Abstract:
This invention relates generally to film and television production. It is designed to easily control and support a boom pole for long periods of time while allowing the operator to maintain comfortable ergonomic positioning and movement of the head, arm and hands during operation. It achieves this by means of a simple machine. The basic embodiment of the invention consists of five (5) main components. 1. An ergonomically positioned control handle which the operator grips; the boom pole itself (or a holder to which may be fastened in position an existing boom pole), which is rigidly connected to the control handles. 3. A means for pivoting (the fulcrum), or other machine means for transferring force, mounted to a harness, and to which is attached the connecting segment, allowing the boom to rotate and move when force is applied to the control handles. 4. Counterweights which can be fastened to the connecting segment at the farthest point possible opposite the fulcrum from the extended end of the boom pole, and/or mechanisms for fastening such weights. 5. A wearable harness including shoulder straps which can be connected in front, and optionally including a belt around the waist where additional support is required, and to which is mounted, on the back, the pivoting assembly, and the rest of the apparatus. By applying force to the control handle, the operator is able to move the boom pole up and down, side to side, or to rotate it.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This apparatus relates to the support and positioning of motion picture and recording equipment, specifically microphones. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    In motion pictures, such as film and television, a boom is used as a mechanical arm or pole designed to hold equipment on the end, such as a directional microphone. Other terms for a boom are: “boom mike”, “fishpole”, and “giraffe.” During a shot (also called a take, which is a continuous block of unedited film or video) the boom is extended out near the people or objects being filmed. The shot may require the boom pole to be held steadily in place for several minutes, to move with the action of the scene, or to move about within the set, multiple times, in the course of a day&#39;s work. The boom operator (also called a “gaffer”) is the crew member responsible for controlling the boom, most commonly a microphone boom, in this manner. The operator must use the boom to position the microphone closely enough to the sound source to capture quality audio, but out of the frame of the camera&#39;s view. 
         [0005]    There are two main types of support for boom poles in the motion picture industry; studio booms and hand held booms. Studio booms are supported by a vertical pole atop a tripod, wheeled or weighted base. These can be very large and are meant for use with heavy equipment in a studio environment. They can be moved or pivoted around their point of support. Hand held boom poles are entirely supported and positioned by a human operator. They can be held one of two ways. The most common method is for the operator to hold the boom arm over his/her head using both arms, with one arm providing support near the center of gravity, and the other grasping the nearest end. To use the boom from overhead in this manner, the boom must be positioned approximately 16 inches (˜40.5 cm) above the head and extended outward over the scene or action being filmed. The other method is to use the boom from below, holding the near end of the boom pole under the arm, while supporting and positioning it with the same hand. The boom must be positioned downward and extended toward the scene so that the microphone is approximately a foot above the ground. 
         [0006]    The mechanism of a boom pole can be replicated with almost any material, such a metal, PVC or wood dowels. However, the stresses and usage requirements mean that the best and more expensive boom poles are manufactured of quality aircraft aluminum, or even carbon graphite fiber. Many also feature padded grips, standardized threaded connectors for assembling multiple pole sections, embedded wiring, and noise-reducing features. 
         [0007]    However, despite these supplements, there are several fundamental problems arising from conventional boom pole operation. Holding the boom pole above the head requires not only significant upper body strength, but significant stamina as well. It is common for boom operators to suffer from severely tired arms.  FIG. 1  displays the commonly used method of operation of a boom pole  30   x  in the overhead hand-held position. Although the weight of a microphone  28   x  at the end of the boom pole is sometimes counterbalanced by a counterweight  50   x , the supporting position of the operator&#39;s arms, hands and head produces stress  25   x . Shots lasting several minutes and repeated shots can impair the operator&#39;s ability to keep the boom steady as they hold it above their heads and at an angle for prolonged periods. Since the boom is held parallel to the shoulders, the operator must turn their head to either side in order to see the microphone&#39;s placement during the shot. 
