GB2578762A

GB2578762A - A mounting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2578762A
Application number: GB1818145.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Johan Le Roux Herman
Original assignee: Destination Moon Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Destination Moon Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-11-07
Filing date: 2018-11-07
Publication date: 2020-05-27
Also published as: GB201818145D0

Abstract

Mounting apparatus 10 comprising a central body 14, an accessory mount 20, and an anchor mount 30. The accessory mount is rotatably connected to the body about a first axis (22, Fig.1). A first securing means 50 mechanically engages the accessory mount at rest to obstruct its rotation and is movable against a biasing force to disengage from the accessory mount, permitting relative angular movement between the accessory mount and body about the first axis. The anchor mount is rotatably connected to the body about a second axis (32) transverse to the first axis. A second securing means 70,75 mechanically engages the anchor mount when at rest to obstruct the rotation of the anchor mount and is movable against a biasing force to disengage from the anchor mount to allow angular rotation about the second axis. The first securing means may be a keyed component comprising a series of teeth, and mechanically linked to button 26. The body may be substantially T-shaped. Apparatus may provide panning and tilting adjustment. Apparatus may be adapted to adjustably mount an action camera to a bicycle handlebar (Fig.11).

Description

A MOUNTING APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein relates to a mounting apparatus usable to mount an accessory to a base. It finds particular application, although in no way exclusive, to the mounting of electronic devices to a base and, even more particularly, to the mounting of audio-visual recording devices (such as digital cameras) to vehicles (such as bicycles).

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Digital cameras are widely used in recreational activities or during action sports to record the user's activities from a point-of-view (POV) perspective. So-called "action cameras", such as the well-known G0Fr0TM cameras, are well suited for these applications since purpose-built enclosures are available therefor that protect the camera against fluid and dust ingress. These enclosures are provided with mounting formations to allow the housing (and thus the camera) to be affixed to a suitable mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus, in turn, is mounted to a base. The base may be a vehicle, surfboard, or even an armband, helmet or other item of apparent worn by a user.

It may be desirable to the user to adjust the direction in which the camera is pointing on the fly so as to capture particular scenery or capture activities from a particular angle, for example. To this end, it may therefore be beneficial to have a mounting apparatus that allows both pan adjustment (angular movement about an operatively vertical axis) as well as tilt adjustment (angular movement about an operatively horizontal axis).

The applicant is aware of a GoPro(RTM) Suction Cup mount which as a pair of hinge-like mounting structures allows the camera to hinge about two perpendicular axes, thereby allowing pan and tilt adjustment. Each hinge structure is provided with a screw or bolt that secures the particular hinge attachment at a user-selected angle when tightened. To enable quick release, these screws or bolts are often provided with exaggerated gripping formations to allow loosening by hand to allow adjustment on the fly and subsequent tightening by hand to secure the camera at the selected angle.

The applicant is also aware of a Livestream(RTM) Ball Head Clamping Phone Mount System in which a ball joint that allows the camera mounted thereto to be angularly adjusted in two planes. A screw-tightened clamp is provided to secure the apparatus in the user-selected configuration.

In both these types of mounting apparatuses, two-handed operation may be required to perform an adjustment of the camera angles. One hand needs to loosen the screw sufficiently to allow movement of the camera while the other hand positions the camera in the desired configuration before retightening the screw with the aforementioned hand. However, this may be difficult and possibly dangerous to do on the fly, especially when engaged in action sports.

US patent no. 8,602,662 discloses a camera and accessories clamping mount that includes an assembly of ball and socket members rotatably and moveably interconnectable. While this mount enables single-handed actuation it was found to be insufficiently stable for applications in which substantial vibration and impact forces occur. Particularly in action sports, the camera and thus the mounting apparatus may be subjected to substantial vibration and impact forces. Therefore, it is a requirement that the mounting apparatus is capable of effectively securing the camera angle at the user selected angle and not be substantially moved or dislodged during such action sports.

