Abstract:
A quick-release device that accommodates an interface connection between a camera and a support having a base plate ( 32 ) and a release plate ( 12 ) that has a predetermined configuration ( 21 ) ( 22 ) to allow for a locking plate ( 14 ), a detent pin ( 36 ), and a clamping block ( 34 ) that, when used in combination, provides for a quick, reliable and rigid joining of a camera and support device.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/092,125, filed Jul. 9, 1998. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention relates to a quick-release device that accommodates the interface connection of any camera-type device with any support device. 
     2. Description of Prior Art 
     Historically, manufacturers of cameras, lenses, or other optical devices have provided an aperture for attachment of a support device, such as tripods, monopods and ball heads, all having a threaded stud that accommodates their joining. The function of joining these devices has led to the development of products that quickly join or release the devices, known as a “Quick Release”. 
     Typically, the quick-release system has developed around two basic design concepts, either plate and pocket or plate and slot (dovetail). In either concept, the base plate is to reliably hold the release plate and prevent any inadvertent release. 
     Traditionally, a release plate device must be attached to the camera, using the aperture as provided by the manufacturer. The always present problem is that of a single attach point being able to stop torsional twisting or loosening between the release plate and the camera. 
     The plates described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,187 to Vo (1998), U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,826 to Hankie (1993) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,929,973 to Nakatani (1990), reflect the most often used method, where twisting is prevented by inserting a second screw through the release plate. This second screw is then forced into the bottom surface of the camera, resulting in damage to surfaces not designed for indiscriminate penetrations. Conversely, U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,709 to Ishikawa (1990) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,332 to Ishikawa (1995) fail to address any method at all to stop unwanted torsional twisting between plate and camera. 
     Unfortunately, methods to stop torsional twisting have either been ignored or considered solved by introducing a second screw. However, a second screw is not acceptable by virtue of the resultant damage. 
     In general, all plate and pocket or the plate and slot design concepts do a reasonable job of holding the release plate once inserted into the base. Unfortunately, problems arise when the plate is released from the base by an accidental bumping or loosening of the clamping handle or lever. In fact, accidental loosening is so common some manufacturers only supply the clamping mechanism with the smallest round knob or the shortest lever. However, this approach is counter productive when trying to apply as much clamping pressure as possible as it is difficult to grip such small knobs or levers. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,187 to Vo (1998), U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,757 to Paddock (1998) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,332 to Ishikawa (1995) all suggest the use of small knobs or levers. Conversely, U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,490 to Sloop (1993) demonstrates the concern for inadvertent release by creating a complex system of cams, levers, springs, pins, and plates. 
     The underlying weakness of today&#39;s quick-release systems is the failure to provide a positive lock between the release plate and its base and to control torsional twisting between the release plate and the camera device. 
     Objects and Advantages 
     Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are to provide a quick-release device that incorporates a reliable detent lock mechanism for an interface between the device release plate and its base and a clamping block that generates complete surface engagement. Also: 
     (a) the detent mechanism prevents accidental release of the camera device as a result of abusive handling; 
     (b) allows for usage of large knobs and handles for clamping; 
     (c) is not complex to manufacture; 
     (d) provides a safe interface lock with release plates having various sizes, i.e., short, long or square; 
     (e) allows random axis orientation of camera when release plate and base are joined. 
     Furthermore, to provide a quick-release device that incorporates an anti-twist locking plate that prevents torsional twisting or loosening of the camera device when mated to the quick-release plate. Also: 
     (f) requires only the attachment to the aperture provided by the devices manufacturer; 
     (g) is adjustable to accommodate the various aperture locations on various devices; 
     (h) eliminates the need for extreme torque loads being applied to a device aperture during attachment; 
     (i) does no damage to sensitive surfaces of camera devices; 
     (j) has no complex parts. 
    
    
     Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. 
     DRAWING FIGURES 
     FIG. 1 shows a typical application of the device joining a camera to a ball head as the typical embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 shows the camera Positive-Lock-and-Release Plate assembled in side elevation. 
     FIG. 3 shows the association of individual parts that are in the Release-Plate Assembly in a fragmented perspective view of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 shows the Positive-Lock-and-Release Base assembled in a side elevation view. 
     FIG. 5 shows the association of individual parts for the Detent Pin Mechanism in a fragmented side elevation view of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 6 shows the association of the individual parts for the Clamping-Block Assembly in a fragmented side elevation view of FIG.  4 . 