         [0008]    Holding the boom under the arm can cause further problems, as the pressure against the underarm has the potential to cause loss of blood flow to the supporting arm and hand during prolonged use.  FIG. 2  displays the operation of the boom pole from the under-arm position. The microphone  28   x  is positioned near the ground at the end of the boom pole  30   x . The boom pole is supported and balanced in one hand, while the opposite end presses upward against the underarm, producing stress  25   x  and potentially impairing blood circulation. 
         [0009]    Current patents that attempt to solve the multiple problems of boom operation fail to fully address them, especially the necessity to hold the arms above the head. U.S. Pat. No. 6,594,371 discloses “a microphone boom assembly capable of articulation around a pivot point for precise microphone orientation.” However, this sectioned boom arm, unless rested on the ground, still requires the operator to support the entire weight of the assembly with their arms. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,377 discloses one approach to reducing arm strain. That patent&#39;s background information states that “holding the boom overhead for extended periods is an extremely difficult job” that can even lead to back injuries. The described invention “Gaffer&#39;s Harness” is a support for a boom, basically consisting of a harness with two pneumatic cylinders movably mounted to rigid supports in the front and back. The cylinders have on their opposite ends one small movable bracket each which hold the boom arm. However, this still requires the operator to have their hands above their head to stabilize the boom for prolonged periods of time. Also, changes in the angle of the boom arm must be performed by disengaging a toothed coupling, pushing or pulling the boom arm, then re-engaging the coupling. During a shot, the operator cannot easily change the angle of the boom arm. 
         [0011]    Another proposed solution is disclosed by ATS Communications on the World Wide Web at http://www.atscomms.com. The inventor, Pascal Coulombier, describes the “Kit Cool microphone boom pole support system” as a device to take the weight of a boom pole off of the hands of the operator. It also comes in a larger model variant called the Cool Cam, designed to support cameras. This device supports the boom via an angled pole seated on its end in a pouch or cup, attached to a belt secured around the operator&#39;s waist. The pole is stabilized by straps that encircle the chest, and the boom is positioned parallel to the shoulders. The operator then moves the boom using one or two hands. This device presents many of the same problems as traditional hand held boom pole operation, because at least one hand is held above the head and the head is sharply turned to one side during operation. In addition, the entire weight of the device is pressing down and back into the lower stomach or groin. 
         [0012]    A comprehensive search of available products and patents has not yielded any boom support mechanism that combines complete freedom of movement, manipulation and control, which is designed to be used with the operator&#39;s arms down and head facing front at all times, and which features a comfortable point of support for its weight. This unsolved problem of boom operators, who are extremely tired from holding boom microphones, is even referenced humorously in commercials and documentaries. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    This invention is an ergonomic apparatus designed to be worn by a human operator, which will comfortably support a boom pole and attached microphone in position for long periods of time, and enable control and movement of the boom during normal operation, while the operator&#39;s body remains within a range of ergonomically correct positions. 
       Objects and Advantages 
       [0014]    Accordingly, the main object and advantage of my invention is the ability to comfortably support a boom pole for periods of time ranging from a few seconds to hours; while the operator&#39;s arms remain down below shoulder level, the upper arms are within 45 degrees of the sides of the body, the elbows are bent less than 90 degrees, and the head is facing forward. The boom pole is positioned with the extended preponderance of the pole directly in front of the operator so that he or she can see it without needing to turn the head significantly to the left or right. Ideally, the head should be centered over the shoulders, with eyes looking straight ahead or just below a horizontal gaze. The shoulders should be down, and the back should be upright. There should be no twisting of the torso.  FIG. 3  shows the range of comfortable positions, specifically for the arms, hands and head, which dictated the design of this invention from the beginning. 
         [0015]    Another object and advantage of my invention is the point of support, which is not the arms, but the upper body. The weight of the apparatus is supported comfortably and entirely by the operator&#39;s torso, by means of a harness which is worn like a backpack. Additionally, the control handle or handles can be adapted to work with left, right, or both hands. 