US patent no. 10,025,166 discloses a camera mount for coupling a camera to a user's wrist. The camera mount includes a swivel component that rotates relative to a wrist component when an above-threshold amount of force is applied on the swivel component. A rippled spring component is coupled between the swivel component and the wrist component, and exerts an outward force upon the swivel component in response to a compressive force exerted on the rippled spring component by the swivel component. A strap couples to each of two sides of the wrist mount component, and is configured to secure the camera mount to the user's wrist. The camera mount can additionally include a base component and a padding component, and a screw to couple each camera mount component together.

The applicant thus considers there to be scope for improvement.

The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in the art as at the priority date of the application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided a mounting apparatus comprising: a central body; an accessory mount rotatably connected to the body about a first axis and having a first securing means associated therewith that mechanically engages the accessory mount at rest to obstruct the rotation thereof, the first securing means being movable against a biasing force to disengage from the accessory mount thereby allowing angular rotation thereof about the first axis; and an anchor mount rotatably connected to the body about a second axis that is transverse to the first axis and having a second securing means associated therewith that mechanically engages the anchor mount at rest to obstruct the rotation thereof, the second securing means being movable against a biasing force to disengage from the anchor mount thereby allowing angular rotation thereof about the second axis.

Further features provide for the first securing means to include a keyed component held within the body with a central axis of the keyed component aligned with the first axis, the keyed component arranged such that at least one key thereof engages with a complementary structure defined in both the accessory mount and the body simultaneously when at rest to obstruct angular rotation of the accessory mount, and such that moving the keyed component causes it to disengage from the complementary structures of either or both of the accessory mount and the body to allow angular rotation of the accessory mount; for the keyed component of the first securing means to be a gear and for complementary structures of the accessory mount and the body to be complementary teeth; and for the keyed component to be mechanically linked to a button protruding from the body such that applying force to the button moves the keyed component.

Further features provide for the biasing force against which the first securing means is movable to be provided by a compression spring that is axially compressed by movement of the first securing means; and for the movement of the first securing means to be axial movement in a direction parallel to the first axis.

Further features provide for the second securing means to include a keyed component held within the body with a central axis of the keyed component aligned with the second axis, the keyed component arranged such that at least one key thereof engages with complementary structures of the body when at rest to obstruct angular rotation of the anchor mount, and such that moving the keyed component causes it to disengage with the corresponding structures of the body to allow angular rotation of the anchor mount; for the second securing means to be a toothed ring and for the corresponding structures of the body to be corresponding teeth such that, when at rest, the teeth of the toothed ring engage with the corresponding teeth of the body to obstruct angular rotation of the anchor mount; for the keyed component to be mechanically linked to the anchor mount such that relative movement of the anchor mount and the body moves the keyed component; and for the toothed ring to be integrally formed with the anchor mount.

A further feature provides for the biasing force against which the second securing means is movable to be provided by a compression spring that is axially compressed by relative movement of the anchor mount and the body; for the relative movement of the anchor mount and the body to be axial movement parallel to the second axis; and for the relative movement to be axially away from one another.

A further feature provides for angular rotation of the anchor mount relative to the body to be mechanically translated to axial movement of the anchor mount relative to the body.

Further features provide for the body to be substantially T-shaped, with the first axis defined along the transverse section of the T-shaped body, and with the second axis being define along the upright section of the T-shaped body; and for the T-shaped body to comprise a first part that forms the transverse section, and a second part that forms the upright section of the body; and for the first part to be arranged to rotatably house the accessory mount therein.

The first and second parts of the body may be injection moulded, 3D printed, machined from aluminium, or a combination thereof.

Further features provide for the accessory mount to be adapted for attachment of a camera housing thereto, and for the anchor mount to be adapted for attachment to an anchor component.