     Reference Numerals In Drawings 
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     SUMMARY 
     To obtain the objectives of this invention I provide a quick-release interface connection for joining a camera to a support device. To provide a reliable connection utilizing a release plate and a base plate so configured so as to accomplish a quick, secure, and rigid joining. Additionally, the mating of these components will prevent accidental camera release as well as torsional stress to the camera device. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     FIGS. 1 to  6   
     FIG. 1 illustrates Release-Plate Assembly Device  10  which secures Camera  71  to Positive-Lock Base Assembly Device  30  attached to Ball Head  70 . Although FIG. 1 references Ball Head  70  and Camera  71 , it is to be understood that the device as described in accordance with the present invention, can be used to join any supporting device, i.e., tripods, monopods, ball heads, slide bars, focusing rails, etc. with any photo equipment device, i.e., cameras, lens, flash mounts, brackets, etc. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 showing a side elevation and a fragmented perspective view of Release-Plate Assembly  10  of the present invention that includes Release Plate  13 , Locking Plate  14 , Plate Gasket  16 , and Attachment Screw  18 . Individual elements of Release-Plate Assembly  10  are best shown in FIG.  3 . Regarding Release Plate  12 , each Side  20  is equal in length, height, and tapper. 
     Pattern  21  is provided on the bottom face of Plate  12  shown best if FIG.  2 . (The Striation configuration of  21  conforms to the diameter of Nose  53  on Detent Pin  36  shown in FIG. 5.) Referring again to FIG. 3, the top of Release Plate  12  has a Raised Deck  22  that is square on its sides, is center located, and in a height to accommodate the exact thickness of Locking Plate  14 . Plate  12  also has a Cutout  23  that allows Screw  18  to move the length of the Cutout. Locking Plate  14  is the exact thickness of the Raised Deck  22  of Release Plate  12 . The width of Cutout  24  in Plate  14  is a close-tolerance fit with the Raised Deck  22  of Release Plate  12 . 
     The length of Cutout  24  in Plate  14  is greater than the square dimension of Raised Deck  22  to allow Release Plate  12  to be adjusted for attachment to Device  71 . A Locking Plate Lip  25  is formed at one end of Plate  14  with a lip height that will accommodate the thickness of Plate Gasket  16  and capture any vertical surface of Device  71 . Width of Cutout  26  in Plate Gasket  16  allows clearance for Screw  18 . Length of Cutout  26  in Plate Gasket  16  must allow for movement of Locking Plate  14  when assembled to Release Plate  12 . Plate Gasket  16  is bonded to Locking Plate  14 . 
     FIG. 4 shows a side elevation view of the Positive-Lock-and-Release Base Assembly  30  of the present invention that includes Release Base  32 , Clamp Block  34 , Detent Pin  36 , Retaining Plug  38 , ‘E’ Clip  40 , Springs  42   a  and  42   b  (not shown) and Clamp Handle  44 . Regarding Release Base  32 , a dovetail-configuration defined by Tapper  51  with a depth determined by the height and tapper of side  20  (shown best in FIG. 2) on Release Plate  12 . The width of the dovetail opening in Release Base  32  allows Release-Plate Assembly  10  unrestricted entrance and exit. Isometric view of Base Assembly  30 , FIG. 1 shows the best relationship and physical positioning of the dovetail in Release Base  32 , as well as Clamp Block  34 , Detent Pin  36 , Retaining Plug  38 , and Threaded Hole  50 . 
     Referring to FIG. 5 shows a fragmented side elevation view of a Detent Pin  36 , Retaining Plug  38 , and ‘E’ Clip  40  and Spring  42   a.  This portion of Base  32  shows the position of Holes  57 ,  58  and  59  which accommodate Pin  36 , Plug  38 , and Spring  42   a.  Hole  59  is so located in Base  32  that the Nose  53  of Pin  36  is slightly raised above the floor of the dovetail, protruding by only a small portion of its diameter as best shown in FIG.  4 . The diameter of Nose  53  is matched to radius of Striation  21  of Release Plate  12 , providing a positive locking between the Pin Nose  53  and the Striation  21  when Release-Piate Assembly  10  is attached to Release Base Assembly  30 . 