         [0016]    A further advantage is the simplicity of design, construction and operation of the invention. The control over the boom pole&#39;s movement is achieved through “simple machines” which apply Newton&#39;s Third Law of Motion: muscular force applied to the control handles is transferred into vertical motion of the boom pole. The invention can be translated into several variations of size, complexity and purpose without changing the basic physics involved or the ergonomic position of the operator. The simplicity of the concept allows many parts to be based on prior art, or even well-established engineering concepts. Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a side view displaying the current non-ergonomic method of hand held boom pole operation from above. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a side view displaying the current non-ergonomic method of hand held boom pole operation from underneath. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a side view showing the desired, improved ergonomic body position and optimal range of motion for the arms and hands. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view from the front of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view from the back of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation view showing the alternate positions of the moving parts. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view showing the alternate positions of the user-adjustable components. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view from the front of a modified form of the invention with two control handles, and including a pivot assembly which is mounted on a vertical pole. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view from the back of said two-handle form. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a side elevation view showing the alternate positions of the moving parts of the said two-handle form. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of said two-handle form showing the alternate positions of the user-adjustable components. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of a modified form of the invention featuring a connecting segment that positions the boom arm below the waist. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of a modified form of the invention featuring a connecting segment that positions the boom arm below the waist. 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of a modified form of the invention featuring a combination of a lever, and a belt to transfer rotary force from two points on the control handle to the boom arm. 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is a rear perspective view of said modified form of the invention featuring a combination of a lever and a belt. 
       
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0033]    Existing Method of Boom Operation 
         [0034]      25   x  Stress Point on Operator 
         [0035]      28   x  Microphone 
         [0036]      30   x  Boom Pole 
         [0037]      50   x  Counterweights 
         [0038]    Basic Configuration 
         [0039]      28  Microphone 
         [0040]      30  Boom Pole 
         [0041]      32  Means for attaching the boom pole to the connecting segment  34   
         [0042]      34  Adjustable means for connecting the boom pole  30  to the control handle  70   
         [0043]      35  Means for supporting the lever machine  40   a    
         [0044]      40   a  Means for transferring force from the control handles to the Boom Pole via simple machine, a lever 
         [0045]      50  Counterweights 
         [0046]      52  Means for attaching counterweights 
         [0047]      70  Control Handle 
         [0048]      70   a  Inner telescoping section for adjusting length of control handle part  70   
         [0049]      70   b  Outer telescoping section for adjusting length of control handle part  70   
         [0050]      70   c  Means for locking the adjusting telescoping sections of control handle part  70   
         [0051]      74  Handgrip 
         [0052]      80  Support Harness 
         [0053]      84  Padded Shoulder Straps 
         [0054]    Two-handed Embodiment 
         [0055]      128  Microphone 
         [0056]      130  Boom Pole 
         [0057]      132  Means for mounting/attaching the boom pole  130   
         [0058]      134  Connecting means, a segment for attaching and adjusting the boom pole  130  to the control handle  170   
         [0059]      134   a  Upper articulating section for connecting segment  134   
         [0060]      134   b  Means for pivotably connecting the articulating sections of connecting segment  134   
         [0061]      134   c  Lower articulating section for connecting segment  134   
         [0062]      134   d  Inner telescoping section for connecting segment  134   
         [0063]      134   e  Means for allowing contraction, expansion, and locking of the telescoping sections of connecting segment  134   
         [0064]      134   f  Outer telescoping section for connecting segment  134   
         [0065]      135  Means for supporting the machine part(s)  140   a  upon the Support Harness  180   
