Abstract:
A camera stand comprises a base portion that may seat on or be suitably anchored on a floor surface, boat, dock, table, rail, vehicle, or other support structure. A horizontally and vertically adjustable linkage extends from the base portion and has the camera positioned at an end of the linkage. Means are provided for keeping the camera at a specific angle from horizontal as the adjustable linkage moves the camera about. Means are provided to provide joints in the linkage that have suitable resistance to unintended movement by gravity, wind or other forces and for which resistance to unintended movement is readily adjustable.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/259,333 with a filing date of Nov. 24, 2015. Said application is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to apparatus that may be used, for example, to place and hold an object, such as a camera in a wide variety of locations and orientations in a three dimensional space. The apparatus provides multiple degrees for freedom for positioning, orienting and holding the camera. Degrees of freedom in three dimensional spaces may be described with reference to a Cartesian coordinate system. It is customary to describe the Cartesian coordinate system by making reference to three orthogonal axes designated X, Y and Z. The term “degree of freedom” in this context means the ability of a body to translate along one of the three orthogonal X, Y, or Z axes shown (a translational degree of freedom) or to rotate about one of these three orthogonal axes (a rotational degree of freedom). 
         [0003]    Such known devices are complicated, expensive, heavy, and not conducive to general consumer use, particularly where such devices are used for extending cameras outwardly, such as in a cantilevered manner, and then moving the cameras upwardly and downwardly. Additionally, the ranges of motion such devices provide to cameras may be limited by joints that have incremental adjustment positions. Moreover, such devices have not been specifically adapted for modern lightweight high definition video cameras 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In embodiments a camera stand comprises a base portion that may seat on or be suitably anchored on a floor surface, boat, dock, table, rail, vehicle, or other support structure. A horizontally and vertically adjustable linkage extends from the base portion and has the camera positioned at an end of the linkage. Means may be provided for keeping the camera at a specific angle from horizontal as the adjustable linkage moves the camera about. Means may be provided to provide joints in the linkage that have suitable resistance to unintended movement by gravity, wind or other forces and for which resistance to unintended movement is readily adjustable. 
         [0005]    In embodiments, a camera stand has an upright proximal link portion that is rotatable about the base portion at a first pivoting base joint, the joint providing pivoting movement at least about a vertical axis. The proximal link portion forms part of a four-bar linkage, and have two vertically separated pivoting joints with horizontal axis from which two elongate control arms extend. The two elongate control arms may extend substantially parallel from the proximal link portion to a distal link portion and connect to the distal link portion at two additional pivoting joints having horizontal axis. Thus, the proximal link portion, the two control arms, and the distal link portion form a four bar linkage. The distal link portion may have tube holder portion with a lumen extending vertically, a tube positioned in the tube holder and a camera mount at an end of the tube. The tube movable axially and rotatable within the tube holder. The tube holder portion may have a clamp to adjustably clamp the tube in place. The clamp may have a threaded member with a graspable handle for rotation of a threaded member. 
         [0006]    The two joints on the proximal link portion may be equally spaced as the two joints on the distal link portion. Moreover, a geometric line extending through the two joints on the proximal link portion may be parallel to a line extending through the two joints on the distal link portion thereby shaping the four bar linkage as a parallelogram that will keep an axis of the proximal joint portion parallel to an axis of the distal link member. 
         [0007]    In embodiments, the two elongate control arms may be tubes or rods and formed of aluminum, other metals, carbon fiber, fiberglass, polymers, reinforced polymers and other materials. In embodiments, such tubes or rods may be ⅜ in diameter to 1½ inch in diameter. In embodiments, the linkage may extend 2.5 to 7 feet outwardly from the base portion. In embodiments 2 feet to 6 outwardly from the base portion. In embodiments each of the control arms have a length and the tube has a length within 25% of the length of each of the control arms. 