In one embodiment, the anchor mount may be adapted for attachment to a clamp for mounting the apparatus to handlebars of a vehicle.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of a mounting apparatus; Figure 2 is a right side view of the mounting apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a section view of the mounting apparatus along line II-II shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the section view shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is an exploded view of the mounting apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a further perspective of the exploded view of Figure 5; Figure 7 is an enlarged detail view of the lower part and anchor mount of the mounting apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a left side view of the mounting apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a bottom view of the mounting apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 10 is a top view of the mounting apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 11 is a three-dimensional view of the mounting device in use with a camera; and Figure 12 is a side view of the mounting device in use with a camera and mounted to the handlebars of a bicycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of a mounting apparatus is described below. The mounting apparatus has a central body and two mounts. One of the mounts is for attachment of an accessory thereto, such as a camera, and the other mount is an anchor mount for attachment of the mounting apparatus to a suitable base. The mounting apparatus will be described in the context of its application in the mounting of a camera to the accessory mount, but its use is not in any way limited to use with a camera.

The mounting apparatus allows angular adjustment in two planes, or about two axes, referred to generally as "pan" and "tilt". Pan refers to angular adjustment in the operatively horizontal plane or, expressed differently, angular adjustment about the operatively vertical axis. Tilt refers to angular adjustment in the operatively vertical plane or, expressed differently, angular adjustment about the operatively horizontal axis. However, it will be appreciated that during use the mounting apparatus may be used in any orientation.

Both the accessory mount and the anchor mount have associated securing means that, when at rest, obstructs pan and tilt adjustment. Both securing means may (independently) be moved to remove the obstruction and thus allowing pan or tilt, as the case may be. The securing means are both subjected to a biasing force when so moved, i.e. moved to remove the obstruction thereby allowing pan or tilt. These biasing forces cause the securing means to be urged back into an obstructing condition upon either of its release.

Figures 1 to 12 show an embodiment of a mounting apparatus in accordance with this invention. Referring to Figure 1, the mounting apparatus (10) has a substantially T-shaped body (12) having a first part (which forms the transverse part of the T-shaped body) and a second part (which forms the upright part of the T-shaped body). These first and second body parts will be referred to hereinafter as the upper part (14) and the lower part (18) of the body, respectively, with reference to orientation of the mounting apparatus (10) as shown in Figure 1.

The upper part (14) is substantially U-shaped in longitudinal cross-section as is shown more clearly in the exploded view of Figure 4. The upper part (14) has two spaced apart end rings (15, 17). The space (16) between the end rings (15, 17) is configured to receive an accessory mount (20) therein so that the accessory mount (20) is rotatably held in the upper part. The accessory mount (20) is rotatable about a first axis which, in in Figure 1, is shown as a horizontal axis (22) and therefore relates to tilt adjustment. The accessory mount (20) includes a securing structure (24) for attachment of a camera or camera housing to the accessory mount (20). A button (26) is provided in the upper part (14) and protrudes from the side thereof, the purpose and operation of which is described below.

The lower part (18) of the body (12) is substantially cylindrical in shape and a lowermost end thereof is configured to hold an anchor mount (30) therein. The anchor mount (30) is rotatably held in the lower part (18) about a second axis which, in Figure 1, is a vertical axis (32) and thus relates to a pan adjustment. The anchor mount (30) includes a securing structure (36) for securing the mounting apparatus (10) to a suitable base.

The accessory mount (20) has a generally hollow cylindrical form with an outer diameter thereof corresponding to the outer diameter of the upper part (14) such that, when assembled, the two parts appear flush. Although mostly hollow, the accessory mount has a central section (42) with a smaller inner diameter. This forms an annular recess at both axial ends of the accessory mount (20). As shown more clearly in the exploded view of Figure 6, the accessory mount (20) has a set of radially inwardly extending teeth (40) angularly arranged about an inner surface thereof. The teeth (40) are not located at a midway point of the cylindrical accessory mount (20), but rather offset toward one axial end thereof, hereinafter referred to as the teeth end (41) of the accessory mount (20).