         [0066]      135   a  Inner telescoping section for adjustment part  135   
         [0067]      135   b  Outer telescoping section for adjustment part  135   
         [0068]      135   c  Means for allowing contraction and expansion of the telescoping sections of adjustment part  135   
         [0069]      139  Means for modifying the resistance of the lever  140   a    
         [0070]      140   a  Means for transferring force from the control handles to the Boom Pole via a Lever 
         [0071]      150  Counterweights 
         [0072]      152  Means for attaching counterweights 
         [0073]      170 L Control Handle, Left 
         [0074]      170 R Control Handle, Right 
         [0075]      170 La Inner telescoping section for adjusting the vertical length of control handle  170   
         [0076]      170 Lb Means for connecting, adjusting and locking the adjusting telescoping sections  170 La and  170 Lb 
         [0077]      170 Lc Outer telescoping section for adjusting the vertical length of control handle  170   
         [0078]      170 Ld Means for connecting, adjusting and locking the adjusting telescoping sections  170 Lb and  134   f    
         [0079]      170 Ra Inner telescoping section for adjusting the vertical length of control handle  170   
         [0080]      170 Rb Means for connecting, adjusting and locking the adjusting telescoping sections  170 Ra and  170 Rc 
         [0081]      170 Rc Outer telescoping section for adjusting the vertical length of control handle  170   
         [0082]      170 Rd Means for connecting, adjusting and locking the adjusting telescoping sections  170 Rb and  134   f    
         [0083]      174  Handgrip 
         [0084]      180  Support Harness 
         [0085]      182  Support Belt 
         [0086]      184  Padded Shoulder Straps 
         [0087]    Embodiment for Booming from Below 
         [0088]      228  Microphone 
         [0089]      230  Boom Pole 
         [0090]      234  Adjustable means for connecting the boom pole  230  to the control handle  270   
         [0091]      234   a  Inner telescoping section for adjustment part  234   
         [0092]      234   b  Middle telescoping section for adjustment part  234   
         [0093]      234   c  Outer telescoping section for adjustment part  234   
         [0094]      234   d  Means for allowing contraction and expansion of parts  234   a  and  b    
         [0095]      234   e  Means for allowing contraction and expansion of parts  234   b  and  c    
         [0096]      240   a  Means for transferring force from the control handles to the Boom Pole via a Lever 
         [0097]      235  Mounting mechanism for lever  240   a    
         [0098]      250  Counterweights 
         [0099]      252  Means for attaching counterweights 
         [0100]      270  Control Handle 
         [0101]      270   a  Inner telescoping section for adjusting length of control handle part  270   
         [0102]      00 ]  270   b  Outer telescoping section for adjusting length of control handle part  270   
         [0103]      270   c  Means for locking the adjusting telescoping sections of control handle part  270   
         [0104]      274  Handgrip 
         [0105]      03 ]  280  Support Harness 
         [0106]      04 ]  284  Padded Shoulder Straps 
         [0107]      05 ] One-Handed Small Embodiment 
         [0108]      328  Microphone 
         [0109]      330  Boom Pole 
         [0110]      332  Adjustable means for attaching the boom pole 
         [0111]      335  Means for supporting the machine part(s)  340   a ,  340   b  and  340   c    
         [0112]      340  Means for transferring force from the control handles to the Boom Pole via simple machine(s) 
         [0113]      340   a  Means for transferring force via a Gear 
         [0114]      340   b  Means for transferring force via a Gear 
         [0115]      340   c  Means for transferring force via a Chain/Belt 
         [0116]      350  Counterweights 
         [0117]      352  Means for attaching counterweights 
         [0118]      370  Control Handle 
         [0119]      374  Adjustable Handgrip with Palm Strap 
         [0120]      380  Support Harness 
         [0121]      384  Padded Shoulder Straps 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0122]      FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  6  show side elevation, front perspective and rear perspective views of a basic configuration of the invention. A microphone  28  is attached to the far end of a boom pole  30 , which is positioned so that it extends its length in front of the operator, perpendicular to their shoulders, and above their head. The boom pole  30  is preferably composed of materials of sufficient strength to support a microphone or other equipment up to  30  feet away. The boom pole  30  can also be manufactured with other means designed to increase strength, such as a triangular or other specially shaped cross section; and manufactured with means for telescoping and articulating its sections. Such modifications will not affect the function of the invention. 