         [0008]    In embodiments of the invention, with regard to the base joint and the two joints on the proximal link portion and the two joints on the distal link member, each joint comprises at least one pair of cooperating joint components movable with respect to each other and defining the joint. Each pair of cooperating joint components with cooperating slidingly engaged joint surfaces. In embodiments, the cooperating joint surfaces are parallel, such as planar surfaces or partial spherical surfaces. The parallel cooperating surfaces and may have a high coefficient of friction with respect to each other that may be adjusted by varying clamping pressure between the respective surfaces. In embodiments at least one of pair of cooperating components comprises a component formed by overmolding or otherwise covering an exterior surface of one of the joint components with a polymer covering. The overmolded polymer may chemically adhere or be mechanically locked onto the base joint component. Polymers such as thermoplastic elastomers and more rigid polymers, such as polyethylenes, are suitable. In embodiments, the polymer has a durometer of 65 to 75 on the Shore A scale. In embodiments, the polymer has a durometer of 60 to 80 on the Shore A scale. The base joint component upon which the polymer overmolding is added may be formed of aluminum, steel, rigid polymers, or other structurally strong materials. In embodiments, the clamping force of the cooperating joint surfaces may be adjustably controlled by threaded members with manually graspable handles. In embodiments, the joints with an overmolded cooperating slidingly engaged joint surface provide easy adjustability for providing suitable resistance to sliding to maintain a camera stand with an extended arm against movement caused by gravity or other forces while still allowing each manual manipulation of the adjustable arm. 
         [0009]    A feature and advantage of the invention is that a four bar linkage is pivotally attached to a base portion, a tube holder secures a vertical tube, a camera mount is positioned on the vertical tube, at least one joint of the four bar linkage has an overmolded cooperating joint component to provide enhanced resistance of pivoting. 
         [0010]    In embodiments of the invention, the stand is in combination with a camera weighing less than 7 ounces and having a maximum dimension of 4 inches. In embodiments of the invention, the stand is in combination with a camera weighing less than 5 ounces and having a maximum dimension of 3½ inches. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0011]      FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of a stand that may be used to position, orient and hold an object, such as a camera, in a wide variety of locations and orientations within a space having three dimensions. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1B  is an elevational view of a folded camera stand according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of a tripod adaptor as part of the stand of  FIG. 1B . 
           [0014]      FIG. 1D  is a cross sectional view of the tripod adaptor of  FIG. 1C . 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view further illustrating a distal assembly of the stand shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3A  is an exploded perspective view further illustrating a base assembly of the stand shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3B  is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the base assembly of  FIG. 3A  in an assembled state. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a stand that may be used to position, orient and hold an object, such as a camera, in a wide variety of locations and orientations within a space having three dimensions. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view further illustrating a distal assembly of the stand shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  are perspective views showing the distal assembly of  FIG. 5  in two different states. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a stand that may be used to position, orient and hold an object, such as a camera, in a wide variety of locations and orientations within a space having three dimensions. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view further illustrating a distal assembly of the stand shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 9A  is an exploded perspective view showing a tube holder and a flange of a distal assembly arranged in a first indexed orientation. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9B  is an exploded perspective view showing a tube holder and a flange of a distal assembly arranged in a second indexed orientation. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a distal link portion with an adjustment member and camera mount attached thereto. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a joint component with an overmolded portion. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a joint component. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are views of camera stand  100  that may be used to position, orient and hold a camera  20 , in a wide variety of locations and orientations within a space having three dimensions. A base portion  104  has a linkage  106  with a camera  20  attached to a distal portion  108  of the linkage at a camera mount  107 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , stand  100  includes a base assembly  104  that is attached to a mounting rail  70 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the base portion may be configured as a base assembly  104  and may be fixed to mounting rail  70  at various positions along a generally T-shaped slot in the mounting rail  70 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , the base assembly  104  includes a pivoting joint  108  that provides three rotational degrees of freedom. The base portion may have other configurations as shown in  FIG. 1B  with a tripod adaptor  110 . The pivoting movement provided by the pivoting joint  108  can be used to alter the position of the linkage and the attached camera. 