     Continuing with FIG. 5, Hole  58  accommodates the outside diameter of both ‘E’ Clip  40  and Spring  42   a.  The depth of Hole  58  is such that Spring  42   a  is in constant compression when fully assembled in Base  32 . Hole  59 &#39;s depth is the exact thickness of Retaining Plug  38  and the diameter is such that a press fit exists between Plug  38  and Base  32 . Hole  56  is a clearance hole in Plug  38  that allows for free movement of Pin  36  in a back and forth motion. Hole  55  shown in Pin  36  is for a pull ring (not shown) that provides for easy grasp and operation of the Detent Pin during entrance and exit of Release-Plate Assembly  10 . ‘E’ Clip  40  is installed on Pin  36  to provide Spring retention and a stop against the bottom of Hole  58 . Location  54  on Pin  36  is sized to accommodate standard ‘E’ Clips as supplied by various manufacturers. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, shows a fragmented side elevation view of a portion of Base  32 ; i.e., Clamp Block  34 , Clamp Handle  44 , and Spring  42   b.  The Clamp Block  34  is a moveable segment of the basic dovetail configuration of Base  32  and Tapper  52  must match that of tapper  51  in Base  32 . Block  34  acts to close the dovetail opening once Release-Plate Assembly  10  is in place. Clamp Handle  44  is turned into Threaded Hole  60  in Base  32 , bringing pressure to the side of Block  34 . Clearance Hole  62  in Block  34  accommodates the outside thread diameter of Handle  44  while Hole  61  in Base  32  accommodates the outside diameter of Spring  42   b  Depth of Spring Hole  61  is such that Spring  42   b  is in constant compression and will push Clamping Block  34  outward from Base  32  as Clamp Handle  44  is being disengaged, thus removing pressure to sides of Release-Plate Assembly  10  and clearing the dovetail opening in Base  32 . 
     To provide a complete surface engagement of Tapper  52  of Clamp Block  34 , with Tapper  20  of Release Plate  12 , a small Toe/Rib  63  is formed running the length of Clamp Block  34 . During clamp tightening, Toe  63  engages the side of Base  32  causing a rolling action of Block  34  producing a 100% surface engagement of  52  and  20 . 
     Operation 
     FIGS. 1 to  6   
     The operation of Release-Plate Assembly  10  as shown in FIG. 1 is attached to Device  71  by inserting Screw  18  into its threaded (as provided) attach point. Before tightening Screw  18 , the orientation of Locking Plate Lip  25  is adjusted to capture any candidate surface of Device  71 . Holding Lip  25  at the selected position and in a secure fashion has allowed Release Plate  12  to automatically adjust itself with Plate  14 . With this operation completed, it enables Screw  18  to be fully tightened into device  71 . Plate Assembly  10  (cushioned by Gasket  17 ) now becomes a solid, non-rotating attachment so even during continuous handling, Device  71  cannot work itself loose on Screw  18 . 
     The operation of Release Base Assembly  30  as shown in FIG. 1, is first secured to supporting device Ball Head  70  at threaded Hole  50  in Base Assembly  30 . It is necessary that the dovetail in Base  32  be open to accommodate the insertion of Release-Plate Assembly  10 . To do this, loosen Clamp Handle  44  and observe the movement of Clamp Block  34  as it is being pushed away from Base  32  by Spring  42   b.  When block  34  has traveled enough to allow access by Plate Assembly  10  it is considered to be in the open or unclamped mode. With the Clamp Block in the open mode, insertion of Plate Assembly  10  into the Base Assembly  30  dovetail may begin. As insertion is in progress, pull ring (not shown) attached to Detent Pin  36 , must be pulled and held in an outward fashion. Doing so removes Pin Nose  53  from the at-rest location in Base  32 , and allows complete insertion of Plate Assembly  10 . With Plate Assembly  10  in a desired location release the Detent Pin so that the nose of Pin  53  will engage Striation  21  of Plate Assembly  10 . Spring  42   a  will forcibly hold the Detent Pin in the engaged position until such time removal of Assembly  10  is desired. While the Detent Pin is engaged in Assembly  10  it will be impossible for any accidental detachment to take place. 
     To firm up or tighten Assembly  10  in its Detent location, Clamp Handle  44  is turned in a tightening fashion that moves Block  34  into full surface contact with Assembly  10 . 
     While this embodiment of the invention defines the Assembly  10  and Base  30  relationship, it only shows Device  70  and  71  as one of many applications as described in opening paragraph of the detailed description section. 
     Conclusions, Ramifications and Scope 
     Accordingly, the reader will note that the locking plate, in conjunction with the release plate and the detent locking pin of this invention, will demonstrate a convenient and reliable operation of the quick release. Furthermore, the release plate and locking plate configurations have additional advantages in that: 
     they offer a convenient adjustment to capture camera device apertures at their various locations; 
     they provide a protective barrier for sensitive surface protection; 
     they transfer the twisting torque load away from the aperture screw and are applied directly to the release plate; 
     they permit the production of its various features, in sizes that will accommodate a full range of camera configurations. 
     In addition, the striations of the release plate in association with the detent locking pin and the clamping block of the release base, will provide further advantages in that: 
     they prevent accidental exit of release plate from the base plate; 
     they allow for random orientation of the camera to the base plate; 
     they provide very high clamping pressures. 
     Although the description of the above contains many specifities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.