Abstract:
A balanced, modular camera mounting apparatus providing near hands free support and positioning of a mounted camera with infinite adjustment capability. The apparatus is comprised of a shoulder brace, at least one intermediate assembly plate, a camera mount plate, and a weight/accessory box. The shoulder brace includes curvature both longitudinally and laterally to ergonomically conform to the shoulder of the user. The rear end of the shoulder brace can be straight or curved and also includes a slot to adjustably connect the weight/accessory box. The shoulder brace further includes nonslip padding. Intermediate assembly plates vary in shape and size to allow for myriad adjustments providing balance and positioning according to a desired use. The camera mount plate is attached to an intermediate assembly plate. The weight/accessory box may contain extra assembly plates, camera equipment, or bagged weights as a counterbalance. Components are releasably attached to each other with hand-tightened thumbscrews.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This disclosure relates to the field of video camera mounts. More particularly this disclosure relates to a balanced, portable, modular camera mounting apparatus capable of permitting near “hands-free” operation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Unlike small consumer palmcorder video cameras, professional rear-eyepiece video cameras can be larger, bulkier, and typically include numerous heavy accessories. Due to the nature of the rear-viewfinder design, the camera is essentially positioned in front of the face of the operator rather than on the shoulder. Hence, they are cumbersome to carry and operate and they tend to feel progressively heavier during prolonged use. Many rear-viewfinder cameras are fitted with a handle or hand strap to assist with the positioning of the camera, but even with a built in handle, the operator must use both hands to properly align the camera and steady it while operating various controls. As a result, fatigue is a problem for the operator during prolonged use. 
     It is therefore desirable to provide support for the camera and accessory equipment in such a way as to enable the operator to have freedom of movement and lessen fatigue resulting from holding the camera in one position for extended periods of time and simultaneously free the operator&#39;s hands for adjustment of the camera&#39;s controls and features. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,409 to DeSorbo, et al. discloses a shoulder mounted camera support. The device is comprised of modular units having a front and a rear portion stabilized on the shoulder of the operator using a battery as a counterweight. A pair of pivot knuckles connects the front and rear portions. The front portion includes a clutch operated slidable breast plate which rests on the operator&#39;s chest during use for assistance with stability. A horizontal supporting shaft extends from the front portion for slidable attachment of a camera shoe. This method of counterbalance creates significant limitations. The system does not allow balance of large cameras in multiple positions without the use of the operator&#39;s hands. Additionally, adjustments of camera position are limited. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,010 to Greene discloses a shoulder platform for mounting a camera. The device is comprised of a curved frame having a padded shoulder mount, a padded chest plate, and a padded back support. A camera mount is attached to the frame and is comprised of a standard quick release plate and gimbal block for adjusting the camera angle in multiple directions. A storage compartment is mounted to the back of the frame. However, the curved frame limits the adjustment capability of the gimbal block. Further, the device offers little to no counterbalance. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,449 to Hart discloses a frame assembly for supporting a camera. The device comprises a rigid frame having a front and a rear. Two shoulder rests are connected to the frame positioned between the front and the rear. A pair of hand grips is provided. A camera mount for releasably holding a video camera is provided. An adjustable counterweight is connected to the rear of the frame for balancing the camera on the shoulders of the operator. The frame assembly requires both shoulders of the operator and therefore can be cumbersome. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,940,644 to Putora discloses a balancing apparatus for stabilizing a camera. An elongated balance arm is provided. A pivotal support is slidably connected to the balance arm and includes a shoulder rest. The pivotal support provides a fulcrum point. A camera mount is coupled to the front end and a counterweight is coupled to the back end. The counterweight and camera mount are arranged such that when the camera is counterbalanced, the apparatus has a center of gravity directly below the fulcrum point. However, the camera mount provides limited adjustability, which limits the users which can use the device. 
     Therefore there is a need for a lightweight, portable camera support capable of providing near limitless adjustability for proper camera positioning while obtaining full hands-free balance. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The device disclosed is a camera mounting apparatus intended to be positioned on one shoulder of a camera operator. The device, when adjusted and balanced, provides stable hands free camera operation and reduces the fatigue associated with holding a camera during lengthy use. The device is intended for both novice and professional operators to support cameras of different sizes ranging from small digital cameras to large video and SLR cameras. 