         [0029]    In embodiments, the camera stand linkage  106  has a four bar linkage  110  connecting to the base portion  104 . The four bar linkage  110  having a proximal link portion  120  that may be adjustably rotated about an axis  50 A. Proximal link portion  120  supports a first control arm  122  and a second control arm  124 , addition links of the four bar linkage. The proximal end of the first control arm  122  is pivotally coupled to the proximal link portion  120  at a first linkage joint  126 . The proximal end of the second control arm  124  is pivotally coupled to the proximal link portion  120  at a second linkage joint  130 . The first linkage joint  126  allows first control arm  122  to pivot about a first linkage joint axis  128 . The second linkage joint  130  allows second control arm  124  to pivot about a second linkage joint axis  132 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , second linkage joint  130  may be selectively tightened so that friction prevents rotation of second control arm  124  and first control arm  122 . In embodiments the control arms are parallel and the same length as measured from joint to joint. 
         [0030]    The first control arm  122  and the second control arm  124  support a distal link portion  142  of the stand  100 . The proximal link portion is the fourth link of the four bar linkage  106 . The distal end of the first control arm  122  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  142  at a third linkage joint  134 . The distal end of the second control arm  124  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  142  at a fourth linkage joint  138 . The third linkage joint  134  allows relative rotation between the first control arm  122  and the distal link portion  142 . Relative rotation between the first control arm  122  and the distal link portion  142  occurs about a third linkage joint axis  136 . The fourth linkage joint  138  allows relative rotation between the second control arm  124  and the distal link portion  142 . Relative rotation between the second control arm  124  and the distal link portion  142  occurs about a fourth linkage joint axis  140 . 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , it will be appreciated that the position of the camera  20  can be changed by raising and lowering the distal ends of the control arms. The proximal ends of the control arms pivot relative to proximal link portion  120  when the distal ends of the control arms are raised and lowered. In some useful embodiments, first control arm  122 , second control arm  124 , proximal link portion  120  and distal link portion  142  cooperate to form a parallelogram linkage. When this is the case, a line through the first linkage joint axis  128  and the second linkage joint axis  132  remains generally parallel to a line through the third linkage joint axis  136  and the fourth linkage joint axis  140  as first control arm  122  and second control arm  124  rotate relative to proximal link portion  120  and distal link portion  142 . 
         [0032]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , stand  100  includes a distal assembly  144  that provides additional degrees of freedom for positioning and orienting the camera  20 . The distal assembly  144  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  includes the distal link portion  142 , an adjustment tube  102  and a tube holder portion  146 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the tube holder portion  146  is fixed to the distal link portion  142 , for example, using screws. The tube holder  146  defines a lumen  148  that is dimensioned to receive the adjustment tube  102 . In  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the adjustment tube  102  can be seen extending through lumen  148  of tube holder  146 . 
         [0033]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the adjustment tube  102  supports a mounting bracket  106 , the mounting bracket  106  supports a camera  20 . Stand  100  can be used to place and support the camera  20  in a wide variety of locations and orientations. For example, the camera  20  can be rotated by rotating the adjustment tube  102  about an axis  50 B. A knob  154  is fixed to one end of adjustment tube  102 . The knob  154  may be grasped in the hand when rotating the adjustment tube  102 . 
         [0034]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the adjustment tube  102  is slidingly received in the lumen  148  defined by the tube holder  146 . The sliding engagement between the adjustment tube  102  and the tube holder  146  provides a translational degree of freedom. Accordingly, the adjustment tube  102  can slide relative to the tube holder  146  in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The sliding engagement between the adjustment tube  102  and the tube holder  146  also provides a rotational degree of freedom. Accordingly, the adjustment tube  102  can rotate relative to the tube holder  146  about the longitudinal axis of the adjustment tube  102 . 
         [0035]    Distal assembly  144  includes a thumb screw  150  that may be used to selectively fix the adjustment tube  102  in a desired position. The thumb screw  150  is received in a threaded hole  152  of the tube holder  146 . A position retaining force can be applied to the adjustment tube  102  by rotating the thumb screw so that it&#39;s distal end presses against the adjustment tube  102 . When the thumb screw  150  is loosened, and not applying a fixing force to adjustment tube  102 , the adjustment tube will be free to slide and rotate relative to the tube holder  146 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view further illustrating the distal assembly  144  of the stand shown in the previous figures. In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the tube holder portion  146  is fixed to the distal link portion  142  with two screws  22 A. The tube holder portion  146  includes two threaded holes  152 A,  152 B that are dimensioned to receive the screws  22 . 
