Abstract:
A multi-functional device and transport apparatus that includes a telescoping spine mechanism. The device further includes a selectively extendable axle mechanism that is operatively secured to the spine mechanism. A plurality of wheels are rotatably secured to the axle mechanism. The axle mechanism may be selectively extended to effectively increase a width of the multi-function device and transport apparatus to stabilize the apparatus.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/153,448 filed on Feb. 18, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a multifunctional device and transport apparatus, and more particularly to a multifunctional device and transport apparatus for the transportation, support and storage of image capturing and/or recording devices and related accessories. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In the photographic, motion picture and video fields, it is well known to package cameras, lighting equipment and their associated accessories in travel bags. These bags are often wheeled or they may be placed on wheeled carts in order to facilitate their movement from place to place. Additionally, support stands such as tripods, monopods, lighting stands or similar constructs are oftentimes necessary to the operation of the cameras or lighting equipment. The supports are typically packaged for transport in a similar fashion—in bags, wheeled cases or on carts. The burden of the number of cases required for this equipment has led to numerous attempts to combine their functions. 
         [0004]    Historically, this effort has been limited for two reasons. First, the volume and weight of the separate elements—camera and camera support, for example—has been such that for an individual to handle them in transport they could not be combined. Second, the weight of the camera or lighting gear was such that a lightweight camera support could not stabilize the camera or lighting in a manner that would allow for an acceptable level of operation. 
         [0005]    Thus, the very nature of the technically improved smaller and lighter camera/devices, allows for smaller lighter camera supports. However, a lighter support is undesirable as a certain mass is required to adequately support and counter-balance a camera during operation. 
         [0006]    With the forgoing problems and concerns in mind, it is the general object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional device and transport apparatus for the transportation, support and storage of image capturing and/or recording devices and related accessories. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is one object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional device and transport apparatus. 
         [0008]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional device and transport apparatus for the transportation, support and storage of image capturing and/or recording devices and related accessories. 
         [0009]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional device and transport apparatus in which a deployable frame assembly is integrated with a transport case and support assembly. 
         [0010]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional device and transport apparatus in which the deployable frame assembly includes a expandable wheel base. 
         [0011]    An embodiment of the present invention is a multi-functional device and transport apparatus that includes a telescoping spine mechanism. The device further includes a selectively extendable axle mechanism that is operatively secured to the spine mechanism. A plurality of wheels are rotatably secured to the axle mechanism. The axle mechanism may be selectively extended axially to effectively increase a width of the multi-function device and transport apparatus to stabilize the apparatus. 
         [0012]    An additional embodiment of the present invention is a transportable image capture apparatus that includes an image capture device operatively connected to an extendable spine. The apparatus also includes a selectively extendable axle mechanism operatively secured to the spine. A plurality of wheels are rotatably secured to opposing distal ends of the axle mechanism. The plurality of wheels include a braking mechanism to selectively limit their rotation. The apparatus further includes a leg that may be pivotally extended from the spine to further support the apparatus. The axle mechanism may be selectively extended axially to effectively increase a width of the apparatus thereby stabilizing the apparatus. 
         [0013]    These and other objectives of the present invention, and their preferred embodiments, shall become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings taken as a whole. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a deployable frame assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a multifunctional device and transport apparatus as integrated with the deployable frame assembly of  FIG. 1 , also according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 3-7  illustrate the transformation of the multifunctional device and transport apparatus shown in  FIG. 2  from its preferred transport state, to its preferred partially deployed state. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate the wheel locking mechanism of the multifunctional device and transport apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIGS. 10-14  illustrate the utilization of the telescoping spine mechanism, as integrated with the multifunctional device and transport apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0019]      FIGS. 15-17  illustrate the mounting of an image recording apparatus to the multifunctional device and transport apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 18  illustrates one possible deployment and use of the multifunctional device and transport apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of deployable frame assembly  10 , as integrated with the multifunctional device and transport apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the deployable frame assembly  10  includes a telescoping spine mechanism  12  which is preferably formed as a nested tubular structure crafted from any rigid or semi-rigid material, such as but not limited to steel, aluminum, ceramics, carbon fiber, or the like. The spine mechanism  12  is preferably built onto a padded and compartmented case, which is capable of housing an image capturing and/or recording device and any number of peripheral accessories. 