         [0123]    Continuing to reference  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7 , the boom pole  30  is attached to a connecting rod, bar, molded shape or segment  34  via a means for securely fastening it  32 . The connecting segment  34  is a sturdy, curved section, to which the boom pole  30  is securely attached at one end, and to which the control handle  70  is securely attached at the other end, and which is shaped so that it allows freedom of operator movement during operation. Additionally, the connecting segment  34  can be re-assembled to position the control handle  70  for either the left or right hand. 
         [0124]      22 ] Continuing to reference  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7 , the connecting segment  34  is movably attached to a means for transferring energy, a simple machine which acts as a fulcrum of a lever  40   a , which is positioned between the boom arm  30  and the control handle  70 . The lever  40   a  is held in place by a means for supporting it, or mounting mechanism  35 . The connecting segment  34  is thus able to move freely in a rotating motion, the axis of which rotation lies perpendicular to the extended length of the boom pole  30 . The lever  40   a  transfers the force applied by the operator to the control handle  70  to the boom arm  30 , causing the microphone  28  to move vertically up and down. The lever  40   a  should ideally include means for adjustable resistance and means to operate noiselessly. 
         [0125]    Continuing to reference  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7 , the mounting mechanism  35  is attached on the back of a wearable harness  80 . The mounting mechanism provides a secure anchor for the lever  40   a . The harness  80  is held to the operator&#39;s torso by a fully adjustable set of padded shoulder straps  84  which can be connected across the operator&#39;s sternum in front. 
         [0126]    Continuing to reference  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  6 , the control handle  70  consists of a handgrip  74 ; two hollow cylindrical telescoping sections, an inner section  70   a  and an outer section  70   b ; and a locking collar or flange  70   c  which allows the telescoping sections  70   a  and  70   b  to be adjusted to different lengths, and locked in place. The handgrip  74  is padded, angled and shaped to conform to the natural position of the operator&#39;s hand. The length of control handle  70  lies parallel to the operator&#39;s arm and is attached to the connecting segment  34  behind the elbow. 
         [0127]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7 , counterweights  50  are attached to the connecting segment  34  at the point farthest opposite the extended boom pole  30  and microphone  28 . Through a means for fastening  52 , different weights or combinations of weight can be added and removed. 
       Operation of Invention 
       [0128]      FIG. 7  shows the physics of the lever  40   a  as applied in general in the invention. The operator wears the support harness  80  with the straps  84  connected in front. The harness supports all of the rest of the apparatus, so a securely adjusted fit is recommended. During use, the operator will grasp the handgrip  74  with one hand, and raise or lower the boom  30  by applying upward or downward force. The counterweights  50  will take most of the strain away from the operator&#39;s arms. Ideally, the counterweights  50  should be attached in a combination that will slightly outweigh the combined weight of the boom  30  and microphone  28 . This allows the operator to exert only a small amount of downward force on the control handle  70  to keep the boom  30  still, and only slightly more force to move it. The operator can face toward the subject and scene at all times with their arms lowered below the shoulders, and is able to walk, turn and even sit on a stool while working. 
         [0129]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the connecting segment  34  and control handle  70  are adjustable to fit the individual operator and to set the boom pole to a desired initial angle. The control handle  70  is adjustable to fit different users&#39; arm lengths, or preferred angle of the elbow. The operator can also adjust the length of the control handle  70  by rotating the locking flange  70   c  to release the inner telescoping section  70   a , and sliding the inner section  70   a  closer or further away, or rotating it so that the handgrip  74  is angled to the left or right. The locking flange  70   c  then locks the inner telescoping section  70   a  in place. 