         [0037]    The distal link portion  142  of the distal assembly  144  is pivotally coupled to a distal end of the first control arm  122  and a distal portion of the second control arm  124 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the distal portion of the first control arm  122  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  142  using a screw  22 B that mates with a nut  32 . The distal portion of the second control arm  124  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  142  using another screw  22 C that mates with a nut  32  in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0038]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the adjustment tube  102  is slidingly received in the lumen  148  defined by the tube holder  146 . The sliding engagement between the adjustment tube  102  and the tube holder  146  provides a translational degree of freedom. Accordingly, the adjustment tube  102  can slide relative to the tube holder  146  in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The sliding engagement between the adjustment tube  102  and the tube holder  146  also provides a rotational degree of freedom. Accordingly, the adjustment tube  102  can rotate relative to the tube holder  146  about the longitudinal axis of the adjustment tube  102 . 
         [0039]    Distal assembly  144  includes a thumb screw  150  that may be used to selectively fix the adjustment tube  102  in a desired position. The thumb screw  150  is received in a threaded hole  152 C of the tube holder  146 . A position retaining force can be applied to the adjustment tube  102  by rotating the thumb screw so that it&#39;s distal end presses against the adjustment tube  102 . When the thumb screw  150  is loosened, and not applying a fixing force to adjustment tube  102 , the adjustment tube will be free to slide and rotate relative to the tube holder  146 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 3A  is an exploded perspective view of the base assembly  104  of the stand shown in  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 3B  is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the base assembly  104  in an assembled state. 
         [0041]    The base assembly  104  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  includes a proximal link portion  120 , a column member  156 , a dome member  158 , a core member  160 , and a mounting base  162 . The dome member  158  of the base assembly has a first inner surface  164  and a first outer surface  166 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the first inner surface  164  and the first outer surface  166  both have a generally hemispherical shape. The first inner surface  164  of the dome member  158  defines a cavity  172 . 
         [0042]    The core member  160  is received in the cavity  172  defined by the first inner surface  164  of the dome member  158 . The core member  160  has a base joint component  173 , a second outer polymer covering  170  having a generally hemispherical shape. The polymer covering  170  may be overmolded into the base joint  173 . In the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3B , the first inner surface  164  of the dome member  158  can be seen contacting the polymer covering  170  of the core member  160 . The polymer overmolded covering  170  may be various polymers. In embodiments polymers having a Shore A scale durometer of 65-75 have proven satisfactory for providing resistance to an unintended movement of the joint  108 . 
         [0043]    The column member  156  includes a second inner surface  168  that defines a depression  174 . A portion of the dome member  158  is received in the depression  174  defined by the second interior surface of the column member  156 . In the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3B , the first outer surface  166  of the dome member  158  can be seen contacting the second inner surface  168  of the column member  156 . 
         [0044]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the base assembly  104  includes a pivoting joint  108  that provides three rotational degrees of freedom. The pivoting movement provided by the pivoting joint  108  can be used to alter the position and orientation of an object, such as a camera, that is supported by the base assembly  104 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , pivoting movement is provided as the first inner surface  164  of the dome member  158  slides along the second outer surface  170  of the core member  160  and the first outer surface  166  of the dome member  158  slides along the second inner surface  168  of the column member  156 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a stand  300  that may be used to place and hold a camera  20  in a wide variety of locations and orientations within a space having three dimensions. In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , stand  300  includes a base assembly  304  that is fixed to a mounting rail  70 . In some useful embodiments, base assembly  304  may be fixed to mounting rail  70  at various positions along a generally T-shaped slot in the mounting rail  70 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the base assembly  304  includes a pivoting joint  308  that provides three rotational degrees of freedom. The pivoting movement provided by the pivoting joint  308  can be used to alter the position and orientation of the camera  20 . 