One of the end rings (17) of the upper part (14) similarly has radially inwardly extending teeth (43) angularly spaced about an inner surface of the end ring (17). When the apparatus (10) is assembled, the teeth (40) of the accessory mount (20) and the teeth (43) of the end ring (17) of the upper part (14) are therefore in close proximity. It will be apparent from the figures that the accessory mount (20) has a larger number of teeth (40) than the end ring (17). However, the spacing of the teeth (43) of the end ring (17) is such that all the teeth of the end ring align with a corresponding tooth (40) on the accessory mount (20) at certain angular (or tilt) positions of the accessory mount.

The accessory mount (20) has a securing means associated therewith in the form of a toothed gear (50). The outer diameter of the gear (50) corresponds to the inner diameter of the end ring (17) and of the teeth end (41) of the accessory mount (20) and is therefore adapted to fit coaxially with both the accessory mount and the end ring. Furthermore, the teeth (53) of the gear (50) are sized and spaced to form corresponding structures to the teeth (40) of the accessory mount (20) and the teeth (43) of the end ring (17).

It should furthermore be appreciated that, when the accessory mount (20) is at any of a number of angular (tilt) positions in which its teeth (40) align with the teeth (43) of the end ring (17), it will be possible for the gear (50) to slide axially to and fro between the accessory mount and the end ring. Also, when the gear (50) is positioned such that it extends across the boundary (51) between the accessory mount (20) and the end ring (17) (thus being simultaneously coaxial with both), it will obstruct the accessory mount from angular movement relative to the end ring and thus the body (12). Should the gear (50) be moved in a position in which it is not simultaneously coaxial with both the end ring (17) and the accessory mount (20), the obstruction will be removed and the accessory mount allowed to be angularly rotated about the horizontal axis (22).

The upper part (14) is assembled in the order shown in the exploded view of Figure 4 and a comparison with Figure 3 may facilitate the identification of the various parts in assembled form.

Starting from the right, these parts include a button housing (52), which is cylindrical in shape and sized to fit coaxially into the end ring (15). The button (26) fits axially in the button housing (52) with a flange (54) of the button shaped to fit in an annular recess (55) of the button housing. This prevents the button (26) from being pulled out of the button housing (52) once assembled. A compression spring (56) is interposed between the flange (54) of the button (26) and the central section (42) of the accessory mount (20) with a screw (59) extending centrally through the spring (56) as well as through the central bore of the accessory mount (20), with the head of the screw on the side of the button (26). The button (26) protrudes axially from the upper part (14) of the body (12) when assembled.

An annular spacer (61) fits on the opposite side of the central section (42) and has a central hole that corresponds to the diameter of the thread of the screw (59). The screw (59) bites into the spacer (61) and therefore secures the spring (56) between the central section (42) of the accessory mount (20) and the spacer (61). The screw (59) also partly screws into a central hole of the gear (50) such that the gear extends across the boundary (51) between the accessory mount (20) and the end ring (17) in its rest position, thereby obstructing angular movement of the accessory mount about the horizontal axis (22). An annular end-cap (63) fits at the axially outer end of the toothed end ring (17).

During assembly of the upper part (12) a tool (64) may be used to grip the button housing (52) and/or the end cap (63). The tool (64) may be provided with spikes (65) that align with small holes (66) about the periphery of the button housing (52) and end cap (63), allowing the tool to engage with these holes and grip the relevant component during assembly.

The button (26) is therefore mechanically linked to the gear (50). Applying an axial force to the button (26) will cause the button to press against the head of the screw (59), forcing it to be axially moved against the biasing force of the spring (56). This, in turn, will cause the gear (50) to be moved an equal distance in the same axial direction. This axial movement of the gear (50) will cause its teeth (53) to disengage from the teeth (40) of the accessory mount (20), thereby allowing angular rotation of the accessory mount about the horizontal axis (22) and thus to tilt. Removing any such axial force from the button (26) will cause the biasing force of the spring (56) to push against the head of the screw (59) and, in turn, the gear (50) so as to return them to their respective rest positions.