         [0022]    While a nested tubular structure has been described, it will be readily appreciated that the nested, telescoping elements of the spine mechanism  12  may evidence any cross-sectional configuration, such as but not limited to a rectangular, or square cross section, without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. 
         [0023]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , a pair of tension collars  14  are formed adjacent the upper distal end of the spine mechanism  12 . As will be appreciated, the selective operation of one or both of the tension collars  14  will permit one or more of the nested telescoping tubes to become fixedly extended a predetermined amount so as to position articles mounted atop thereof to be utilized by an operator, as will be described in more detail later. 
         [0024]    A brace attachment  16  is secured to the spine mechanism  12  and provides an anchoring location for a pair of bracing legs  18 . For their part, the bracing legs  18  are affixed to a stationary axle  20  within which a pair of opposing movable axles  22  are nested for selective extension therefrom. An axle attachment  24  is provided to secure the lower portion of the spine mechanism  12 , while a leg attachment plate  26  is position farther up the spine mechanism  12 . The leg attachment plate  26  is utilized in those embodiments in which a third stabilizing leg is provided, as shown in more detail later. A spreader attachment collar  28  is also disposed on the spine mechanism  12 . 
         [0025]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30  is shown, incorporating the deployable frame assembly  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , a padded case  32  is supported upon the deployable frame assembly  10 , including having a pair of wheels  34  operatively connected to the opposing distal ends of the movable axles  22 . 
         [0026]    It will be readily appreciated that the padded case  32  is capable of supporting a plurality of various batteries, lights, film and related image recording accessories useful in the field of image capturing and recording. Further, the present invention is obviously not limited in the nature of the accessories carried within the padded case  32 , which may or may not be related to the field of image capturing and recording. 
         [0027]    A selectively deployable third leg assembly  36  is also shown in  FIG. 2 , and is pivotally connected to the leg attachment plate  26 . The third leg assembly  36  further includes a collapsible wheel  38 , which is typically folded against the body of the padded case  32  during transport, but can be extended when the third leg assembly  36  is itself deployed, as will be shown more clearly in connection with  FIGS. 5-7 . Integrated wheel locks  40  are also shown as being mounted to the wheels  34 , and may be rotated about the axis of the wheels  34 , to slightly lift, and therefore lock, the wheels  34  against any rotation, when desired. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 3-7  illustrate the transformation of the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30  from its preferred transport state (shown in  FIG. 3 ), to its partially deployed state (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). As shown in  FIG. 4 , the wheels  34  are first extended in an axial direction, via operation of the movable axles  22 , so as to increase the effective width of the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30 . 
         [0029]    It is therefore one important aspect of the present invention that the wheels  34  of the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30  be as compact as possible during the preferred transport configuration, as shown in  FIG. 3 , but also be capable of selectively extending in an axial direction, thereby (in part) increasing the stability of the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  illustrates the deployment of the third leg assembly  36  from its folded and retracted position (best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). As shown in  FIG. 5 , once the third leg assembly  36  has been pivoted from the leg attachment plate  26 , an extension lever  41  may be actuated to cause a telescoping extension of the collapsible wheel  38 . The extension lever  41  can thereafter be locked, thus maintaining the extension of the third leg assembly  36 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  illustrates the manipulation of a rigid leg support  42 , thereby adding a measure of rigidity and strength to the now-extended third leg assembly  36 .  FIG. 7  shows the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30  in its partially deployed state, whereby the expanded base formed by the axially extended wheels  34  and the (now-extended) collapsible wheel  38  can be easily appreciated. 