         [0046]    The base assembly  304  includes a proximal link portion  320  that may be selectively rotated about an axis  50 A. Proximal link portion  320  supports a first control arm  322  and a second control arm  324  of the stand  300 . The proximal end of the first control arm  322  is pivotally coupled to the proximal link portion  320  at a first linkage joint  326 . The proximal end of the second control arm  324  is pivotally coupled to the proximal link portion  320  at a second linkage joint  330 . The first linkage joint  326  allows first control arm  322  to pivot about a first linkage joint axis  328 . The second linkage joint  330  allows second control arm  324  to pivot about a second linkage joint axis  332 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , second linkage joint  330  may be tightened so that friction prevents rotation of second control arm  324  and first control arm  322 . 
         [0047]    The first control arm  322  and the second control arm  324  support a distal link portion  342  of the stand  300 . The distal end of the first control arm  322  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  342  at a third linkage joint  334 . The distal end of the second control arm  324  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  342  at a fourth linkage joint  338 . The third linkage joint  334  allows relative rotation between the first control arm  322  and the distal link portion  342 . Relative rotation between the first control arm  322  and the distal link portion  342  occurs about a third linkage joint axis  336 . The fourth linkage joint  338  allows relative rotation between the second control arm  324  and the distal link portion  342 . Relative rotation between the second control arm  324  and the distal link portion  342  occurs about a fourth linkage joint axis  340 . 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , it will be appreciated that the position of the camera  20  can be changed by raising and lowering the distal ends of the control arms. The proximal ends of the control arms pivot relative to proximal link portion  320  when the distal ends of the control arms are raised and lowered. In some useful embodiments, first control arm  322 , second control arm  324 , proximal link portion  320  and distal link portion  342  cooperate to form a parallelogram linkage. When this is the case, a line through the first linkage joint axis  328  and the second linkage joint axis  332  remains generally parallel to a line through the third linkage joint axis  336  and the fourth linkage joint axis  340  as first control arm  322  and second control arm  324  rotate relative to proximal link portion  320  and distal link portion  342 . 
         [0049]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , stand  300  includes a distal assembly  344  that provides additional degrees of freedom for positioning and orienting the camera  20 . The distal assembly  344  of  FIG. 4  includes the distal link portion  342 , an adjustment tube  302  and a tube holder  346 . 
         [0050]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the tube holder  346  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  342  at a hinge joint  376 . The hinge joint  376  allows rotation of the tube holder  346  about an axis  50 C. The tube holder  346  defines a lumen  348  that is dimensioned to receive the adjustment tube  302 . In  FIG. 4 , the adjustment tube  302  can be seen extending through lumen  348  of tube holder  346 . 
         [0051]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the adjustment tube  302  supports a mounting bracket  306 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the mounting bracket  306  supports a camera  20 . Stand  300  can be used to place and support the camera  20  in a wide variety of locations and orientations. For example, the camera  20  can be rotated by rotating the adjustment tube  302  about an axis  50 B. A knob  354  is fixed to one end of adjustment tube  302 . The knob  354  may be grasped in the hand when rotating the adjustment tube  302 . 
         [0052]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the adjustment tube  302  is slidingly received in the lumen  348  defined by the tube holder  346 . The sliding engagement between the adjustment tube  302  and the tube holder  346  provides a translational degree of freedom. Accordingly, the adjustment tube  302  can slide relative to the tube holder  346  in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The sliding engagement between the adjustment tube  302  and the tube holder  346  also provides a rotational degree of freedom. Accordingly, the adjustment tube  302  can rotate relative to the tube holder  346  about the longitudinal axis of the adjustment tube  302 . 
         [0053]    Distal assembly  344  includes a thumb screw  350  that may be used to selectively fix the adjustment tube  302  in a desired position. The thumb screw  350  is received in a threaded hole  352  of the tube holder  346 . A position retaining force can be applied to the adjustment tube  302  by rotating the thumb screw so that it&#39;s distal end presses against the adjustment tube  302 . When the thumb screw  350  is loosened, and not applying a fixing force to adjustment tube  302 , the adjustment tube will be free to slide and rotate relative to the tube holder  346 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view further illustrating the distal assembly  344  of the stand shown in the previous figure. The distal assembly  344  of  FIG. 5  includes the distal link portion  342 , an adjustment tube  302  and a tube holder  346 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the tube holder  346  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  342  at a hinge joint formed between the distal link portion  342  and a tab  378  of the tube holder  342 . The hinge joint allows rotation of the tube holder  346  about an axis  50 . 