     In summary, the device is comprised of a shoulder brace, at least one intermediate assembly plate, a camera mount plate, and a weight/accessory box acting as a counterbalance. The shoulder brace has a longitudinally oriented curvature and a slightly raised inside edge to ergonomically conform to the shoulder of the user. The shoulder brace further includes padding. The front end of the shoulder brace is typically straight and includes a slot to slidably mount an intermediate assembly plate. Intermediate assembly plates are provided in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on desired use. Each intermediate assembly plate also includes mounting slots which allow for a myriad of custom lengths and positions to provide balance and proper positioning. The camera mount plate is slidably attached to an intermediate assembly plate. The rear end of the shoulder brace can be straight, angled, or curved and also includes a slot to adjustably connect the weight/accessory box. The weight/accessory box may contain extra assembly plates, camera or audio accessories, extra batteries, and/or bagged weights as a counterbalance. All components are releasably attached to each other with hand-tightened thumbscrews or other quick-lock hardware. Adjustments of the relative positions between two adjoining pieces are widely variable given each piece incorporates a slot for “front-to-back” and “side-to-side” movement in addition to the thumbscrews providing a pivot point for variable rotation. 
     In an alternate embodiment, a chest plate can be pivotally hinged to the front of the shoulder brace. The hinged chest plate can accommodate various body shapes and operator preferences while further assisting with steadying of the camera. The chest plate includes a collection of horizontal slots for attachment of a hinged camera mount plate. The hinged camera mount plate may include a tensioned pivot point for additional camera tilt positioning relative to the chest plate providing different viewing angles. 
     In an alternate embodiment, a handle is mounted to the upper surface of the shoulder brace. The handle is longitudinally oriented and is centered over the lateral edges of the shoulder brace. The handle may be used for transporting the apparatus while the camera is attached or for providing a low angle vantage point at any height between the ground and the operator&#39;s shoulder, while maintaining level balance of the camera during movement. 
     In use, a camera is mounted to the camera mount plate and the device balances on the shoulder of the operator in the operator&#39;s preferred position for comfortable support and operation of the camera. Standard camera operating adjustments, such as focus, can be made without disturbing the balance of the device. An operator can set the camera to virtually any position desired. The curvature of the shoulder brace creates a fulcrum point such that near perfect weight equalization is achieved resulting in lateral pitch balance as well as upward and downward tilt balance. The result is elimination of need for assistance from the operator&#39;s hands or arms in supporting the camera or its position, even during moderate movement by the operator, including tilting to aim the camera in any direction. The components are releasably assembled together with hand-tightened thumbscrews. The device provides for near infinite adjustment capability of the camera position relative to the face and eye of the operator. The relative position of the weight box is further adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of camera sizes and weights. The camera can be moved forward or backward on the camera mount plate and the camera angle can be pivoted left or right. The camera mount plate can be raised or lowered and pitched rotationally clockwise or counterclockwise. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 2A  is an isometric view of a shoulder brace of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 2B  is an elevation view of a shoulder brace of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 2C  is an elevation view of a shoulder brace of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 2D  is an elevation view of a shoulder brace of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 2E  is a series of cross-sectional elevation views along lines A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D, and E-E from  FIG. 2B  of a shoulder brace of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an intermediate plate of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of an intermediate plate of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 5A  is an isometric view of a camera mount plate of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 5B  is a top view of a camera mount plate of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a counterbalance box of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a vertical elevator and tilt/pitch accessory of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a front assembly of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view of an accessory camera mount plate of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of a connection point of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is an elevation view of a handle of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 12A  is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 12B  is a top view of a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 12C  is a top view of a preferred embodiment with accessory camera mount plate. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the components of camera mount apparatus  100  include shoulder brace  102 , flat intermediate plate  104 , angled intermediate plate  106 , camera mount plate  108 , and counterbalance box  110 . Each component has a variety of slots for connection to adjacent components. All slots are generally laterally centered on their respective components and are approximately ¼ inch to 7/16 inch wide. Edges of all slots may be recessed or beveled for countersinking of fastening hardware. Releasable thumbscrews  112 , cooperate with bolts inserted through the slots to pivotally connect components together. Other fastening hardware can be used. Threaded mounting pin  114  extends through a slot in camera mount plate  108  for attachment to a camera body. In a preferred embodiment, the components of camera mount apparatus are stamped and formed from ⅛ inch to ¼ inch flat bend-resistant aluminum sheet. However, the components are desired to be strong and lightweight and could be manufactured from other metals such as steel and titanium, synthetic or polycarbonate materials such as carbon fiber or Kevlar®, durable plastic, or any combination of these. Camera mount apparatus  100  is illustrated and described for right handed operation of cameras with rear viewfiders, left side view finders, or left side LCD monitors, as these cameras are most popular. It is understood that the device could be manufactured to be left-handed by reversing the shapes of the parts and their locations right to left. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2D , shoulder brace  102  is shown. Shoulder brace  102  has a rear section  202  integrally formed with an arcuate section  204  and a front section  206 . Rear section  202  includes slot  210  generally parallel with the central axis of shoulder brace  102 . Rear section  202  includes knurled surface  222 . Rear section  202  extends straight from arcuate section  204 . In an alternate preferred embodiment, rear section  202  extends outwardly from arcuate section  204  at an angle of approximately 10° to 20°. Arcuate section  204  extends from rear section  202  to front section  206  in a generally curved shape. Front section  206  includes slot  212  generally parallel with the central axis of shoulder brace  102 . Front section  206  includes knurled surface  226 . In a preferred embodiment, the overall length of shoulder brace  102  is approximately 15 to 17 inches where rear section  202  has a length of approximately 2 to 4 inches, arcuate section  204  has a radius of curvature of approximately 5 to 11 inches, front section  206  has a length of approximately 3 to 5 inches, slot  210  has a length of approximately 1 to 2 inches, slot  212  has a length of approximately 2 to 3 inches, and rise “X” is approximately 3 inches. Arcuate section  204  has a laterally angled edge as indicated by angle “Θ” where lateral edge  214  is raised as compared to lateral edge  216 . In the preferred embodiment, angle “Θ” at its maximum, ranges between approximately 10° and 20°. The difference in relative positions of the lateral edges provides a shape which ergonomically conforms to the shape of an operator&#39;s shoulder. Angle “Θ” is generally 0° where rear section  202  adjoins arcuate section  204  and also generally 0° where arcuate section  204  adjoins front section  206 . Angle “Θ” gradually increases from 0° to between 10° and 20° and decreases back to 0° through the length of arcuate section  204  reaching its maximum angle approximately at the midpoint. Padding  208  is attached to the underside of arcuate section  204 . Padding  208  is generally polyurethane foam or rubber padding and is affixed to arcuate section  204  through common in the art methods such as adhesives or screws. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2E , cross-sections A through E of shoulder brace  102  are shown.  FIG. 2E  illustrates the gradual change of angle “Θ” through the length of arcuate section  204 . At point A, front section  206  transitions to arcuate section  204  and angle “Θ” is generally 0° as shown by cross-section A-A. Point B is approximately 2 inches from point A. In the preferred embodiment, angle “Θ” at cross-section B-B is approximately 8° but can generally range between approximately 4° and 12°. Point C is approximately 2 inches from point B. In the preferred embodiment, angle “Θ” at cross-section C-C is approximately 10° but can generally range between approximately 6° and 14°. Point D is approximately 2 inches from point C. In the preferred embodiment, angle “Θ” at cross-section D-D is approximately 6° but can generally range between approximately 2° and 10°. At point E, arcuate section  204  transitions to rear section  202  and angle “Θ” is generally 0° as shown by cross-section E-E. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , flat intermediate plate  104  is shown. Flat intermediate plate  104  includes longitudinal slot  306  centered between end  302  and end  304 . In the preferred embodiment, flat intermediate plate  104  is approximately 5 to 7 inches in length. Slot  306  extends approximately 4 to 6 inches. Flat intermediate plate  104  includes knurled surface  308  on one side and knurled surface  310  on the opposite side. In the preferred embodiment, flat intermediate plate is arcuate where radius “R” is approximately 15 to 16 inches. In an alternate embodiment, flat intermediate plate  104  and slot  306  are linear. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , angled intermediate plate  106  is shown. Angled intermediate plate  106  includes end  402  separated from end  404  by bend  414 . End  404  is approximately twice as long as end  402 . Angle “B” of bend  414  is approximately 120° but can range from approximately 110° to 130°. End  404  extends straight from end  402 . In an alternate preferred embodiment, end  404  extends outwardly from end  402  at an angle of approximately 10° and 30°. End  402  includes slot  406 . Slot  406  is arranged generally perpendicular to the central axis of flat intermediate plate  106 . End  404  includes slot  408  generally parallel with the central axis of flat intermediate plate  106 . End  406  includes knurled surface  410  and end  402  includes knurled surface  412 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , camera mount plate  108  is shown. Camera mount plate  108  includes end  502  separated from end  504  by bend  510 . Angle “C” of bend  510  is approximately 60° but can range from approximately 50° to 70°. Angle “B” of angled intermediate plate  106  and angle “C” of camera mount plate  108  are generally supplementary angles. End  504  extends outwardly from end  502  at an angle of approximately 45° but can range from approximately 35° to 55°. In an alternate embodiment, end  504  extends straight from end  502 . End  502  includes slot  506  and end  504  includes slot  508 . Both slots  506  and  508  are generally parallel with the central axis of camera mount plate  108 . End  502  includes padding  512 . In the preferred embodiment, padding  512  is approximately 1/16 inch thick and is manufactured of plastic, rubber or other durable and slip resistant material. Padding  512  is affixed to end  502  with adhesive. In the preferred embodiment, end  502  is shaped as shown but alternate shapes such as oval and circular are available. End  502  is not limited to one slot longitudinally arranged. In an alternate preferred embodiment, end  502  includes a plurality of slots positioned both parallel and perpendicular to the central axis of camera mount plate  108 . End  504  includes knurled surface  514 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , counterbalance box  110  is shown. Counterbalance box  110  includes arm  602  connected to body  604 . Arm  602  includes slot  608  generally parallel with the central axis of arm  602 . In the preferred embodiment arm  602  is approximately 4 to 5 inches in length. Arm  602  includes knurled surface  610 . Body  604  is generally rectangular with approximate dimensions of 4 by 6 inches and approximately 4 to 7 inches deep. Other polygonal shapes, especially those specifically shaped to contain particular camera accessories, are envisioned. Body  604  further includes slots  606 . An optional strap (not shown) can be inserted through slots  606  to secure items within counterbalance box  110 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , vertical elevator  700  is shown. Vertical elevator  700  is comprised of base  702  pivotally connected to extender  704 . Base  702  includes end  720  separated from end  722  by a generally 90° bend. End  720  includes slot  712  arranged generally parallel with the central axis of base  702 . End  720  further includes knurled surface  716 . Extender  704  includes end  730  separated from end  732  by a generally 90° bend. End  730  includes slot  714 . End  732  includes a pair of slots  708  and  710  arranged generally perpendicular to the central axis of extender  704 . In an alternate embodiment, ends  720  and  732  are not limited to the illustrated slot configuration. Ends  720  and  732  may include a plurality of slots arranged parallel and/or perpendicular to the central axis of vertical elevator  700 . End  732  includes knurled surface  718 . Thumbscrew  706  cooperates with a threaded bolt inserted through slot  714  and a hole in end  722  to pivotally connect end  702  to end  704 . The threaded bolt provides a pivot axis for base  702  relative to extender  704 . Vertical elevator  700  is an optional component used when extra elevation of the camera relative to the operator&#39;s eye is required due to varying camera size or for clearance over other components. When in use, typically base  702  is pivotally connected to front section  206  and extender  704  is pivotally connected to flat intermediate plate  104 . However, vertical elevator  700  could optionally be pivotally connected to any of the other forward components. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , an alternate embodiment camera mount apparatus  800  is shown. The components of camera mount apparatus  800  include shoulder brace  802 , chest plate  804 , and camera mount plate  806 . Shoulder brace  802  includes rear section  810 . Rear section  810  further includes slot  816  for connection to a counterbalance box. Rear section  810  also includes knurled surface  818 . Arcuate section  836  is integrally formed with and extends from rear section  810  in a generally curved shape to conform to the shape of an operator&#39;s shoulder. Arcuate section  836  includes padding  838 . Shoulder brace  802  is pivotally connected to chest plate  804  with hinge assembly  808 . Hinge assembly  808  is capable of being tightened to a fixed position to prevent movement of the position of chest plate  804  relative to shoulder brace  802 . 
     Chest plate  804  is generally rectangular in shape and pivotally connected to shoulder brace  802  in a corner. The right side (as an operator would balance the device on his/her right shoulder) of chest plate  804  is aligned with the shoulder brace  802 . Chest plate  804  includes horizontal slots  830 ,  832 , and  834 . Chest plate  804  further includes knurled surface  840 . 
