GB2492539A

GB2492539A - Camera mounting plate

Info

Publication number: GB2492539A
Application number: GB201111144A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel James Lenihan
Original assignee: DANIEL LENIHAN
Current assignee: DANIEL LENIHAN
Priority date: 2011-06-30
Filing date: 2011-06-30
Publication date: 2013-01-09
Also published as: GB201111144D0

Abstract

A mounting plate, for a camera, comprises a planar base section having two elongate grooved dovetail guides which allow slidable engagement of the plate with a seat on a clamp or device such as a tripod. The planar base has a female threaded hole in which a screw or bolt is engaged. The bolt has further engagement means formed as a rotatable loop which may be attached to a carabina on a camera strap or folded down into a recess in the base of the mounting plate. The bolt passes through the plate a sufficient distance to engage with a female thread in, for example, a camera.

Description

CAMERA MOUNTING & CONNECTION DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a tripod and camera connector, that integrates with an innovative strap system. The invention relates to a mounting for a camera, in order that the camera (or other such photographic device) can then be mounted on a tripod.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Photographers use a tripod or steadying device to facilitate lengthy exposures that require the camera to remain absolutely still. Tripods enable use on various terrains by use of individually extending legs that can be manipulated to mount a camera or photographic device at the desired height and angle.

In order to mount such a device to a tripod, we must provide a connection. Some tripods have standard 1⁄4" BSW screw threads, which can directly be screwed into the camera or photographic device until tight. More modem tripods facilitate connectivity by use of an external plate, which screws to the device independently of the tripod. The plate can then be attached to the tripod by means of a release mechanism, enabling the user to quickly or easily remove the device from the tripod. These external plates can take various forms, dependent on the type of connection that the tripod or steadying device, facilitates.

Photographers and cameramen are also known to use a strap to secure their equipment to their body, for example via a neck strap, wrist strap or shoulder strap. Conventional straps tether the device to a person by feeding through one or two loops on the device, and securing. The strap is then passed over the head, shoulder or wrist, or any combination of these.

In recent years, more efficient and safer ways to tether a camera or similar device to the body have been provided. The inventor of the Black Rapid R Strap, devised a way to have a strap draped diagonally from one shoulder to the opposite hip, with the camera mounted upside down on a roving carabina. This allowed the user to move the camera from the hip or waist, to a shooting position without the strap having to move. The camera or device travels smoothly along the length of the strap, protecting the user from scrapes or scratches as a result of the strap rubbing against the skin or clothing. The carabina has a loop at one end, through which the innovative strap is passed. The clip of the carabina is then connected to a device, or fastener, which is screwed to the bottom of the camera or similar device. This allows the user to quickly and easily disconnect the camera from the strap.

Further 10 this invention, a fastener has been devised that screws through the mounting plate of a welt known brand of tripods (Manfrotto) onto the camera or device. This enables a user to disconnect the camera from the strap and mount directly to a compatible Manfrotto tripod without the need to unscrew the fastener from the camera or device, thus speeding up the efficiency of use, and the safety S of the equipment. To date, the prior art (Black Rapid FastenR-T1) only provides connectivity to one brand and style of tripod.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a mounting plate for a camera, comprising a substantially planar base section, having two elongate guides mounted thereon adapted for slideable engagement with a seat, and a female threaded hole. The hole enables engagement of a seat with a camera. For example, the seat may be part of a standard tripod mount.

Preferably at least one of the elongate guides has a narrow cross section proximate its connection to the plate compared to its free end. Preferably both of the elongate guides have narrower cross section proximate their connection to the plate compared to their free ends. Preferably, at least one, and preferably both of the elongate guides have a dovetail cross-section.

The threaded hole is adapted to receive a 1⁄4" BSW screw head.

The mounting plate preferably further comprises a bolt having an engagement means attached thereto. Preferably, the engagement means is a loop attached thereto, preferably a metal loop.

Preferably the bolt is engaged with the threaded hole.

Preferably the threaded hole is adapted to receive a 1⁄4" BSW screw head.

Preferably, the loop may be rotated relative to the longitudinal or radial axis of the bolt.

Preferably, the mounting plate has a substantially rectangular profile.

Preferably, the mounting plate is adapted to engage with a Black Rapid FastenR-T1, to enable both parts to connect with compatible devices.

Preferably, the mounting plate has an average thickness which is thinner than the length of the bolt.

Preferably, the bolt passes through the plate a sufficient distance to engage with a further female threaded hole, preferably that on a camera.

The invention pertains to a single plate, of varying size that enables the Black Rapid Fastenk-TI to pass through, in order to facilitate connection with any universal (Area Swiss style) release clamp mechanism, as standardised across many tripod manufacturers. The plate facilitates this connection by providing the correct 1⁄4" BSW female threaded hole, through which the Black Rapid FastenR-Tl can pass, to further connect the plate to camera or other such similar photographic device. The plate has bored indents which correctly seat the specific design of the Black Rapid FastenR-Tl. Because of the patented design of the Black Rapid FastenR-TI, the mounting plate (or Arca Swiss Standard plate) is shaped in such a manner as to correctly house the mechanism of the Black Rapid FastenR-Ti. The plate consists of a single piece of metal which has grooved sides on the vertical to allow S connectivity with a compatible clamp or device, preferably a tripod. The horizontal axis are left open, to enable correct "docking" with both strap and tripod or compatible devices.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS1. A mounting plate for a camera, comprising a substantially planar base section, having two elongate guides mounted thereon adapted for slideable engagement with a seat, and a female threaded hole.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A mounting plate according to claim I, wherein at least one of the elongate guides has a narrow cross section proximate its connection to the plate compared to its free end.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A mounting plate according to claim 2, wherein both of the elongate guides have narrower cross section proximate their connection to the plate compared to their free ends.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A mounting plate according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one, and preferably both of the elongate guides have a dovetail cross-section.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A mounting plate according to any preceding claim, wherein the threaded hole is adapted to receive a 1⁄4" BSW screw head.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A mounting plate according to any preceding claim, further comprising a bolt having further engagement means attached thereto, wherein the bolt is engaged with the threaded hole.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A mounting plate according to claim 6, wherein the further engagement means is a loop.</claim-text> <claim-text>8, A mounting plate according to claim 7, wherein the threaded hole is adapted to receive a 1⁄4" BSW screw head.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A mounting plate according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the loop may be rotated relative to the longitudinal or radial axis of the bolt.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A mounting plate according to any preceding claim, having a substantially rectangular profile.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A mounting plate according to any preceding claim, adapted to engage with a Black Rapid Fastenk-TI, to enable both parts to connect with compatible devices.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A mounting plate substantially as shown in any of the figurcs shown herein.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A mounting plate according to any preceding claim, wherein the thickness of the plate is thinner than the length of the bolt.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A mounting plate according to claim 13, wherein the bolt passes through the plate a sufficient distance to engage with a further female threaded hole, preferably that on a camera.S</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A mounting plate according to any preceding claim, attached to a camera.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A mounting plate according to claim 13, attached to the camera via the bolt.</claim-text>