         [0055]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the tab  378  of the tube holder  346  defines a mounting hole  380 . The tube holder  346  is pivotally coupled to distal link portion  342  using a screw  22 A that extends through the mounting hole  380  defined by the tab  378 . The screw  22 A mates with a nut  32 A. 
         [0056]    The distal link portion  342  of the distal assembly  344  is pivotally coupled to a distal portion of the first control arm  322  and a distal portion of the second control arm  324 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the distal portion of the first control arm  322  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  342  using a screw  22 B that mates with a nut  32 C. The distal portion of the second control arm  324  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  342  using another screw  22 C that mates with a nut  32 C in the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . 
         [0057]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the adjustment tube  302  is slidingly received in the lumen  348  defined by the tube holder  346 . The sliding engagement between the adjustment tube  302  and the tube holder  346  provides a translational degree of freedom. Accordingly, the adjustment tube  302  can slide relative to the tube holder  346  in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The sliding engagement between the adjustment tube  302  and the tube holder  346  also provides a rotational degree of freedom. Accordingly, the adjustment tube  302  can rotate relative to the tube holder  346  about the longitudinal axis of the adjustment tube  302 . 
         [0058]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , it will be appreciated that the distal assembly  344  includes a thumb screw  350  that may be used to selectively fix the adjustment tube  302  in a desired position. The thumb screw  350  is received in a threaded hole  352  of the tube holder  346 . A position retaining force can be applied to the adjustment tube  302  by rotating the thumb screw so that it&#39;s distal end presses against the adjustment tube  302 . When the thumb screw  350  is loosened, and not applying a fixing force to adjustment tube  302 , the adjustment tube will be free to slide and rotate relative to the tube holder  346 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  are perspective views showing distal assembly  344  in two different states.  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  may be collectively referred to as  FIG. 6 . The distal assembly  344  of  FIG. 6  includes the distal link portion  342 , an adjustment tube  302  and a tube holder  346  In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the tube holder  346  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  342  at a hinge joint  376 . The hinge joint  376  allows rotation of the tube holder  346  about an axis  50 . The tube holder  346  is shown in a first position in  FIG. 6A  and the tube holder  346  is shown in a second position in  FIG. 6B . With reference to  FIG. 6 , it will be appreciated that the tube holder  346  may be rotated from the first position to the second position. The tube holder  346  may also be rotated from the first position to the second position. 
         [0060]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a stand  500  that may be used to place and hold a camera  20  in a wide variety of locations and orientations within a space having three dimensions. In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , stand  500  includes a base assembly  504  that is fixed to a mounting rail  70 . In some useful embodiments, base assembly  504  may be fixed to mounting rail  70  at various positions along a generally T-shaped slot in the mounting rail  70 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the base assembly  504  includes a pivoting joint  508  that provides three rotational degrees of freedom. The pivoting movement provided by the pivoting joint  508  can be used to alter the position and orientation of the camera  20 . 
         [0061]    The base assembly  504  includes a proximal link portion  520  that may be selectively rotated about an axis  50 A. Proximal link portion  520  supports a first control arm  522  and a second control arm  524  of the stand  500 . The proximal end of the first control arm  522  is pivotally coupled to the proximal link portion  520  at a first linkage joint  526 . The proximal end of the second control arm  524  is pivotally coupled to the proximal link portion  520  at a second linkage joint  530 . The first linkage joint  526  allows first control arm  522  to pivot about a first linkage joint axis  528 . The second linkage joint  530  allows second control arm  524  to pivot about a second linkage joint axis  532 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , second linkage joint  530  may be tightened so that friction prevents rotation of second control arm  524  and first control arm  522 . 
         [0062]    The first control arm  522  and the second control arm  524  support a distal link portion  542  of the stand  500 . The distal end of the first control arm  522  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  542  at a third linkage joint  534 . The distal end of the second control arm  524  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  542  at a fourth linkage joint  538 . The third linkage joint  534  allows relative rotation between the first control arm  522  and the distal link portion  542 . Relative rotation between the first control arm  522  and the distal link portion  542  occurs about a third linkage joint axis  536 . The fourth linkage joint  538  allows relative rotation between the second control arm  524  and the distal link portion  542 . Relative rotation between the second control arm  524  and the distal link portion  542  occurs about a fourth linkage joint axis  540 . 
