Abstract:
A multidirectional camera mount allows quick, easy and safe rotational adjustment of camera orientation and/or position. An upper side of the multidirectional camera mount can include upper mounting tabs attached to a camera, camera housing or other device. A lower side of the multidirectional camera mount can include lower mounting tabs which can be affixed to various objects, while static or during numerous physical activities. The multidirectional camera mount can allow the upper mounting tabs to rotate relative to the lower mounting tabs.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/977,614, “Multidirectional Camera Mount Allowing Quick, Easy And Safe Adjustment Of Camera Direction To Film More Of The Environment Around The Camera And User” filed on Apr. 9, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosed invention can be used in the technical field of still camera and video camera mounting systems. More specifically, the disclosed invention can be used with still cameras and video cameras mounting systems having improved functionality with rotational capabilities to various positions. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many individuals have found it desirable to record their activities, hobbies, events, and film productions. Conventionally, cameras are mounted in a fixed position, allowing only a certain field of view of any one direction at a time. Problems with many conventional camera mount systems is that they leave the camera locked/facing one direction with no simplified method for changing the camera angle/direction to obtain different angles of footage. Many camera mount systems have locking mechanisms, thumb screws, ball joints and other components that must be adjusted or manipulated with two hands to alter the camera orientation. In order to change the camera angle, the user must loosen the locking mechanisms, readjusting the camera angle and then tightening the locking mechanisms. 
     Some mount systems provide a mounting point that leaves the camera facing n degrees from where the camera is intended, which means having to use extra parts or components to obtain the correct camera angle/direction, in relation to how it is being mounted/affixed. Under various operating conditions this is cumbersome, time consuming, and sometimes even unsafe. Though many mounts are functional with commercial success, there has been a long standing need for improvement. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The disclosed invention is a multidirectional positioning device. In preferred embodiments, the positioning device is used with camera mounts to change a directional position of a camera. The ability to change the direction of the camera allows a user to obtain more angles of photographic footage in the moment of current activity quickly, easily, safely, single-handed without changing the physical connection to a mounted structure. 
     Previous means of changing the direction of a camera to different angles of footage required a complex adjustment of connectors and/or mounting mechanisms. This required time and effort to adjust, manipulate, reposition, re-align existing mounting systems/elements and possibly sacrificing safety to change the camera direction. The disclosed invention functions to establish a simple, safe way to operate under conditions that would normally be unobtainable in many situations for reasons stated in the background above. 
     The disclosed invention allows a simple addition to existing mount and camera setups that allows a full 360 degrees of rotation, in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, with a plurality of index positions, of n degrees between the index positions that allowing much more positional versatility and functionality. This multidirectional camera mount also allows a user to change the position of the camera without the use of two hands, thumb screws, locking/unlocking mechanisms, or any other form of position control. 
     In an embodiment, the camera mount can include a housing that can be attached to camera mounting tabs, a rotational member that can be attached to a mounting base and an index mechanism that is coupled to the rotational member and slides against a portion of the housing. The index mechanism provides rotational resistance and a plurality of index positions that can hold a camera in a plurality of rotational positions. 
     A mounting base of some form is affixed to a surface, part, or component of virtually any object. For example, the base can be any vehicle, sporting device such as: a surfboard, bicycle, etc., rigging, camera mount systems, tripods, tables, helmets, etc. A camera will be affixed/mounted to the top of the disclosed invention. In an embodiment, the camera can be placed in a mechanism such as a housing that has mounting tabs which can engage a first set of mounting tabs on the inventive camera mount. Similarly, the inventive camera mount can have a second set of mounting tabs which can engage mounting tabs coupled to an object that the camera will be connected such as: a surfboard, paddleboard, windsurfer, kite board, boat, bicycle, automobile, motorcycle, rigging, camera mount systems, tripods, tables, helmets, etc. 
