Abstract:
There is disclosed a substantially integrated, concealed, and discreet device for extending and holding a mobile recording device. A user of this holder device can unlock the mechanism, pull an extension arm segment which will pull past the body of the recording device so as to form a handle and extension and thereby allow the user to capture audio, video, and other images at a distance greater than if holding the mobile recording device directly in his or her hand. Thus an extensible mobile recording device holder is provided that allows for a compact and concealable mechanism and efficient deployment so that users can quickly and adequately capture images from more varied and greater perspectives.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application of Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/344,239 filed on Jun. 1, 2016 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a device configured for encasing a mobile recording device for protection and/or table-top standing and orientation and features segment arms that do not extend beyond the perimeter of the mobile recording device. Similarly, attachable extension holders for mobile recording devices such as monopods or Selfie-sticks&#39; which may be collapsible, are well known to give users increased extension and therefore better perspectives while taking photographs or recording audio and video. These latter devices, while affording the user extended and alternate vantage points for photography and video recording beyond the normal range of their arms, are substantially independent of the recording device and non-integral due to their size and form factors. In fact, relevant authorities of many popular venues have banned such sticks as a danger and or nuisance. None of this prior art shows an invention that affords the great benefits of shifting and extending the perspective and position of optical, acoustical, and other sensing and recording devices in one form-factor and that can be manipulated to be substantially integrated within the recording device covering for convenience of portability and related availability. 
         [0003]    One embodiment of the invention at hand relates to a more integral and discreet device for extending and handling portable recording devices comprising a recording device covering with at least one pivot point and at least two segment arms rotationally mounted to each via a coupler so as to afford substantial extension of the segment arms beyond the perimeter of said recording device covering when the segment arms are rotated towards each and therefore will serve as an extended handle for the recording device. 
         [0004]    Another embodiment shows at alternate methodology for achieving a similar result: a recording device covering with at least one segment arm and at least one pivot point mounted on the perimeter of the recording device such that when the segment arm is pulled down from the closed position the arm can be held by the user and the recording device is extended further than the user&#39;s hand holding the recording device or recording device covering directly. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    What is outlined is at least one embodiment of a device for extending and handling a portable recording device comprising a recording device covering with at least one pivot point and at least two segment arms rotationally mounted to each via a coupler so as to afford substantial extension of the segment arms beyond the perimeter of said recording device covering when the segment arms are rotated towards each and therefore will serve as an extended handle for the recording device. 
         [0006]    Another embodiment shows at alternate methodology for achieving a similar result: a recording device covering with at least one segment arm and at least one pivot point mounted on the perimeter of the recording device such that when the segment arm is pulled down from the closed position the arm can be held by the user and the recording device is extended further than the user&#39;s hand holding the recording device or recording device covering directly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings which disclose at least one embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
           [0008]    In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective of one embodiment of the extensible mobile recording device holder which is shown in the retracted position; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows the same embodiment of  FIG. 1  but in the extended position; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is an alternate embodiment in the closed position with additional segment arms for the affordance of greater extension. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  shows previous embodiment in the extended form; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  shows an alternate embodiment with internal slide out segment arm top and bottom extensions. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  shows the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 . in the extended position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is substantially isometric right, bottom, and rear perspective of an alternate embodiment of the extensible mobile primary recording device holder in the arms retracted and door closed position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  shows the same perspective of the same embodiment in the previous FIG. but in the door open and arms retracted position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a rear perspective of the same embodiment in  FIG. 8  but in the door open and segment arms fully extended position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective of the same embodiment and position as depicted in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective of the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 10  but with the added feature of auxiliary sensor element and sensor connection cable; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is the same perspective as  FIG. 11  with the same embodiment of the invention but with the added feature of a detachable sensor module; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a rear perspective of an alternate embodiment of the invention in which the segment arms of the holder are folded around the perimeter of the primary recording device covering; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  depicts the embodiment disclosed in the  FIG. 13  but in the partially unfolded and extended position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  depicts the same embodiment of  FIG. 14  but with the segment arms fully extended and with a locking pushrod mechanism; 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is a rear perspective of another alternate embodiment of the invention in which the segment arms of the handle are retracted and folded for storage on the rear surface of the primary recording device covering; 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is a view of another embodiment of an arm that is selectively lockable; 
           [0026]      FIG. 17A  is a view of an omnidirectional end of an arm; 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17  which shows a view with plates removed from the arms; 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is a view of the locking shaft outside of the arms; 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is a view of a locking arm having both a locking cable and a power cable; 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a view of the locking arm in an unlocked position; 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a view of the locking arm wherein there is only a locking cable; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 23  is a view of a locking arm wherein the power cable forms the locking cable. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a rear perspective of one embodiment of the extensible mobile recording device holder. In at least one embodiment the mobile recording device can be any one of a camera, a portable phone such as a smart phone or any other suitable recording device. 