         [0063]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , it will be appreciated that the position of the camera  20  can be changed by raising and lowering the distal ends of the control arms. The proximal ends of the control arms pivot relative to proximal link portion  520  when the distal ends of the control arms are raised and lowered. In some useful embodiments, first control arm  522 , second control arm  524 , proximal link portion  520  and distal link portion  542  cooperate to form a parallelogram linkage. When this is the case, a line through the first linkage joint axis  528  and the second linkage joint axis  532  remains generally parallel to a line through the third linkage joint axis  536  and the fourth linkage joint axis  540  as first control arm  522  and second control arm  524  rotate relative to proximal link portion  520  and distal link portion  542 . 
         [0064]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , stand  500  includes a distal assembly  544  that provides additional degrees of freedom for positioning and orienting the camera  20 . The distal assembly  544  of  FIG. 7  includes the distal link portion  542 , a flange  582 , an adjustment tube  502  and a tube holder  546 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the flange  582  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  542  at a hinge joint  576 . The hinge joint  576  allows rotation of the flange  582  about an axis  50 B. The flange  582  of distal assembly  544  supports the tube holder  546 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the connection between the flange  582  and the tube holder  546  provides for indexed rotation of the tube holder about an axis  50 D. 
         [0065]    The tube holder  546  defines a lumen  548  that is dimensioned to receive the adjustment tube  502 . In  FIG. 7 , the adjustment tube  502  can be seen extending through lumen  548  of tube holder  546 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the adjustment tube  502  supports a mounting bracket  506 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the mounting bracket  506  supports a camera  20 . 
         [0066]    Stand  500  can be used to place and support the camera  20  in a wide variety of locations and orientations. For example, the camera  20  can be rotated by rotating the adjustment tube  502  about an axis  50 C. A knob  554  is fixed to one end of adjustment tube  502 . The knob  554  may be grasped in the hand when rotating the adjustment tube  502 . 
         [0067]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the adjustment tube  502  is slidingly received in the lumen  548  defined by the tube holder  546 . The sliding engagement between the adjustment tube  502  and the tube holder  546  provides a translational degree of freedom. Accordingly, the adjustment tube  502  can slide relative to the tube holder  546  in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The sliding engagement between the adjustment tube  502  and the tube holder  546  also provides a rotational degree of freedom. Accordingly, the adjustment tube  502  can rotate relative to the tube holder  546  about the longitudinal axis of the adjustment tube  502 . 
         [0068]    Distal assembly  544  includes a thumb screw  550  that may be used to selectively fix the adjustment tube  502  in a desired position. The thumb screw  550  is received in a threaded hole  552  of the tube holder  546 . A position retaining force can be applied to the adjustment tube  502  by rotating the thumb screw so that it&#39;s distal end presses against the adjustment tube  502 . When the thumb screw  550  is loosened, and not applying a fixing force to adjustment tube  502 , the adjustment tube will be free to slide and rotate relative to the tube holder  546 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view further illustrating the distal assembly  544  of the stand shown in the previous figure. The distal assembly  544  of  FIG. 8  includes the distal link portion  542 , a flange  582 , an adjustment tube  502  and a tube holder  546  In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the flange  582  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  542  at a hinge joint formed between the distal link portion and a tab  578  of the flange. The hinge joint  576  allows rotation of the flange  582  about an axis  50 B. 
         [0070]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the tab  578  of the flange  582  defines a mounting hole  580 . The flange  582  is pivotally coupled to distal link portion  542  using a screw  22 A that extends through the mounting hole  580  defined by the tab  578 . The screw  22 A mates with a nut  32 A. The flange  582  of distal assembly  544  supports the tube holder  546 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the connection between the flange  582  and the tube holder  546  provides for indexed rotation of the tube holder about an axis  50 D. 
         [0071]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , it will be appreciated that flange  582  defines a first alignment hole  588  and a second alignment hole  592 . Tube holder  546  includes a first alignment pin  586  and a second alignment pin  590  that are configured to selectively mate with the alignment holes defined by the flange  582 . 