An operator may therefore press the button (26) to move the gear (50) as described above, thereby removing the obstruction, and slightly tilt the accessory mount (20) before releasing the button. The gear (50) will then be between tooth intervals and will allow the operator to tilt the accessory mount (20) to the next gear tooth interval without requiring continuously pressing the button (26). Once the gear (50) reaches the next tooth interval, the biasing force of the spring (56) will urge it into its resting position in which it simultaneously engages the teeth (40) of the accessory mount (20) as well as the teeth (43) of the toothed end ring (17), thereby obstructing further angular adjustment of the accessory mount. It will therefore be appreciated that the angular increments of the tilt adjustment of the accessory mount is determined by the number and angular spacing of its teeth (40).

The mechanism for adjusting the tilt of the accessory mount (20) as described above may allow an operator to perform the tilt adjustment using one hand. This may be performed by gripping the accessory mounted onto the accessory mount (20), pressing the button (26) with one of the fingers of the gripping hand while slightly tilting the accessory mount, releasing the button and then further tilting the accessory mount until the gear (50) reaches the next tooth interval and obstructs further tilt as described above.

The anchor mount (30) is a round crown-like component with triangular teeth (70) arranged about a periphery thereof and extending axially away from its securing structure (36). The outer diameter of the anchor mount (30) corresponds to, and is arranged to fit into, an inner diameter of a circular recess (73) defined in the bottom axial end of the body's lower part (18). As seen in Figure 7, the recess (73) has axially extending teeth (75) arranged about the inner periphery thereof, which are complementary shaped to the teeth (70) of the anchor mount (30). Therefore, when the anchor mount (30) is pressed or pulled into the recess (73) such that its teeth (70) and the complementary teeth (75) in the recess are engaged, angular movement of the anchor mount about the second axis (32) is obstructed. However, when the anchor mount (30) is pulled away in an axial direction away from the body (12), sufficiently so to disengage the two sets of teeth (70, 75), the anchor mount will be allowed to rotate about the second axis (32). This therefore refers to pan adjustment of the mounting apparatus (10).

The lower part (18) is assembled in the order shown in the exploded view of Figure 4 and a comparison with Figure 3 may also facilitate the identification of these parts in assembled form.

The lower part (18) of the body has a central bore (77). On the axial end of the lower part (18) opposite its recess (73) an enlarged hole (79) is provided. A compression spring (81) is located in the hole (79) and a screw (83) extends centrally through the spring and through the central bore (77) with the head of the screw (83) buried in the hole (79). Where the screw (83) exits the central bore (77) it is screwed into the anchor mount (30) with an annular spacer (85) interposed between the recess (73) and the anchor mount.

The anchor mount (30) is secured in its rest position such that the teeth (75) in the recess (73) of the lower part (18) fits between the teeth (70) of the anchor mount (30), thereby obstructing angular rotation of the anchor mount about the second (vertical) axis (32). Applying a force to the anchor mount (30) to urge it axially away from the lower part (18) will remove this obstruction and enable the angular movement of the anchor mount (30), relative to the lower part (18), about the second (vertical) axis (32). It will be appreciated that, in use, the anchor mount (30) will be secured to a suitable base and referring to movement of the anchor mount merely refers to its movement relative to the lower part (18) and the rest of the body (12).

This axial movement of the anchor mount (30) will cause the screw (83) to move an equal distance in the same axial direction. The head of the screw (83) will apply force to the compression spring (81) causing it to compress. Consequently, upon release of the applied force, a biasing force of the spring will urge the screw and the anchor mount (30) into which it is screwed back into its resting condition. In this resting condition, angular movement of the anchor mount (30) is again obstructed. It will therefore be appreciated that the angular increments of the pan adjustment of the anchor mount (30) is determined by the number and size of the teeth (70) of the anchor mount and that of the corresponding teeth (75) in the recess (73) of the lower part (18).