         [0034]    The device includes a primary recording device covering  101  with integrated first track  102  and integrated second track  103  into which first track pin  106  and second track pin  107  are retained respectively. These tracks such as track  102  and track  103  are formed as channels which allow and/or receive a pin which is slidable in this channel or track such as pin  106  or pin  107  which is slidable in this track. At ends opposite the current position of pins  106  or pins  107  are narrowed sections of this track  103  or track  102 . 
         [0035]    First segment arm  201  is rotationally affixed to first track pin  106  thereby affording sliding travel along and immediately above the longitudinal centerline of first track  102 . In the same manner, second segment arm  202  is rotationally affixed to second track pin  107  thereby affording sliding travel along and immediately above the longitudinal centerline of second track  103 . First segment arm coupler  251  attaches first segment arm  201  with second segment arm  202  while allowing rotation of both segment arms about the axis of first segment arm coupler  251 . The segment arms may be shaped substantially flat and straight as shown in this embodiment. Alternatively, the segment arms as well as the tracks may be curved. Segment arm coupler  251  is shown at the approximate midpoint of the two segment arms  201  and  202  however the segment arm coupler of this embodiment or other segment arm couplers of other embodiments may be affixed at various positions along the segment arms rotationally coupled. 
         [0036]    Latch tab  400  is affixed to the user-proximal end of either of the most user-proximal segment arms, in this depiction, second segment arm  202 . In this embodiment, the mechanism is locked in the closed position by virtue of latch tab  400  having been retained by latch tab release button  401 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  shows the same embodiment of  FIG. 1  but in the extended position. To achieve this from the closed position shown in  FIG. 1 , the user would have pressed or slid tab release button  401  so as to remove the constraint of latch tab  400 . First segment arm  201  and second segment arm  202  could then be pulled down by the user thereby causing the respectively attached first track pin  106  and second track pin  107  to slide down and inward along respective first track  102  and second track  103  and for first segment arm  201  and second segment arm  202  to rotate towards each other about the axis of first segment arm coupler  251 . This position of the pins  106  and  107  at their opposite position show that either ends of the tracks are narrowed and curved so as to gradually slow the movement of these pins in these tracks and to also friction fit these pins in place so that the pins can remain in a substantially but temporarily fixed position at either end of these tracks. 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  is an alternate embodiment with the affordance of greater extension via added segment arms. This embodiment is the same as the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1  but with a third segment arm, wherein third segment arm  203  is coupled to second segment arm  202  on the user-distal end of segment arm  203  via second segment arm coupler  252 . There is also a fourth segment arm, wherein fourth segment arm  204  is coupled to first segment arm  201 . Third segment arm  203  is also rotationally coupled to fourth segment arm  204  via fourth segment arm coupler  254 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  features the previous embodiment but with the device in the extended position. In this view each of these arms are shown in a scissor like position with the arms shown rotationally coupled to each other. Due to the additional arm segments the recording device can extend to a longer extent than the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  shows an alternate completely retracted embodiment with internal slide-out segment arm top and bottom extensions. First segment arm top extension  201   a  is a smaller segment arm that slides in and out of a partially or fully enveloping channel in first segment arm  201  in a substantially telescoping manner. First segment arm bottom extension  201   b  is integrated in an identical manner but to the bottom of first segment arm  201 . 
         [0041]    Second segment arm top extension  202   a  and second segment arm bottom extension  202   b  are integrated in an identical fashion with second segment arm  202  as the segment arm extensions  201   a  and  201   b  do with first segment arm  201  respectively. Thus, second segment arm extension  202   a  and  202   b  operate in a telescoping manner with segment arm  202 . This embodiment is shown with latch tab  400  retained by latch tab release button  401 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  shows the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5  but in the fully extended position. This configuration would have been achieved from the retracted position by the user having pressed or slid tab release button  401  so as to remove the constraint of latch tab  400 . The user would then have pulled down on one of the segment arms or segment arm bottom extensions. Continued application of downward force from the user upon the user-proximal ends of a bottom segment arm would result in this fully extended position. With this design, there are fewer crossing interactions for the arms than as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , however with these telescoping extensions this allows a greater length to the extensions of the arms than with a single criss-crossing extension. 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  is a substantially isometric right, bottom, and rear perspective of an alternate embodiment of the extensible mobile recording device holder with the arms retracted and the optional device mechanism covering  110  in the closed position. This view also shows the primary recording device  10  having on primary recording device covering  101   a  for access to elements of the primary recording device  10  for which the invention is designed to manipulation. The device mechanism covering  110  is rotationally mounted onto primary recording device covering  101   a  via first hinge  121 , second hinge  122 , and third hinge  123 . This perspective view of this embodiment also depicts signal transmitter button  502  mounted into handle  500 . Signal transmitter button  502  is in communication with primary recording device  10  to control at least one operation of the primary recording device. The signal transmitter button  502  is retained into primary recording device covering  101   a  along with the segment arms and connected parts previously described, and device mechanism covering  110  by the engagement of latch tab  400  by latch tab tooth  402  (See  FIG. 8 ) which in turn is integrated with latch tab release button  401 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  shows a similar perspective of the same embodiment in  FIG. 7  showing the primary recording device inside a new covering  101   a . With this view, the door device mechanism covering  110  is open and segment arms still retracted position. This perspective reveals latch tab tooth  402  as well as the optional feature of facilitating the opening of handle  500  and attached segment arm assembly components and device mechanism covering  110  by means of a first ejection spring  403  and second ejection spring  404 . Thus, with this design, latch tab release button  401  is configured so that when it is pressed, it releases latch tab  400  so that springs  403  and  404  are configured to open covering  110  so that it rotates around hinges  121 ,  122  and  123  thereby exposing the arms. The arms can then be extended as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  is a rear perspective of the same embodiment in  FIG. 8  but with the door open and arms fully extended position. One means of having achieved this from the previous perspective is by the user having had pulled handle  500  away from the primary recording device covering  101   a  thereby rotating handle  500  around sixth segment arm coupler  257  and fifth segment arm coupler  256  such that all segment arms such as arms  201   a ,  202   a ,  203   a ,  204   a , and  205   a  rotate about their respective couplers  252 - 257  bringing the segment arms towards each other and along the segment arms&#39; longitudinal centerline which is denoted by centerline axis  101   ii  which creates elongation of the extensible mobile primary recording device holder. This centerline axis  101   ii  is transverse to the longitudinal axis  101   i  of the device. This alternate embodiment features the first track  102   a  and second track  103   a  on device mechanism covering  110  with first track pin  106   a  and second track pin  107   a  connecting the segment arms. These respective track pins  106   a  and  107   a  are accordingly slidable in first track  102   a  and  103   a  respectively. Also revealed are first hinge rotation caliper-brake jaw  131  and second hinge rotation caliper-brake jaw  132  which, when moved towards each other by contact with the user-distal ends of first segment arm  201  and second segment arm  202 , create resistance to the rotation of device mechanism covering  110  and connected mechanism. This feature affords the locking of the position of primary recording device covering in relation to the segment arms and handle. 
         [0046]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective of the same embodiment and position as depicted in  FIG. 9 . This perspective reveals an optional signal transmitter button  502  which could be used to initiate an event such as the transmission of a signal from radio signal transmitter  501  drawn with a dashed line to connote concealed encasement in handle  500 . Radio signal transmitter can be powered either by a separate battery or powered by the power supply of the primary recording device  10 . In the event the radio signal transmitter  501  is coupled to the power supply of the primary recording device  10  a line such as a low voltage line  158  extends either within (inside of the body) of the arms such as arms  201   a ,  203   a , and  205   a  or extend external to the arms from a connection point inside of primary recording device  10  to transmitter  501 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective of the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 10  but with the added feature of auxiliary sensor element  503  such as an optical camera or a microphone that may be electronically integrated with the primary recording device. Power and information may be transferred to and from auxiliary sensor element  503  and primary recording device  10  via sensor connection cable  504  which is connoted by a dashed line to indicate optional concealment within the segment arms such as arms  201 ,  203 , and  205 . Alternatively, arms  202  and  204  can also be used to extend the cable  504 . This cable  504  extends from device  10 , within recording device covering  101  around device mechanism covering  110   a  and up these arms past couplers such as coupler  255  to radio signal transmitter  501  in handle  500 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 12  is the same perspective as  FIG. 11  with the same embodiment of the invention but with the added feature of auxiliary sensor  503  being detachable and re-attachable via the added element of handle module attachment channel  500   a  which, in this embodiment, is substantially U-shaped when viewed from a 90-degree horizontal perspective and of a size just slightly wider than auxiliary sensor module  503   a  so as to allow the module to be retained. Sensor connection cable  504  could be extended in length as shown. to accommodate the detachability of auxiliary sensor module  503   a  from the rest of the device. 