     Camera mount plate  806  is comprised of end  820  pivotally attached to end  822  by hinge assembly  844 . Hinge assembly  844  allows angle “D” between ends  820  and  822  to be adjusted about pivot point  828  and is capable of being tightened to a fixed position to secure a desired angle between the ends. In the preferred embodiment, angle “D” ranges from 30° to 90°. End  820  includes slot  826 . Thumbscrew  812  cooperates with a threaded bolt inserted through slot  826  and one of slots  830 ,  832 , or  834  to adjustably connect camera mount plate  806  to chest plate  804 . End  822  includes slot  824 . End  822  also includes padding  842 . In the preferred embodiment, padding  842  is approximately 1/16 to ⅛ inch thick and is manufactured of a plastic, rubber, or other common in the art slip resistant material and is affixed to end  822  with adhesive. End  822  is paddle shaped as shown but alternate shapes such as oval, circular, or straight will suffice. End  822  is not limited to one slot longitudinally arranged. End  822  may include a plurality of slots positioned both parallel and perpendicular to the central axis of camera mount plate  806 . Threaded mounting pin  814  extends through a slot in end  822  for attachment to a camera body. In an alternate embodiment, camera mount plate  806  may be a component of camera mount apparatus  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , accessory camera mount plate  900  is shown. Arm section  902  is integrally formed with and extends to mount section  904 . Arm section  902  includes slot  908  generally parallel with the central axis of mount plate  900 . Mount section  904  is generally circular shaped but could also be oval or polygonal. Mount section  904  includes cross shaped slot  910 . Mount section  904  further includes padding  906 . Padding  906  is approximately 1/16 inch thick and is manufactured of a plastic, rubber, or other common in the art durable and slip resistant material. Padding  906  is affixed to mount section  904  with adhesive. Camera mount plate  900  is optional and is most particularly useful with cameras that have left side viewfinders or left side LCD monitors where the position of the camera relative to the operator&#39;s head is required to be further to the right out over and slightly in front of the operator&#39;s shoulder. Accessory camera mount plate  900  can be pivotally connected to end  502  or to end  822 . A thumbscrew cooperates with a bolt extending through cross shaped slot  910  and slot  506  and slot  824  respectively. The slots provide “side-to-side” and “front-to-back” adjustment capability while the bolt and thumbscrew provide a pivot axis for rotational adjustment of accessory camera mount plate  900  relative to end  502  or to end  822 . Accessory camera mount plate  900  is not limited to the illustrated slot configuration and could include a plurality of slots arranged parallel and/or perpendicular to the central axis of accessory camera mount plate  900 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a representative connection point is shown. The intersecting slots of adjacent components  1002  and  1004  combined with a thumbscrew and bolt  1012  allows for quick adjustment at each connection point. At each connection point, the components can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise in direction  1006  about the thumbscrew/bolt combination. The bolt at each connection point provides a pivot axis relative to the two components connected at that connection point. Additionally, each thumbscrew/bolt combination can slide through the length of each slot of components  1002  and  1004  providing a multitude of adjustment combinations. Component  1002  can move in a “side-to-side” direction  1008  and “front-to-back” direction  1010  relative to component  1004  and vice versa. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , shoulder brace  102  is shown with attached handle  1102 . Handle  1102  generally follows the length and shape of arcuate section  204 . Handle  1102  includes mounting brackets  1106  on each end. Brackets  1106  include holes  1108 . Bolts  1104  releasably attach handle  1102  to shoulder brace  102 . Handle  1102  allows for various forward to back hand positions for balanced carrying when apparatus is not positioned on an operator&#39;s shoulder. In an alternate embodiment, handle  1102  is straight. Handle  1102  could also be attached to shoulder brace  802 . In an alternate embodiment, handle  1102  can be permanently molded to shoulder brace  102  or shoulder brace  802 . 
     In use, the apparatus is assembled and deployed as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . A camera is mounted to the camera mount plate via the threaded mounting pin. The pin may slide within slot  506  and the camera can rotate about the pin a full 360° if necessary. In addition to sliding within slots  408  and  508 , camera mount plate  108  can pivot relative to angled intermediate plate  106  about the connecting thumbscrew through a range of motion of generally 360°. In addition to sliding laterally within slots  306  and  406 , angled intermediate plate  106  can pivot relative to flat intermediate plate  104  about the connecting thumbscrew through range of motion “J” equal to approximately 270°. In addition to sliding laterally within slots  212  and  306 , flat intermediate plate  104  can pivot relative to shoulder brace  102  about the connecting thumbscrew through range of motion “K” equal to approximately 300°. In addition to sliding laterally within slots  210  and  608 , counterbalance box  110  can pivot relative to shoulder brace  102  about the connecting thumbscrew through a range of motion “L” of approximately 270°. Weights, camera accessories, or additional intermediate plates are placed in the counterbalance box to offset the weight of the camera. Once the device is assembled and balanced at preferred angles and distances, the thumbscrews are tightened by hand and the knurled surfaces engage each other preventing slippage. In an alternate embodiment, any or all knurled surfaces could be replaced with any other securely adherent slip resistance surface common in the art. The apparatus is balanced on the shoulder of the operator. The padding affixed to the shoulder brace provides a comfortable and non-slip engagement between the operator and the apparatus. When properly adjusted and balanced, operator fatigue is minimized as the apparatus provides fully hands free support and stability for the camera even as the operator moves the point of view of the camera.  FIG. 12C  illustrates an applied usage position of accessory camera plate  900 . 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments herein, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.