The toothed arrangement of the recess (73) and anchor mount (30) has a further advantage. Applying torque to the lower part (18) (with the anchor mount (30) held stationary) will cause the angled edges of the respective sets of teeth (70, 75) to mechanically translate this angular force (torque) into an axial force between the anchor mount and lower part. This axial force will cause axial movement of the anchor mount (30) relative to the lower part (18) until the two sets of teeth (70, 75) have been urged apart a sufficient axial distance to slip over each other to the next tooth interval. The anchor mount (30) will then be urged back into its resting condition, obstructing further angular movement thereof, by the biasing force of the spring (81). In this manner, an operator may also perform pan adjustment of the apparatus (10) by gripping the body (12) and applying torque, thereby causing the adjustment as described above. However, since considerable torque may be required to achieve pan adjustment in this manner, vibration forces that may be encountered during use will be unable to overcome the force required to cause unwanted and inadvertent pan adjustment.

The upper part (14) and lower part (18) are secured to one another to form the body (12) by means of two screws (91) that extend through a bottom section of the U-shaped upper part and into two diametrically opposite holes provided at the axial end of the lower part (18) opposite the anchor mount (30).

The securing structures (24, 36) of the accessory mount (20) and the anchor mount (30), respectively, are complementary shaped. The accessory mount securing structure (24) has three parallel fins (93), each having a central aperture (94) aligned with that of the other. A screw (95) may extend through these apertures (94) and fastened with a nut. In the present embodiment, however, the aperture of one of the fins (96) has been threaded to allow the screw (95) to be fastened to the securing structure (24) without requiring a separate nut.

Figure 11 shows a camera housing (100) having a securing structure (102) similar to that of the anchor mount (36), i.e. with two spaced apart aperture fins, may be secured in the securing structure (24) of the accessory mount. When fastening the screw (95) the fins (93) will be pulled closer toward each other, thereby clamping the camera housing therein.

Similarly, the anchor mount (30) may be secured to an appropriate anchor having a securing structure similar to that of the accessory mount (24). Figure 11 shows the anchor mount (30) secured to a clamp (110) having a securing structure (112) similar to that of the accessory mount (24) using a screw (113). The clamp (110) may be clamped to an elongate bar which, as shown in Figure 12, may be the handlebars (120) of a bicycle (130). During an initial installation, the apparatus (10) may be secured to the clamp (110) and the camera housing (100) secured to the apparatus (10) in a default configuration. From this default configuration, the pan and tilt adjustment of the apparatus (10) as described above may be performed to obtain a desired viewing angle of the camera housed in the camera housing (100). This further pan and tilt adjustment therefore requires no further manipulation of the screws (95, 113).

Besides the use of a clamp (110) as a suitable base to which the anchor mount (30) may be secured, a number of other bases may be used. For example, a suction cup with an appropriate securing structure may be used to allow the apparatus (10) to be secured to the dashboard of a motor vehicle or other suitable surface.

The various components of the apparatus (10) may be manufactured from a number of materials and by means of a number of methods. The particular material or materials and manufacturing method may differ between models and may depend on the particular application for which the relevant model is intended.

The embodiment of the apparatus (10) described above allows an operator to pull the anchor mount (30) and the bottom part (18) axially apart to allow disengaging of the obstruction against pan adjustment. However, it is envisaged that a similar toothed arrangement may be used that requires an operator to press the anchor mount and bottom part axially toward each other to disengage the teeth to enable pan adjustment.

Similarly, while the embodiment of the apparatus (10) described above uses a button to axially move the gear to disengage the obstruction against tilt adjustment, an alternative embodiment could have employed a plunger that requires it to be pulled to disengage the obstruction. Also, whether with a button, plunger, or the like, it is envisaged that, in other embodiments, the relevant securing member could be disengaged when moved in a direction transverse to the first axis.

The mounting apparatus therefore provides a compact means of mounting an accessory, such as a camera, to a base. The manner in which the pan and tilt setting of the accessory is adjustable lends itself to one-handed operation, allowing adjustment on the fly. The user may perform such one-handed adjustment on the fly without needing to divert their attention, therefore allowing the user to perform adjustments on the fly with minimal hazard. The manner in by which the pan and tilt settings are secured furthermore lends itself to use with action cameras and able to withstand vibration and impact forces often encountered with its use during action sports.

Throughout the specification and claims unless the contents requires otherwise the word 'comprise' or variations such as 'comprises' or 'comprising' will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

CLAIMS: A mounting apparatus comprising: a central body; an accessory mount rotatably connected to the body about a first axis and having a first securing means associated therewith that mechanically engages the accessory mount at rest to obstruct the rotation thereof, the first securing means being movable against a biasing force to disengage from the accessory mount thereby allowing angular rotation thereof about the first axis; and an anchor mount rotatably connected to the body about a second axis that is transverse to the first axis and having a second securing means associated therewith that mechanically engages the anchor mount at rest to obstruct the rotation thereof, the second securing means being movable against a biasing force to disengage from the anchor mount thereby allowing angular rotation thereof about the second axis.
2. The mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first securing means includes a keyed component held within the body with a central axis of the keyed component aligned with the first axis, the keyed component arranged such that at least one key thereof engages with a complementary structure defined in both the accessory mount and the body simultaneously when at rest to obstruct angular rotation of the accessory mount, and such that moving the keyed component causes it to disengage from the complementary structures of either or both of the accessory mount and the body to allow angular rotation of the accessory mount.
3. The mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the keyed component of the first securing means is a gear and wherein complementary structures of the accessory mount and the body are complementary teeth.
4. The mounting apparatus as claimed in either claim 2 or 3 wherein the keyed component is mechanically linked to a button protruding from the body such that applying force to the button moves the keyed component.
5. The mounting apparatus as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the biasing force against which the first securing means is movable is provided by a compression spring that is axially compressed by movement of the first securing means.
6. The mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the movement of the first securing means is axial movement in a direction parallel to the first axis.
7. The mounting apparatus as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the second securing means includes a keyed component held within the body with a central axis of the keyed component aligned with the second axis, the keyed component arranged such that at least one key thereof engages with complementary structures of the body when at rest to obstruct angular rotation of the anchor mount, and such that moving the keyed component causes it to disengage with the corresponding structures of the body to allow angular rotation of the anchor mount.
8. The mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the second securing means is a toothed ring and wherein the corresponding structures of the body are corresponding teeth such that, when at rest, the teeth of the toothed ring engage with the corresponding teeth of the body to obstruct angular rotation of the anchor mount.
9. The mounting apparatus as claimed in either claim 7 or 8 wherein the keyed component is mechanically linked to the anchor mount such that applying relative movement force of the anchor mount and the body moves the keyed component.
10. The mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the toothed ring is integrally formed with the anchor mount.
11. The mounting apparatus as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the biasing force against which the second securing means is movable is provided by a compression spring that is axially compressed by relative movement of the anchor mount and the body.
12. The mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the relative movement of the anchor mount and the body is axial movement parallel to the second axis.
13. The mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the relative movement is axially away from one another.
14. The mounting apparatus as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein angular rotation of the anchor mount relative to the body is mechanically translated to axial movement of the anchor mount relative to the body.
15. The mounting apparatus as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the body is substantially T-shaped, with the first axis defined along the transverse section of the T-shaped body, and with the second axis being defined along the upright section of the T-shaped body.
16. The mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the T-shaped body comprises a first part that forms the transverse section, and a second part that forms the upright section of the body.
17. The mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein the first part is arranged to rotatably house the accessory mount therein.
18. The mounting apparatus as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the accessory mount is adapted for attachment of a camera housing thereto, and wherein the anchor mount is adapted for attachment to an anchor component.
19. The mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the anchor mount is adapted for attachment to a clamp for mounting the apparatus to handlebars of a vehicle.