         [0049]      FIG. 13  is a rear perspective of an alternate embodiment of the invention in which the segment arms of the handle are folded around the perimeter of the primary recording device covering. In this embodiment, the segment arms which are shown in various lengths are rotationally coupled at their substantial endpoints. This embodiment also features first track  102   b  into which first track pin  106   b  is retained but moveable along the horizontal axis of the track. This first track pin  106   b  is also rotationally coupled to first segment arm  201  which is rotationally coupled to second segment arm  202  via second segment arm coupler  252 . In this embodiment, second segment arm  202  substantially spans the length of the bottom of primary recording device covering  101  and rotationally connects via third segment arm coupler  253  to segment arm  203  which spans a corner of primary recording device covering  101  to then connect via fourth segment arm coupler  254  to segment arm  204  which substantially spans another side of primary recording device covering  101 . In similar fashion, segment arm coupler  255  continues the aforementioned assembly by connecting fifth segment arm  205 , rotationally so as with all segment arm couplers in this device. Segment arm coupler  256  then connects sixth segment arm  206  which spans the top of primary recording device covering  101  although this is not critical to the functionality and more segments can be added to achieve finer articulation around the device. Segment arm coupler  257  then joins segment arm  207  to the linkage assembly as does segment arm coupler  258  with eighth segment arm  208  which substantial circumscription of primary recording device frame  101 . This folding of segment arms completely around the perimeter of the recording device covering is not an essential attribute to the invention as an alternate embodiment in keeping with the spirit of the invention could partially fold around the frame of a recording device covering. A locking of the segment arms in this folded position around the recording device covering may be achieved via latch tab  400  retained by latch tab release button  401 . Latch tab would preferably be placed at the distal end of the segment arm furthest, in terms of linkage connections, from the recording device covering attachment point formed by first track pin  106  in this embodiment, although other latching positions could also be effective. 
         [0050]      FIG. 14  depicts the embodiment disclosed in the  FIG. 13  but in the partially extended position. To have attained this position from that depicted in  FIG. 13 &#39;s closed position, the user would have release latch tab  400  by sliding latch tab button  401  away from latch tab  400  thereby removing the constraint on attached segment arm  208  which if pulled away from recording device covering  101  would cause rotation around seventh segment arm coupler  258  and all previously described connected segment arms and couplers in this embodiment. 
         [0051]      FIG. 15  depicts the same embodiment of  FIG. 14  but in the fully extended position. For this embodiment and others that feature the affordance of folding around the perimeter of the recording device frame, the segment arms could be shaped will walls on the exterior lengths to serve as stops so as to prevent rotation beyond 180 degrees relative to connected segments so that the segment arms would align in substantially perpendicularly relative to the recording device covering. This figure also features an internal channel in each of the segment arms to accommodate a push rod mechanism illustrated with dotted lines to connote internalization and concealment within their respective segment arms. Locking of the segment arm assembly in the fully extended position would result from first segment push rod  202   x  which would lock the alignment of first segment arm  201  and second segment arm  202  by virtue of the rigidity it provides when pushed internally between these two segment arms which would result from second segment push rod  203   x  being pushed internally slightly out of the internal top channel of third segment arm  203 , which would result by the abutment and contact from third segment push rod  204   x  being pushed slightly beyond the top channel of fourth segment arm  204  which would have be caused by the abutment and contact from fourth segment push rod  205   x  pushed by fifth segment push rod  206   x  in turn pushed by sixth segment push rod  207   x  pushed by seventh segment push rod  208   x  which was initially pushed up by sliding push rod switch  405 . Thus a user can lock the alignment of all segment arms by this assembly of pushrods that can slide across the internal channels of the segment arms and across what were the points of articulation between the segment arms rendering them non-articulating. 
         [0052]      FIG. 16  is a rear perspective of an alternate embodiment of the invention in which the segment arms of the handle are retracted and folded for storage on the rear of the recording device covering. 
         [0053]      FIG. 17  is a view of another embodiment of an arm that is selectively lockable. With this embodiment, there is an arm  600  which is selectively connectable to a recording device such as recording device  10  which in at least one embodiment can be a smartphone. With this embodiment, there is an arm  602  which has at one end a link section  601  and at another section a link section  603 . An additional arm  604  or second arm is coupled at link end  603 , and at an opposite end via link  617 . A third arm  606  is shown exposed with a slide button mechanism  624  being shown slidable inside of arm  606 . Push button  624  is coupled to a slidable body  610  which is slidable in a chamber  612  which has a beveled edge to catch or stop the slidable body  610 . An extension  625  extends out from body  610 . A link end  621  is formed at the end of the arm  606  as well. As shown there is a spring  616  which is shown being able to be fit inside of two forks  614  forming a chamber for the spring inside of arm  606 . In addition, there is a tab  620  which is slidable inside of a tab chamber which allows for the axial motion of body  610  inside of the chamber. There is an arm  618  which is slidable into the linkage area which includes linkage  617  thereby locking this linkage in place. This type of movement also occurs inside of arms  604  and  602 . Thereby selectively locking linkage  603  in place. 
         [0054]    For example, there are two ends  601   a  and  621   a . At first end  601   a  there is a substantially static connection wherein at point  601 , an object such as a handle or a recording device such as device  10 . At the opposite end is a pivot end  621   a  as well. This pivot end  621   a  is an omnidirectional pivot end that allows for rotation about at least two axes such as two axes that are transverse to each other. When button  624  is pressed and driven in the direction of arrow  661  it drives the extension back inside of the arm, and away from a linkage connection. This movement of the extension allows for rotation of any device connected at this end such as a handle or a recording device. This movement allows for rotation about link  621  as well as movement in a direction transverse to the rotation about link  621  as well. The movement of this extension  625  also translates into a movement along axis  660  of other components freeing up the links  617 ,  603  and  601 . In addition, at pivot end  621   a  the movement of extension  625  allows also for a rotation along arrow line  621   b  as well as a rotation of an object such as a handle or a recording device  10 , in a direction transverse to the direction of arrows  621   b . For example, the direction of rotation of this object could be around an axis line  662  or around an axis line substantially parallel to axis line  662  allowing for substantially omnidirectional movement of an object such has a handle such as handle  620  or an object such as device  10 . 
         [0055]    To further illustrate the omnidirectional rotation of this end such as end  621   a    FIG. 17A  shows two axes of rotation  621   d  and  662  which illustrate the two different pivots or links  621  and  662   b  which are similar to each other but positioned transverse or substantially perpendicular to each other so that this allows for omnidirectional rotation of an object at this end along a nearly infinite number of different rotating positions. Both of these links  621  and  662   b  are coupled to arm  606 . 
         [0056]    As discussed above the different ends  601   a  and  621   a  can have different levels of rotation or adjustability such that one end could be an omnidirectional end and the other end is simply a rotational end with another object simply being rotatable about a single axis. However, in at least one embodiment, both ends such as ends  601   a  and  621   a  could be omnidirectional ends having pivots or rotational axes in at least two directions. 
         [0057]      FIG. 18  shows a cross-sectional view of the different arms  602 ,  604 , and  606  showing the different inner linkages and push rods disposed therein. For example, there is slidable body  610  which is slidable inside of chamber  612 . The two forks receiving area  614  is configured to receive spring  616  of  FIG. 17 . A push rod  631  is shown slidable across linkage  617  wherein this push rod has an angled section  632  which is slidable inside of angled chamber  634 . A spring  630  is configured to bias the push rod  631  towards locking inside of linkage section  617  when arm  604  is aligned with arm  606  thereby creating a slidable channel within linkage section  617 . A spring  630  is positioned adjacent to angled section  632  of push rod  631  and is also used to bias push rod section  635  thereby driving tab  634  inside of chamber  636  to cause push rod section  635  to move towards linkage section  603 . Another push rod  642  disposed inside of arm  602  has an angled section  644  which is slidable inside of angled chamber  646 , thereby allowing selective axial displacement of these push rods along an axis  660  which is a longitudinal axis of the extension of these arms. A fork  648  is configured to receive a spring (not shown) which is selectively disposed within these forks. In addition, linkage  601  is also shown which is also selectively lockable with the movement of these push rods into these linkage joints. 