         [0072]    The embodiment of  FIG. 8  provides for continuous adjustable rotation between the tube holder  546  and the flange  582 . In some useful embodiments, the distal assembly  544  includes a mechanism for biasing the tube holder  546  and the flange  582  toward one another. The distal assembly  544  of  FIG. 8  includes a spring  584  that will bias the tube holder  546  to seat against the flange  582  when the distal assembly  544  is in an assembled state. The tube holder  546  can be selectively separated from the flange  582  by grasping the tube holder  546  and pulling it away from the flange  582 . The spring  584  will be elastically compressed when the tube holder  546  is pulled away from the flange  582 . When distal assembly  544  is in the assembled state, a screw  22 S extends through the spring  584 , through a hole in the flange  582  and engages a threaded hole  598  in the tube holder  546 . 
         [0073]    When the tube holder  546  is pulled away from the flange  582 , the tube holder  546  can be rotated between a first orientation and a second orientation. When the tube holder is in the first orientation, the first alignment pin  586  will be received in the first alignment hole  588  and the second alignment pin  590  will be received in the second alignment hole  592 . When the tube holder is in the second orientation, the first alignment pin  586  will be received in a third alignment hole  594  and the second alignment pin  590  will be received in a fourth alignment hole  596 . 
         [0074]    The distal link portion  542  of the distal assembly  544  is pivotally coupled to a distal portion of the first control arm  522  and a distal portion of the second control arm  524 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the distal portion of the first control arm  522  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  542  using a screw  22 B that mates with a nut  32 B. The distal portion of the second control arm  524  is pivotally coupled to the distal link portion  542  using another screw  22 C that mates with a nut  32 C in the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 9A  is an exploded perspective view showing the tube holder  546  and the flange  582  of the distal assembly  544  arranged in a first indexed orientation.  FIG. 9B  is an exploded perspective view showing the tube holder  546  and the flange  582  arranged in a second indexed orientation.  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B  may be collectively referred to as  FIG. 9 . 
         [0076]    With reference to  FIG. 9A , it will be appreciated that flange  582  defines a first alignment hole  588 , a second alignment hole  592 , a third alignment hole  594 , and a fourth alignment hole  596 . Tube holder  546  includes a first alignment pin  586  and a second alignment pin  590  that are configured to selectively mate with the alignment holes defined by the flange  582 . 
         [0077]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 9A , the first alignment pin  586  is received in the first alignment hole  588  and the second alignment pin  590  is received in the second alignment hole  592  when the distal assembly is an assembled state. 
         [0078]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 9B , the first alignment pin  586  is received in the third alignment hole  594  and the second alignment pin  590  is received in the fourth alignment hole  596  when the distal assembly is an assembled state. 
         [0079]    Referring to  FIGS. 10-12 , another embodiment with a distal link portion  642  and a distal assembly  644  is illustrated. The distal link portion  642  has a ball joint component  650  having a flange portion  652  and a ball portion  654 , and a threaded member  656 , attached thereto. A clam shell articulating portion  660  with clam shell halves  662  as joint components captures the ball portion  654  and also captures another ball portion of another ball joint component  666  that is attached to cage camera mount  670 . The clam shell articulating portion  660  may have a threaded member  661  that can be adjustably tightened for controlling the “tightness” of the joints  674 ,  676 . 
         [0080]    Referring to  FIGS. 3B, 11 and 12 , the joint components  160 ,  650 ,  680  have cooperating surfaces that are parallel to cooperating surfaces on a cooperating joint component. An outer surface  688  may be part of an overmolded covering of a polymer providing a high coefficient of friction when engaged with the respective cooperating joint component. The overmolded covering may be on one or both of the cooperating joint components. A threaded member  661  may be utilized to control the clamping force between the cooperating joint components thereby adjusting the resistance of the joint to movement. 
         [0081]    The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any incorporated by reference references, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. 
         [0082]    Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose could be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be defined by the attached claims and their legal equivalents, as well as the following illustrative aspects. The above described aspects embodiments of the invention are merely descriptive of its principles and are not to be considered limiting. Further modifications of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention.