Camera support and mounting assembly

• Main Author: ARBUCKLE, JAMES F
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 14.01.2009
• Subjects: BLASTING; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; FRAMES, CASINGS, OR BEDS OF ENGINES OR OTHER MACHINES ORAPPARATUS NOT SPECIFIC TO AN ENGINE, MACHINE, OR APPARATUSPROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; HEATING; LIGHTING; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; STANDS OR SUPPORTS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; WEAPONS

The present invention is a camera mounting structure that is made using a minimal number of parts that are attached together without the use of hardware or fasteners. One or more motors (32,42) are each mounted to a support bracket (31,41) using locking tabs, boss registers, clips and/or tension members. Pins or registers on each motor correspond to openings or slots on each support bracket (31,41) for precise positioning of the motor (32,42) when attached to the bracket. Each motor support bracket (31,41) is, in turn, attached to a rotatable ring that moves in a base without the use of hardware or fasteners. Motors and brackets are provided for the pan and tilt movements of the camera. The rotatable ring is journaled directly to the based using an annular channel in the base to further minimize the number of parts making up the mounting assembly, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, service and repair.