         [0058]      FIG. 19  is a view of the locking shaft or push rod outside of the arms. For example, there is shown slidable body  610  which has slide button  624  which is configured to be selectively slidable to lock the linkages into alignment. Opposing forks  614   a  and  614   b  are configured to receive a spring, which are configured to drive push rod  618  having tab  620  into push rod  631 . Push rod  631  has an angled section  632  which extends towards a chamber having a spring  630 . Push rod  635  has a tab  634  and is positioned adjacent to push rod  642 . Spring  630  is configured to drive the two push rods  631  and  635  in opposite directions into the linkage areas to thereby stop the rotation of these linkages or hinges. Push rod  642  is also driven as well so that it pushes on angled section  644  and towards fork section  648  where another spring can be positioned and used to lock these push rods in an internal region thereby locking these linkages such as linkage  601 ,  603 ,  617  and  621  into alignment (See  FIG. 18 ) thereby locking the axial movement of these arms along axis  660  ( FIG. 18 ) to create a straight aligned set of arms which allows for controlled handling by a user. 
         [0059]      FIG. 20  is a view of a locking arm having both a locking cable or line  712  and a power cable or line  702 . With this design, there is device  10  having a cover  101   b , wherein cover  101   b  is configured to allow cover  710  to fold out from cover  101   b . Cover  710  allows arms  705 ,  707 , and  709  to fold out and to be selectively locked by line or locking cable  712 . Locking cable or line  712  is held in place via a first pin  713  and extends down through arms  705 ,  707 , and  709  to handle  720 . When these arms  705 ,  707  and  709  are extended, this creates a little slack in the line  712 . At one end of the line  712  is a fastener  713  which fastens the line  712  to the cover  101   b . This fixes the line  712  at a first end. Then as the handle  720  is rotated, line  712  is pulled on pin or fastener  713  so that the cable becomes taught. 
         [0060]    At the opposite end of the line  712  and inside of handle  720  is a cam  750  which is a rounded or oval shaped cam. Cable  712  extends around cam  750  such that when handle  720  rotates, the cable  712  extends around cam  750  creating a greater length to be drawn on cable  712  when handle  720  is rotated in a counter-clockwise manner. 
         [0061]    The slack is taken up by rotating handle  720  so that it takes up the slack thereby creating tension on locking cable  712  thereby locking these arms in place. This prevents any rotational motion around any one of the linkages such as linkage  714 ,  716 ,  718 , or  719 , so that the user can hold handle  720 , forcing arms  705 ,  707  and  709  to extend along axis  731  while keeping the recording device  10  in place thereby allowing recording element  730  to be held steady. 
         [0062]    In addition, disposed inside of handle  720  is a button  722  which is coupled to an electrical and signal line  702  which is also coupled at an opposite end to electrical connection element  700 . Electrical connection element  700  is coupled to a power supply and a signal controller so that power and signals can flow out from this electrical connection element  700  towards button  722  and also inside of device  10 . When the device including the arms  701  is folded up, the handle  720  forming a cover is put in place adjacent to cover  710  to close the arms inside these covers. 
         [0063]      FIG. 21  is a view of the locking arm in an unlocked position. Arms  705 ,  707  and  709  are shown bent vs. each other with handle  720  rotated in a clockwise manner vs. the orientation of  FIG. 20 . This orientation of handle  720  shows that if handle  720  is rotated in a counter-clockwise manner, around link or hinge  719 , it causes greater tension in cable or line  712 , thereby automatically straightening out arms  705 ,  707  and  709 , due to the tension created in line  712 . Due to the grip that the user may have on handle  720 , this causes handle  720  to rotate towards arm  709  thereby straightening out these arms and forcing them to extend along axis  731  shown in  FIG. 20 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 22  is a view of the locking arm wherein the locking cable  712  is disposed therein. With this embodiment, only the locking cable which extends from pin  713  through arms  705 ,  707 , and  709  is used. An electrical or signal line or cable  702  is not used. Instead, the locking cable  712  is used and a button, if necessary, is used as a wireless signal button such as but not limited to Bluetooth or WiFi signal button. 
         [0065]    Alternatively,  FIG. 23  shows the signal line  702  which is configured to act as the locking cable to lock the arms  705 ,  707 , and  709  in place using the rotation of handle  720 . Signal line  702  extends from electrical connection  700  through the arms past the links or hinges  714 ,  716 ,  718 , and  719  to thereby lock the arms in place along an axis such as axis  731  when handle  720  is rotated in place around the cam  750 . 
         [0066]    Thus, this design creates a lockable system which locks the arms in place such that the cable or line  702  or line or cable  712  locks these arms in place so that a user can then have a steady control over a recording device. 
         [0067]    Accordingly, while only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.