       Description and Operation of Alternative Embodiments 
       [0130]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show front perspective and rear perspective views of a heavy duty embodiment of the invention. A microphone  128  is attached to a boom pole  130  which is positioned parallel to the sagittal axis of the operator&#39;s body, above the head. The boom pole  130  is preferably composed of materials of sufficient strength to support a microphone or other equipment up to  50  feet away. The boom pole  130  can also be manufactured with other means designed to increase strength, such as a triangular or other specially shaped cross section; and manufactured with means for telescoping and articulating its sections. Such modifications will not affect the function of the invention. 
         [0131]    Continuing to reference  FIG. 9 and 10 , the boom pole  130  is attached to the rest of the invention by a means for mounting it  132 , comprised of a rigid mounting box  10  inches long, 2.5 inches wide and 2.5 inches high, and molded so that the boom pole is inserted partly into the box lengthwise to securely affix it. The boom pole mount  132  is further molded on the bottom side with two extruded semicircular pieces to house and attach the lever  140   a , and permanently immovably affixed to the upper articulating section  134   a  of the connecting segment  134  at the back end. 
         [0132]    The connecting segment  134  connects the boom pole  130  to the control handles  170 R and  170 L. The connecting segment  134  is comprised of articulating sections  134   a ,  134   b , and  143   c , and telescoping sections  134   d ,  134   e  and  134   f . The upper articulating section  134   a  is immovably affixed to the mounting box and lengthwise aligned with it and the boom pole  130 . The lower articulating section  134   c  is immovably attached to the top end of inner telescoping section  134   d  and lengthwise aligned with it. The two articulating sections  134   a  and  143   c  are pivotably connected to each other via a mechanism  134   b  comprised of two disks, each attached to one of the articulating sections; and having radial triangular grooves which cause them to lock in place when pressed together and rotate freely when pulled apart; and each attached to the other using a means for allowing control of movement and locking. To allow both control handles  170 R and  170 L and the counterweights  150  to be raised and lowered for the individual operator, the telescoping sections  134   d  and  134   f  are connected by a locking collar or flange  134   e , which allows them to be adjusted to different lengths, and locked in place. 
         [0133]      31 ] The outer telescoping section  134   f  includes a crossbar at the bottom, which allows the left and right control handles  170 L and  170 R to be attached via a means for connecting, adjusting and locking  170 Ld and  170 Rd. Counterweights  150  of varying sizes can be attached to the rearmost side of outer telescoping section  134   f . The counterweights  150  are placed at this point because, with respect to the lever  140   a , it is farthest opposite the boom pole  130  and microphone  128 . The counterweights  150  are fastened to the outer telescoping section  134   f  by a means for attaching, locking and releasing  152 , so that they can be easily removed and replaced. 
         [0134]      32 ] To control the vertical movement of the boom arm, the operator uses the left control handle  170 L and right control handle  170 R. They are attached to the crossbar of outer telescoping section  134   f  respectively by means for connecting, adjusting and locking  170 Ld and  170 Rd. 
         [0135]      33 ] Each control handle  170 L and  170 R is comprised of several parts which are designed to position the handgrips  174  so that they are near the operator&#39;s hands. Directly attached to part  170 Ld is an outer telescoping section  170 Lc, which curves downward from horizontal to vertical on the operator&#39;s left side. The vertical part of inner telescoping section  170 La fits inside the vertical part of outer telescoping section  170 Lc. The adjusting telescoping sections  170 La and  170 Lc are then secured to each other by a means for connecting, adjusting and locking  170 Lb. 
         [0136]    In the same arrangement, but on the right side of the operator, are the right-handed sections. Directly attached to part  170 Rd is an outer telescoping section  170 Rc, which curves downward from horizontal to vertical on the operator&#39;s right side. The vertical part of inner telescoping section  170 Ra fits inside the vertical part of outer telescoping section  170 Rc. The adjusting telescoping sections  170 Ra and  170 Rc are then secured to each other by a means for connecting, adjusting and locking  170 Rb. Both sections  170 La and  170 Ra have three handgrips  174  each, one at the foremost end, one halfway along the length of the curved section, and one exactly between the previous two. The handgrips  174  are six inches long each, padded and molded to fit a hand. The handgrips  174  are cylindrical, with one end rounded and the other attached to the outside edge of the inner telescoping sections  170 La and  170 Ra so that they point away from the operator. 