         [0032]    Further stabilization of the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30  can be effectuated through the rotation of the integrated wheel locks  40 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . As best seen in  FIG. 9 , once the integrated wheel locks  40  have been rotated beneath the wheels  38 , the wheels  38  are prevented from further rotation about their axis, and the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30  is secured against sliding and/or rolling movement. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 10-14  illustrate more clearly the utilization of the telescoping spine mechanism  12 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the lower of the two tension collars  14  may be actuated (and subsequently re-locked) so as to permit one of the nested telescoping tubes to be extended upwardly in a fixed orientation.  FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate the operation (and subsequent re-locking) of the upper of the two tensioning collars  14 , thereby extending a second nested and telescoping tube still further in the upward direction, also in a fixed orientation.  FIG. 14  illustrates the final deployed state of the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30 . 
         [0034]    While two tensioning collars have been described in connection with the spine mechanism  12 , the present invention is not so limited in this regard as any number of tensioning collars, or similar structures, may be provided to the spine mechanism  12  in order to effectuate the selective extension of one or more telescoping tubes. Moreover, as also shown in  FIG. 14 , the tensioning collars  14  may, or may not, be selectively combined with a handle  44 , or the like, in order to assist in the active transportation of the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30 , in either its retracted or final deployed state. 
         [0035]    Also of note in  FIG. 14  is the presence of a mounting assembly  46 , which again may, or may not, be integral with one of the two tensioning collars  14 . The mounting assembly  46  is utilized to secure an image capturing and/or recording device to the upper distal end of the now-extended telescoping tubes of the spine mechanism  12 . 
         [0036]      FIGS. 15-17  best illustrate an image capturing and/or recording device  48  affixed to the mounting assembly  46 .  FIG. 16  in particular shows that the mounting assembly  46  is capable of being set (and re-set, as in  FIG. 17 ) to any desired angle of inclination while the image capturing and/or recording device  48  is affixed atop the telescoping tubes of the spine mechanism  12 . 
         [0037]    It will therefore be readily appreciated that, once fully deployed, the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30  provides a stable platform upon which the image capturing and/or recording device  48  may be affixed. Moreover, the integration of the padded case  32  with the deployable frame assembly  10  provides an effective counter-weight to any image capturing and/or recording device mounted atop the spine mechanism  12 .  FIG. 18  most clearly illustrates one possible deployment of the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30 , as it supports the image capturing and/or recording device  48  for use by the operator. 
         [0038]    It will therefore be readily appreciated that the upper portion of the telescoping spine mechanism  12  includes a structure to orient and mount an image capturing and/or recording device, or any other electronic display, equipment or assembly. Indeed, the mounting assembly  46  may instead support a lighting mechanism or assembly, a worktable for laptop computers, or the like, a telescope or other sight-finding implement, a still camera, or any other construct or assembly capable of being supported by the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30 , without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. 
         [0039]    As discussed previously, the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30  can include an integral mechanism (i.e., the mounting assembly  46 , or the like) for the user to control the horizontal and vertical movement of the image capturing and/or recording device  48 , or alternatively, can accept any number of commercially available pan and tilt mechanisms well known in the field. The telescoping aspect of the spine mechanism  12  can then be adjustably extended to increase the operating height of the camera/device to a desired level. 
         [0040]    Thus, the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30  of the present invention is therefore capable of providing:
       Axially retractable wheels extending laterally from the case;   Brake or lift mechanisms which limit the wheel movement thus further stabilizing the structure;   A retractable, extendable third leg member which may be deployed, as needed;   A wheel structure for the third leg which can be engaged or disengaged for mobility or further stability;   A retractable, telescoping column for adjusting the height of the camera/device; and   A transport case which provides a ballast for any device or equipment affixed to the top thereof.       
 
         [0047]    As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill, the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30  of the present invention has the ability to use the deployable frame assembly  10  in a variety of positions: with the telescoping spine assembly  12  in its extended or retracted position; with the third leg assembly and collapsible wheel being selectively retracted/extended; and/or by extending the operational base of the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30  by axially extending the wheels mounted to the movable axles. 
         [0048]    It will also be readily appreciated that the multifunctional device and transport apparatus  30  therefore serves to improve the security of valuable equipment by encapsulating all aspects in a single package that can always be under the operator&#39;s control, as well as providing improved convenience and improved quality of images from the deployment of a stable support platform versus handheld operation. 
         [0049]    While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various obvious changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the essential scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.