figure 17E shows a schematic plan view of the ring 158.

Alternatively, a series of mounts can be provided in the form of a set. Each of these can comprise a pad formed from a different elastomer, so as to provide a different degree of flexibility. For ease of use, these could be colour-coded, for example.

Figures 18A to 18C show a piece of photographic or optical equipment, in this case a video camera, according to another aspect of the invention. A camcorder 200 is provided with a mount similar to that described previously which may be housed in a recess 202 in the camera body (Figure 18A). This provides either unobtrusive storage of the mount or a rigid connection to a tripod or other support 206. Figure 18B shows the mount 204 removed from the recess 202 and ready to provide flexible support for the camcorder. This removal may conveniently be accomplished by providing the recess 202 and the mount 204 with cooperating screw threads in the same manner as for the mount and collar described with reference to Figure 13. In this embodiment the recess 202 takes the place of the collar 115 (Figure 13A to 13C). Figure 18C shows the camcorder in use with the flexible mount 204. The refinements discussed previously are equally applicable to the piece of equipment in accordance with this aspect of the invention.

As discussed previously, in certain cases the mounting point on the body of a camera or piece of optical equipment is not positioned beneath the centre of balance. In particular, the addition of a long lens or battery to a single-lens-reflex camera can severely upset its balance. One means of compensating for this is to provide a stiffer flexible member as part of the mount in accordance with the invention. This can be done as previously described by way of harder material compounds, by way of additing partial bracing to the flexible member or by way of a variable rate spring within the mount. However, these techniques necessarily stiffen the mount, making the mount harder to move and reducing the flexibility of the equipment mounted thereon. To address this problem, an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 19A to 19D which includes an external compensator.

Figure 19A shows a mount 180 comprising an elastomeric pad 184 and rotatable rings 186 and 188 around the first and second connecting means respectively. These rings are similar to those described with reference to Figure 17 but instead of being connected by an arm they are connected by a tension spring, for example a portion of elastic material (or bungey) 190. In Figure 19A, the elastic material 190 is sufficiently slack to have little or no effect, in other words it is not under any appreciable tension. An imbalance is provided by an eccentric load such as a telephoto lens fitted to an SLR camera and consequently the mount 180 deforms. This fails to provide adequate support for the camera or other load. In Figure 19 B the elastic material 190 has been shortened and is now under sufficient tension to compensate for the Imbalance of the load. In the relaxed state the camera remains substantially horizontal and can be moved more easily by an operator seeking to pan and tilt the camera.

The behaviour of the mount 180 will thus be substantially the same as one of the previously described mounts with a perfectly or near-perectly balanced load. The rings 186 and 188 can be made rotatable about the connecting means to permit the compensation to be applied at the appropriate point on around the circumference of the mount. Any suitable means may be provided for clamping the elastic material at the appropriate length. Such means my, for example, comprise a cleat to be used by pulling on the elastic cord and clamping the cord when the required tension has been provided.

Alternatively a cord having a number of securing holes may be provided and the appropriate hole is selcted and then hooked over a hook or other suitable feature on the connector means.

As a first alternative to the embodiment described, a compression spring may be provided in an analogous manner between two rings but it must be positioned on the same side of the mount as the ecccentric load in operation. As a further alternative, two or more external compensators may be provided for the mount. Figures 1 9C and 1 9D provide plan views of the rings 186 and 186' suitable for providing external compensation at one and two points respectively. Figure 19C shows the ring 16 (or 188) for use in the single-point compensation embodiment shown in Figures 19A and 19B.

However, such a single point compensator can become less effective as the load is tilted from side to side with respect to the line of the material 190. In order to address this problem two (or more) compensators may be provided between pairs of rings having the requisite number of holes.Figure 19D shows such a ring 186' having two holes. A mount having two compensators by the use of such rings would be capable of providing increased stability as the load was moved from the centre line. In addition, the camera or other load would have an increased tendency to return accurately to a set position, for example the landscape position, when released by an operator.

The features of the invention described with reference to Figures 10 to 17 and 19 may be integrated with the mount or provided separately for subsequent addition, in other words as accesories.

Many further modifications and variations will suggest themselves to those versed in the art upon making reference to the foregoing embodiments of the invention, which are given by way of example only and which are not intended to limit the invention, the scope of which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims (51)

CLAIMS:

1. A mount for stably supporting photographic or optical equipment upon a support structure; comprising first connector means for removably attaching the mount to an article of photographic or optical equipment, second connector means for attachment to a support structure and an intermediate flexible member for securely connecting the first and second connector means together.

2. A mount according to Claim 1, wherein the first connector means is for removably attaching the mount to an article of photographic equipment.

3. A mount according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the mount allows the orientation of the article relative to the support structure to be adjusted.

4. A mount according to Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the flexible member comprises a flexible pad.

5. A mount according to Claim 4, wherein the pad is formed from an elastomeric material.

6. A mount according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the first and second connector means are joined internally of the pad by a flexible joining means.

7. A mount according to Claim 6, wherein the flexible joining means is a spring.

8. A mount according to Claim 6, wherein the flexible joining means is a helical spring.

9. A mount according to Claim 6, wherein the flexible joining means is a universal joint.

10. A mount according to any one of the Claims 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, wherein at least one of the connector means is provided with a perforated element and part of the pad is moulded through the or each perforation of the perforated element.

11. A mount according to any one of the Claims 4 to 10, wherein the pad is at least partially transparent or translucent.

12. A mount according to any one of the Claims 4 to 11, wherein the pad is provided with a neck.

13. A mount according to any one of the Claims 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, wherein the pad is provided with an external stiffening means.

14. A mount according to Claim 13, wherein the external stiffening means is a circumambient ring.

15. A mount according to Claim 13 or 14, wherein the external stiffening means is removable.

16. A mount according to Claim 15, comprising a plurality of the said stiffening means which are interchangeable and can be fitted to the pad individually or in combination.

17. A mount according to Claim 13, wherein the external stiffening means is in the form of a collar which surrounds the pad and holds it in a rigid position.

18. A mount according to Claim 17, in which the collar can be axially retracted to a position that allows the pad to be flexed.

19. A mount according to Claim 18, wherein the collar can be partially retracted to allow the pad to be partially flexed.

20. A mount according to Claim 18 or Claim 19, in which spring means are provided to resist the said retraction.

21 A mount according to Claim 18, Claim 19 or Claim 20, wherein the pad is attached to the first connector means via the retractable collar.

22. A mount according to any one of the Claims 4 to 12, wherein the pad is provided with an internal stiffening means.

23. A mount according to Claim 22, wherein the internal stiffening means comprises a retractable shaft.

24. A mount according to Claim 23, wherein the pad is attached to the first connector means via the retractable shaft.

25. A mount according to any preceding claim, wherein the first connector means comprises a male screw thread for affixation to an article of photographic equipment.

26. A mount according to any preceding claim wherein the said second connector means comprises a fitting for attachment to a tripod or monopod.

27. A mount according to any one of Claims 1 to 25, wherein the said second connector means comprises a base for placement on a flat surface.

28. A mount according to any one of Claims 1 to 25, wherein the said second connector means comprises a clamp.

29. A mount as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising compensation means for reducing the effect of eccentric loading of the mount.

30. A mount as claimed in Claim 29, wherein the compensation means comprises an elastic cord.

31. A mount as claimed in Claim 29, wherein the compensation means comprises a tension spring.

32. A mount as claimed in Claim 29, wherein the compensation means comprises a compression spring.

33. A mount as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising fixing means for fixing the mount in a plurality of positions.

34. A mount as claimed in Claim 33, wherein the fixing means comprises a cord coupled through at least two apertures in a plate forming part of the first connector means, through at least two apertures in a plate forming part of the second connector means and means for preventing the travel of the cord through the apertures.

35. A mount as claimed in Claim 33, wherein the fixing means comprises an arm connected to one of the first and second connector means and a releasable clamp for connecting the member to the other of the first and second connector means.

36. A mount as claimed in Claim 35, wherein the arm is connected to the one of the first and second connector means via a rotatable bearing and the releasable clamp is connected to the other of the first and second connector means via a rotatable bearing.

37. A mount substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4; or Figure 5 to 7C; or Figure 8A or 8B or 8C; or Figures 9 to 17 and 19 of the accompanying drawings.

38. A set of mounts, each mount according to any one of Claims 1 to 37, wherein the flexible member of each mount has a different respective degree of flexibility.

39. A set of mounts according to Claim 38, wherein each mount has a different visual appearance.

40. A set of mounts according to Claim 39, wherein the flexible member comprises a pad and the pad of each mount is a different colour.

41. A set of mounts substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4; or Figures 5 to 7C; or Figure 8A; or Figure 8B; or Figure 8C, or Figures 9 to 17 and 19 of the accompanying drawings.

42. A tripod comprising a mount according to any one of Claims 1 to 37.

43. A tripod comprising a set of mounts according to any one of Claims 38 to 41.

44. A monopod comprising a mount according to any one of Claims 1 to 37.

45. A monopod comprising a set of mounts according to any one of Claims 38 to 41.

46. A photographic or optical equipment, comprising a body, a flexible member attached to the body and further attached to connector means for attachment to a support structure, the flexible member securely connecting the equipment and the connector means together.

47. An equipment according to Claim 46, wherein the flexible member comprises a flexible pad.

48. An equipment according to Claim 47, wherein the flexible pad is formed from an elastomeric material.

49. An equipment according to Claim 47 or Claim 48, wherein the pad is provided with a stiffening means.

50. An equipment according to Claim 49, wherein the stiffening means comprises a recess in the body of the equipment.

51. A photographic or optical equipment substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 18 of the accompanying drawings.