Supports – Stand or bracket alternative
Reexamination Certificate
1998-01-22
2002-02-26
King, Anita (Department: 3632)
Supports
Stand or bracket alternative
C248S219400, C248S278100, C248S558000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06349905
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to portable devices for the support of optical instruments such as cameras, scopes, and the like, and more particularly to such devices that may be attached to supplemental support objects.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
It is an object of this invention to provide a support for spotting scopes, cameras, binoculars, firearms and other devices that is easily pack-able and transportable by the user.
It is another object of this invention to provide such a support that is easily adjusted to a compact size and is of light weight.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a support that can be easily and securely attached to collateral support objects such as trees, limbs, posts, and other structures.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a support that can be attached easily, securely, quietly and without damage to the collateral support object, utilizing readily available securing means, such as common cord or rope, and/or conventional straps and buckles.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a support that can be easily adjusted, both horizontally, (laterally), vertically, and extendably, while attached to a companion support object or set upon a generally horizontal support surface.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a support that can extendably support optical devices, including firearms, independently of collateral support objects.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a support that can utilize the body of the user as a companion support object.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a support that includes means for supporting a variety of devices that do not include conventional means for attaching optical devices.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a support that includes means for attachment to planar surfaces, such as windows and the like.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide versatility by including attachments and adapters to broaden the scope of the invention.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide novel and versatile means for attachment of supported devices to the invention.
Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.
BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
Supports for optical devices have long been used to add needed stability. Photographic devices require stability to accommodate various exposure settings. Telescopes require stability to accommodate various levels of magnification. Firearms require stability to accommodate accuracy. While there are many support devices designed to provide such stability, most are somewhat bulky, weighty, and inconvenient to carry afield. When traditional support devices are sized and weighted to make them more convenient to carry afield, they all suffer from significant limitation, such as being too short. Hunters, hikers, campers, skiers, climbers and other outdoor enthusiasts are in need of a support device that does not suffer from the limitations of current such devices.
U.S. Pat. No 4,439,032 to Jon M. Congdon (Mar. 27, 1984), Congden discloses a portable camera support which includes a conventional camera mounting assembly affixed to a stationary leg. Congden's device is suitable for supporting small cameras on table tops or even attached to some companion objects by use of a hook and loop strap. This device fails to meet many needs of the outdoor user. When deployed in a three-legged mode, the three legs are not adjustable. This is a serious limitation when the user is on uneven or angular terrain. Further, this device has no provision for panning horizontally, while at the same time maintaining the camera mounting assembly in a rigid state so as to prevent the camera from falling or rotating out of the horizontal plane; it is instead, expected that the user will rotate the entire device upon the horizontal support surface to effectuate a panning motion. This is a serious limitation when used on uneven or angular terrain. Further, while it is suggested that other conventional camera mounting assemblies may be employed, no provision is made for the attachment of such assemblies. Further, when Congden's device is attached to a companion support object, such as a tree, the camera mounting assembly is in very close proximity to the support object. This is a very serious limitation for the user of video cameras, spotting scopes and other devices that require adequate clearance for panning and rotation to accommodate the view desired by the user. Further, When using a companion support device such as a tree, it will frequently be desirable for the user to comfortably seat himself on the ground or other surface and adjustably support a camera or other optical device above or to the side of his head so as to position an optical device in front of the users eyes for convenient hands free viewing. Congdon's device is not capable of such use. Further, Congden recommends the use of a hook and loop strap, attached to his device as a means to attach it to companion support objects. Frequently, the user will need to utilize a support object that is too large or bulky for the attached strap. Since the device has no provision for securely, conveniently and quickly releasably locking the securing strap other than the use of hook and loop on the strap itself, the user will not be able to conveniently substitute another longer or more suitable attachment method, such as a rope or cord. Further, the outdoor user will often need to use a support device in an area where there is no tree or other like companion support, and where there is no horizontal flat table top like support available at a usable height. Because Congden's device is not capable of vertical extension, it is impossible to adjust the vertical height of the camera independently of the companion support object. This is a most serious limitation.
Yet another commercially available product is the Cullman Travelpod, by Cullmann. This device resembles Congdon's device but is further limited in that it provides no means for attachment to a companion support object, and no means for adjustment for varied terrain. It is limited to level horizontal surfaces, or hand held use.
In U.S. Pat. No. 1,198,766 to Burt Ramsay (Sep. 19, 1916) Ramsay discloses a tripod type camera support utilizing a single non extendable leg offset against an opposing leg incorporating a pivoting split leg design. Additionally, each of the three feet of the legs is knife edged. Ramsay's support is seriously limited in that no provision is made to secure it to vertical companion support objects except those of soft enough material to receive the knife edged feet. Further, such feet will tend to do serious and lasting damage to the companion support object, or to horizontal support objects such as auto hoods, tables etc. without installation of some form of protective device, adding to it's inconvenient use. Further, there is no capability of vertical or horizontal extension, further limiting the utility of the device. Further, the provided system for attachment to companion support devices is inherently dangerous in that a valuable camera or scope may be damaged by the likely loosening and dislodging of the knife feet in use.
In U.S. Pat. No. 1,170,096 to James M. Nicholson (Feb. 1, 1916) Nicholson discloses a tripod, with sharp feet on each tripod leg. He teaches that the tripod is to be used in a manner similar to the Ramsay device. The Nicholson device suffers from the same serious limitations as the Ramsay device.
The Bogen Super Clamp System by Bogen Photo Corp is a commercially available product. The Bogen Super Clamp System is an expensive family of devices designed to enable the user to support photo devices in a variety of ways. The basis of the system is a friction-lined and screw operated jawed device. Once the jawed device is attached to a companion suppor
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