         [0137]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the means for transferring force from the control handles  170 L and  170 R to the boom pole  130  is a simple machine, a lever  140   a . A resistance controller  139  allows the operator to increase and decrease the friction of the lever machine&#39;s  140   a  moving parts as needed. The lever mechanism  140   a  is attached to the top of a means for anchoring and supporting it  135 . 
         [0138]    The machine support  135  is adjustable and comprised of several parts. The lever mechanism  140   a  is directly supported by and attached to the top end of vertical cylindrical inner telescoping section  135   a . This section fits inside the cylinder of outer telescoping section  135   b , and can be adjusted vertically by a means for allowing locking, contraction and expansion  135   c . The larger, outer telescoping section penetrates and runs through the reinforced back of the support harness  180  and into the reinforced back of the support belt  182 . 
         [0139]    The support harness  180  is a vest with a reinforced extrusion on the back which encompasses the outer telescoping section  135   b , keeping it both vertical and stable, and provides spinal support for the operator. The support harness  180  is held securely on the operator&#39;s upper body with padded shoulder straps  184  and additionally by a wide, lightweight support belt  182 , both of which fasten in front. 
         [0140]      FIG. 11  discloses the operation of the two-handed embodiment. The operator and support harness  180  hold the weight of all of the parts, beginning with the machine support  135 . The operator can position his or her hands on any of the six handgrips  174  and push down, or pull up on them. The control handles  170 L and  170 R move the boom pole  130  and microphone  128  up and down as needed, with the lever mechanism  140   a  acting as the fulcrum between the effort and the load. 
         [0141]      FIG. 12  shows the alternate positions of the adjustable sections of the heavy duty embodiment. The alternate position and angle of the microphone  128  and boom pole  180  is shown as the result of adjustments to the length of the control handles  170 L and  170 R, the machine support  135 , the connecting segment  134 , and the support harness  180 . 
         [0142]      FIGS. 13 and 14  show front perspective and rear perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the invention which positions the boom arm  230  and microphone  228  near the ground. A microphone  228  is attached to a boom pole  230 , which is positioned parallel to the sagittal axis of the operator&#39;s body, below the waist. Like the basic embodiment, the boom pole  230  is preferably composed of materials of sufficient strength to support a microphone or other equipment up to  30  feet away. The boom pole  230  can also be manufactured with other means designed to increase strength, such as a triangular or other specially shaped cross section; and manufactured with means for telescoping and articulating its sections. Such modifications will not affect the function of the invention. 
         [0143]    Continuing to reference  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the boom pole  230  is attached to a connecting segment  234  via a means for securely fastening it  232 . The connecting segment  234  links the boom arm  230  to the control handle  270 . The connecting segment  234  is comprised of five parts. The three telescoping sections are: an inner telescoping section  234   a ; a middle telescoping section  234   b ; and an outer telescoping section  234   c . A means for allowing locking, contraction and expansion  234   d  enables the operator to set the length of sections  234   a  and  234   b , and thusly the height of the boom pole  230  from the ground. A horizontally placed means for allowing locking, contraction and expansion  234   e  enables the operator to set the horizontal position of section  234   b  relative to section  234   c , so that the boom pole  230  allows freedom of operator movement during operation. Additionally, the connecting segment  234  can be reconfigured to position the control handle  270  for either the left or right hand. 
         [0144]    Continuing to reference  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the connecting segment  234  is securely attached to the control handle  270  and the means for attaching counterweights  252 . Together, they are all movably attached to a means for transferring energy, a simple machine which acts as a fulcrum of a lever  240   a . The connecting segment  234  is thus able to move freely in a rotating motion around the lever  240   a , the axis of which rotation lies perpendicular to the extended length of the boom pole  230 . The lever  240   a  transfers the force applied by the operator from the control handle  270  to the boom arm  230 , causing the microphone  228  to move up and down. 
         [0145]    Continuing to reference  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the mounting mechanism  235  is attached to the back of a wearable harness  280 . The harness  80  is held to the operator&#39;s torso by a fully adjustable set of padded shoulder straps  84  which can be connected across the operator&#39;s sternum in front. 
         [0146]    Continuing to reference  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the control handle  270  consists of a handgrip  274 ; an inner hollow cylindrical telescoping section  270   a  and an outer hollow cylindrical telescoping section  270   b ; and a locking collar or flange  270   c  which allows the telescoping sections  270   a  and  270   b  to be adjusted to different lengths, and locked in place. The handgrip  274  is padded, angled and shaped to conform to the natural position of the operator&#39;s hand. The length of the inner section  270   a  lies parallel to the operator&#39;s arm. The outer telescoping section  270   b  is curved upward and inward toward the mounting mechanism  235  and angled so that it fits directly into the lever mechanism  240   a . 
         [0147]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , counterweights  250  are attached to a means for fastening them  252 , a curved section with a short crossbar at the end, designed to hold the counterweights  250  at a point opposite the weight of the boom pole  230  with respect to the lever  240   a . The means for attaching weights  252  allows different types of weights or combinations of weight to be added and removed as needed. 
         [0148]      FIGS. 15 and 16  show front perspective and rear perspective views of a light duty configuration of the invention. A small microphone  328  is attached to a boom pole  330  which is positioned parallel to the sagittal axis of the operator&#39;s body, above the head. The boom pole  330  for this light duty embodiment can be up to 15 feet long. The boom pole  330  is preferably composed of lightweight materials of sufficient strength to support a microphone or other equipment up to 15 feet away. The boom pole  330  can also be manufactured with other means designed to increase strength, such as a triangular or other specially shaped cross section; and manufactured with means for telescoping and articulating its sections. Such modifications will not affect the function of the invention. 
         [0149]    Continuing to reference  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the boom pole  330  is attached to the rest of the invention by adjustable means for mounting it  334 . The boom pole  330  is attached to the front side of mounting segment  334 , and the means for attaching weights  352  is attached to the back. The counterweights  350  are then attached at a point opposite the boom pole with respect to the axis of rotation of mounting segment  334 . The mounting segment  334  is also attached to the top gear  340   a  and rotates with it. 
         [0150]    The means for transferring force  340  from the operator to the boom pole is accomplished in this embodiment by a combination of two gears  340   a  and  340   b , and a belt  340   c . This machine is secured to the support harness  380  by a molded means for supporting the machine part  340 , which sits on the operator&#39;s shoulder and provides the anchor for machine  340 . It also extends through the mounting segment  334  to support gear  340   a , then downward to support gear  340   c.    
         [0151]    With further reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the lower gear  340   c  is positioned so that its axis of rotation is concentric with the elbow joint of the operator and parallel to the rotational axis of gear  340   a . The control handle  370  is a simple cylindrical strut connected at one end to the radius of lower gear  340 C and at the other end to a soft molded handgrip  374 . The handgrip  374  includes a palm strap to fasten it around the operator&#39;s hand. During use, the operator does not need to grasp the handgrip, and can relax the fingers. The operator will move the boom pole by bending and straightening the elbow. The angle of the control handle can be pre-set to fit the operator&#39;s needs, so that the elbow is moved in an ergonomically correct range. 
         [0152]    The means for supporting the machine parts  335  sits permanently on one of the padded shoulder straps  384  of the support harness  380 . The support harness is worn on the operator&#39;s upper body, and fastens in the front to secure the entire device. 
       Conclusions, Ramifications and Scope of Invention 
       [0153]    This invention, which began with consideration of human factors, results in reduced operator fatigue, discomfort and injury. Users of this ergonomic boom pole support apparatus will experience improvement in occupational health and safety.