     Thus, the inventive system can be used in a configuration where the multidirectional camera mount can be coupled base on one side and a camera on the opposite side. The multidirectional mount will allow the rotation of the camera in a full 360 degrees, with n degrees of separation between specified stopping positions to allow for set angles of capturing footage in a more uniquely dynamic way, due to the ability to operate the disclosed invention and most importantly the camera without having to manipulate, adjust or change any other parts or components, while any activity is happening, such as surfing, bicycling, or riding a motorcycle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross section side view of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded side view of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an upper body of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of an upper body of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a rotational member of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a rotational member of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of an index member of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an index member of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an index member in an index position in an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an index member moving between index positions in an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIG. 11  is a three-quarter perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIG. 13  is a front/rear view of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount attached to a camera and a universal base mount; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount attached to a camera and a helmet; 
         FIGS. 17A-17C  are drawings of rotational index mechanisms that can be used with embodiments of multi-directional mounts; 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded view showing an embodiment of a multi-directional mount. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotational member; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a body; 
         FIG. 21  is a bottom view of a body and a top view of a rotational member of an embodiment of a multi-directional mount; 
         FIGS. 22A-22C  are drawings showing the rotational capabilities of the multi-directional mount, showing different angles of rotation; and 
         FIGS. 23A-23F  illustrate various connector mechanisms that can be used with the multi-directional mount. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. For example, the inventive multidirectional mount can be used with ¼″ universal threaded adapters used on most cameras, tripods and the quick release mount. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     An embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIG. 1  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a multidirectional rotational mount  201  and  FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a multidirectional rotational mount. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing has an upper body  209  and a lower body  210  that can be rigidly locked and/or fastened together to surround the internal rotation mount components that form the rotational mount assembly  201 . In different embodiments, the upper body  209  and a lower body  210  that can be fused together with adhesives, welding, screws, threads, or any other suitable connection mechanism(s). An ornamental ring  214  can be placed in a groove in the outer diameter of the rotational mount  201  between the upper body  209  and the lower body  210 . In an embodiment the ornamental ring  214  can be made of an elastic material that can be any color an imprinted with any designs or text. Upper mounting tabs  202  can be rigidly coupled to the upper body  209 . The upper body  209  and  208  can surround the rotational member and allow rotation of the rotational member. Lower mounting tabs  204  can extend from the rotational member  211  of the rotation mount  201 . 
     The rotational member  211  can be attached to an index member  234  and the index member  234  can rotate with the rotational member within the rotational mount  201 . The index member  234  can be made of an elastic material that can bend or deform elastically without causing any structural damage or plastic deformation to the rotational member  211 . 
     The rotational member  211  can include a first circular portion that rotates within a first cylindrical portion of the lower body  210 . The rotational member  211  can be coupled to the index member  234  that rotates within a second cylindrical portion of the upper body  209 . The first circular portion of the rotational member  211  can be slightly smaller in diameter than the first cylindrical portion of the lower body  210  and the second circular portion of the index member  234  can be slightly smaller than the second cylindrical portion of the upper body  209 . 
     The rotational member  211  can also be sealed in a watertight manner with the rotational  101 . Elastomer O-rings  212  can fit into grooves in the rotational member  211  and the O-rings  212  can slide against cylindrical surfaces in lower body  110  and the upper body  209 . The O-rings  212  can also provide a fluid seal to prevent contaminants from entering the housing, contacting the internal rotation mount components and interfering with the rotation of the rotating member  211  and the index member  234 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the upper body  209 . The upper body  209  is rigidly coupled to the upper mounting tabs  202 . The upper mounting tabs  202  can have mounting holes  203 . The outer diameter can extend beyond a cylindrical outer diameter. This recessed area fit within an inner diameter on an upper surface of the lower body can accommodate an ornamental ring shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of the upper body  209 . In this embodiment the upper body  209  include a cylindrical recessed volume  221  that has a plurality of index features  223 . In the illustrated example, there are four index features  223  that protrude inward. The index features can have a rounded surface with an apex that extends about 0.001 inch-0.100 inch inward from the cylindrical surface of the recessed volume  221  and can be about 0.100-0.200 inch wide. The depth of the cylindrical recessed volume  221  can be about 0.2-0.5 inches. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the rotation member  211  which can have a cylindrical outer surface and a planar upper surface  232 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are four rectangular cross section bars  231  that extend upward from the planar upper surface  232 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a rotational member  211 . The lower mounting tabs  204  extend from the lower portion of the rotational member  211 . The lower mounting tabs  204  can have mounting holes  205 . The rotational member  211  can also include an O-ring groove  128  and a lower O-ring recess  129  in the side of the rotational member  211 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of the index ring  234  that can have a cylindrical center  241  and a hollow outer portion that includes an outer ring  242  and a plurality of connectors  243  that are coupled to both the cylindrical center  241  and the outer ring  243 . The cylindrical center  241  can be a solid disk or an open annular structure as shown. Open spaces can exist between the cylindrical center  241  and the plurality of connectors  243  and between the plurality of connectors  243  and the outer ring  242 . In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of connectors  243  can be arc shaped with the beginning and ends of the arcs contacting the cylindrical center  241  and the apexes contacting the inner diameter of the outer ring  242 . In other embodiments, the connectors  243  can have any other shape or configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, four recessed index features  245  are formed at equal quadrants of the in the outer ring  243 . In other embodiments, any number of index features  245  can be formed on the outer ring  242  and the index features  245  can be recesses or protrusions or any other form. 
     The plurality of connectors  243  and the outer diameter ring  242  can have a thickness (distance between the top and bottom surfaces) that is greater than the width of these features. For example, in an embodiment, the width can be between about 0.005-0.050 inch and thickness can be about 0.050-0.400 inch. The material used to make the index ring  211  can be elastic so that the outer ring  242  can deform with elastic deformation and return to its original shape rather than plastic deformation. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8  a side view of the index ring  234  is illustrated. The upper and lower surface of the index ring  234  can be planar. The cylindrical center  241  is thicker than the plurality of arcs  243  and the outer diameter ring  242 . Slots  247  can be formed in the cylindrical center  241  that are radially configured across cylindrical center  241 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are four slots  247  formed in the index ring  234  that are each separated by 90 degrees in angular orientation. In other embodiments, any other type of coupling between the rotating member  211  and the index ring  234  can be used that allows torque to be transmitted from the rotational member  211  to the index ring  234 . For example, any number of slots  247  can be formed in the index ring  234 . In yet another embodiment, the rotational member  211  and the index ring  234  can be fabricated together as a single component. 
     When the rotational mount  201  is assembled and the rotational member  211  can rotated within the lower body  210  and the index member  234  rotates relative to the upper body  209 . With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the index member  234  can have index features  245  that can slide against the second cylindrical portion  251  of the upper body  209 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outer ring  242  of the index member  234  has eight rounded indentations  245  that can engage four protrusions  223  that extend inward from the second cylindrical portion  251  of the upper body  209 . The protrusions  223  can be arranged at angular positions: 0°-90°-180°-270°. The indentations  245  can be aligned with the slots extending from the rotating member. The indentations can be arranged at angular positions: 0°-45°-90°-135°-180°-225°-270°-315°. 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , when the index member  211  is rotated, the protrusions  223  in the inner diameter  251  can slide along the outer diameter of the outer ring  242 . The outer ring  242  can be deformed inward by the protrusions  223  in the inner diameter  251 . As the index member  211  rotates, the protrusions  223  slide about the outer circular member  232  and move towards the adjacent indentations  245  to the circular outer ring  242  of the index member  234 . When the index member is rotated 45°, the group of four protrusions  223  can move into the next group of four indentations  245  in the index member  234  as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     The indentations  245  can be substantially the same size as or slightly larger than the corresponding protrusions  223  so that when the protrusions  223  are positioned within the indentations  245 , there is little or no movement between the protrusions and the indentations. There is also additional resistance rotational movement because the protrusions  223  must deform the outer ring  242  inward in order to cause the index member  234  to rotate. In this example, the arcuate members  243  can be compressed when the protrusions  223  are not in the indentations  245  but the arcuate members  243  can be uncompressed when the protrusions  223  are within the indentations  245 . For example, the rotational torque required to move the rotational member  211  from an index position can be more than about 3-6 foot-pound of torque. In contrast, the torque required to move the rotational member  211  when the protrusions  223  are not in the indentations  245 , can be less than about 0.5-2.0 foot-pound of torque. Thus, toque required to move the rotational member  211  from an index position can be 2 time or more greater than the torque required to move the rotational member  211  when it is not in an index position. The multidirectional camera mount  201  can hold the camera in an index position when exposed to most ambient conditions. Examples of index angles for the multidirectional camera mount are illustrated in Table 1 below. 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Number of  
                   
               
               
                 index positions 
                 Angles of index positions 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 4 
                 0° - 90° - 180° - 270° 
               
               
                 6 
                 0° - 60° - 120° - 180° - 240° - 300° 
               
               
                 8 
                 0° - 45° - 90° - 135° - 180° - 225° - 270° - 315° 
               
               
                 12  
                 0° - 30° - 60° - 90° - 120° - 150° - 180° - 210° -  
               
               
                   
                 240° - 270° - 300° 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     In other embodiments, the multidirectional camera mount can be configured with any other number of index positions. In these different embodiments, there can be various numbers of indentations  234  in the outer circular member  232  of the index member  211  and various numbers of protrusions  223  from the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion  251  of the upper body  209 . However, in preferred embodiments, the indentations  234  and protrusions  251  are configured at equal angular displacements around the circumference of the circular member  232  and the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portions  251 . 
     The multi-directional mount can have various external features.  FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  13 , and  14  illustrates multiple views of one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11  illustrates a three quarter view of the multi-directional mount  101 ,  FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of the multi-directional mount  101 ,  FIG. 13  illustrates a front or rear view of the multi-directional mount  101  and  FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of the multi-directional mount  101 . The upper mounting tabs  102  can extend vertically upward from the outer body  109  of the multi-directional mount  101  and the mounting tabs  102  can be coupled to a camera. In the illustrated embodiment there are three upper mounting tabs  102 . Each of the upper mounting tabs  102  can have a mounting hole  103  and one of the end tabs can have a reinforced portion  106  that surrounds the mounting hole  103 . The bottom half of the multi-directional mount  101  has lower mounting tabs  105  that extend downward from the rotational member. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two lower mounting tabs  104  and a mounting hole  105  that extends through both lower mounting tabs  104 . 
     In other embodiments, the rotational member  211  portion of the multi-directional mount  101  can be coupled to various types of connection mechanisms that can replace the lower mounting tabs  104 . For example, with reference to  FIG. 23A , the rotational member  211  can be coupled to a quick connect coupling  331  that can fit with a standardized mount connector. With reference to  FIG. 23B , the rotational member  211  can be coupled to a bracket  332  that can be secured to a horizontal bar or any other structure. With reference to  FIG. 23C , the rotational member  211  can be coupled to a concave adhesive mount  334  that can be secured to a convex surface such as a helmet. With reference to  FIG. 23D , the rotational member  211  can be coupled to a planar adhesive mount  335  that can be secured to any flat surface. With reference to  FIG. 23E , the rotational member  211  can be coupled to a female threaded connector  336  such as a ¼″ internal thread. With reference to  FIG. 23F , the rotational member  211  can be coupled to a male threaded connector  337  such as a ¼″ external threaded bolt. In other embodiments, various other types of connectors can be used with the multi-directional mount  101 . 
     The inventive multi-directional mount  101  can be used with various camera mounting component combinations. With reference to  FIG. 15 , the multi-directional mount  101  is coupled between a camera  111  and a J hook quick release buckle  120  that is attached to a flat adhesive mount attached to a planar surface. The camera  111  is attached to the multi-directional mount  101  with a nut  106  and a bolt/thumb knob  107 . The angular position of the camera  111  can be adjusted by loosening the bolt/thumb knob  107 , adjusting the camera  111  to the desired position and then tightening the bolt/thumb knob  107 . Similarly, the multi-directional mount  101  is attached to the J hook quick release buckle  120  with a nut and a bolt/thumb knob  108 . The angle of the multi-directional mount  101  relative to the planar surface can be adjusted by loosening and tightening the bolt/thumb knob  108 . In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-directional mount  101  is vertically aligned with the planar surface and the camera. Thus the camera  111  and upper portion of the multi-directional mount  101  can rotate in a plane that is substantially parallel to the mounting plane. 
     With reference to  FIG. 16 , another embodiment of a multi-directional mount  101  used with a camera  111  is illustrated. In this example, the multi-directional mount  101  is coupled between a camera  111  and a horizontal surface quick release buckle  116  that is attached to a curved adhesive mount attached to a curved surface of a helmet. The camera  111  is attached to the multi-directional mount  101  and the angular connection is adjusted with a nut and a bolt/thumb knob  107 . The multi-directional mount  101  is attached to the horizontal surface quick release buckle  116  with a nut and a bolt/thumb knob  108 . In the illustrated example, the multi-directional mount  101  and the camera  111  are angled downward relative to the helmet. Thus, when the camera  111  and upper portion of the multi-directional mount  101  can rotate in a plane that is not parallel to the helmet. The camera  111  can be angled down when facing forward and tilted at angle when rotated to the sides of the helmet and angled up when the camera  111  is facing back. In other embodiments, the multi-directional mount  101  can be assembled with any combination or configuration of connectors, mounts and cameras. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 18-19  and  22 , in an embodiment, the indexing feature of the multi-directional mount  101  can be based upon magnetic attraction.  FIG. 18  illustrates an exploded view of the upper body  109  with upper tabs  102  extending from the body  109 . The rotational member  110  has a rotational rod  125  extending upward and lower extending tabs  104  and through holes  105  in the tabs  104 . The circumference of the rotational member  110  can have one or more grooves  128  that can be used to hold O-rings for sealing the internal components from water and other debris contaminants.  FIG. 19  illustrates a perspective view of the rotational member  110 . The upper surface of the rotational member  110  can include a plurality of bores  123  that can hold magnets.  FIG. 20  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the body  109  which has a center hole  124 . In the assembled state, the rotational rod  125  of the rotational member  128  is positioned within the center hole  124  and allow rotational member to rotate smoothly within the body  109 . The body also includes a plurality of bores  123  that can hold magnets. With reference to  FIG. 21 , a bottom view of the body  109  is illustrated with a bearing  129  mounted in the center hole  124  and magnets  135  mounted in the bores around the center hole  124 . The top of the rotational member  110  is also illustrated. Magnets  135  are mounted in bores around the rotational rod  125 . 
     The magnets  35  can be cylindrical in shape with two planar surfaces and a cylindrical surface. One of the planar surfaces can have positive polarity and the opposite planar surface can have a negative polarity. Opposite polarities of different adjacent magnets will be attached to each other while, the same polarity of different magnets will repel each other. In an embodiment, the magnets  125  in the body  109  can be aligned with the magnets  125  in the rotational member  110  and configured with opposite polarities so that the magnets  125  in the body  109  can be attracted to the magnets  125  in the rotational member  110 . This attractive force can hold the rotational member  110  in a fixed rotational position relative to the body  109 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are eight magnets  125  in both the body  109  and the rotational member  110 . Thus, the rotational member  110  can rotate and be held in eight different rotational positions that can be about 45 degrees apart in angular increments. 
     In other embodiments, other types of indexing mechanisms can be used to control the rotation of the rotational member. For example, with reference to  FIG. 22A , an index member  134  can include a plurality of spring loaded members  131  that can releasably engage recesses  130  in an inner diameter formed in the body of the multi-directional mount  101 . The rotational member can be held stationary relative to the body  109  when the spring loaded members  131  are within the recesses  130 . However, when the rotational member rotates, the spring loaded members  131  are moved out of the recesses  130  and rotated 180 degrees until the spring loaded members  131  enter the opposite recesses  130 . In the illustrated embodiment there are only two spring loaded members  131  and two recesses  130 . However, in other embodiments, there can be any number of spring loaded members  131  and recesses  130  at any angular intervals so that the multi-directional mount can have any number of indexed positions. 
     With reference to  FIG. 22B , the index member  134  can have a multi-leg spiral configuration. Each of the legs can have a rounded end  132  that can releasably engage indentations  122  in the inner diameter of the body  109 . The legs can elastically push the ends  132  outward so that the index member  134  can hold the rotational member in a fixed location when the ends  132  are within the indentations  122 . In the illustrated embodiment, the index member  134  has four legs and rounded ends  132  and the body  109  has four indentations  122  for four rotational index positions. However, in other embodiments, the index member  132  can have any number of legs and ends  122  and the body can have any number of recesses  130  so that the multi-directional mount can have any number of stationary positions. 
     With reference to  FIG. 22C , in an embodiment, the outer diameter of the index member  134  has a plurality of rounded protrusions  133  that extend from the outer diameter of the index member  134 . The body  109  of the multi-directional mount can have an inner diameter with a plurality of indentations  122 . This configuration can be similar to the index member illustrated and described with reference to  FIGS. 7-10 . However, in an opposite configuration with indentations in the inner diameter of the body  109  and protrusions in the outer diameter of the index member  134 . Thus, the component descriptions described above with reference to  FIGS. 7-10  can also be applicable to this embodiment. 
     The construction details of the invention as described and shown in all FIGS., are that the mount  101  can be made of a sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic, metal, and the like. Further, the various components of the internal mechanisms can be made of different materials such as but not limited to: plastics, metals, silicone, rubber, etc. Further yet, the high-impact construction, sealed internal mechanisms and other features make this invention weather and temperature proof to a very wide range of normal environmental conditions. This allows for use in many situations, not limited to land, in water, rain or snow, with no issues. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 17A ,  17 B and  17 C, the multi-directional mount is illustrated in three different stationary positions from a front view. In  FIG. 17A , the upper tabs  102  and the lower tabs  104  are aligned and the camera  111  is facing straight forward. In  FIG. 17B , the upper tabs  102  and the lower tabs  104  are angled at about 45 degrees and the camera  111  is facing to the left relative to its original position. In  FIG. 17C , the upper tabs  102  and the lower tabs  104  are angled at about 90 degrees and the camera  111  is facing to the left perpendicular relative to its original position. Each of the illustrated positions can represent indexed positions that the mount  101  can be rotated to that hold the camera  111  steady. More torque is required to rotate the mount  101  from these indexed positions than any rotational movement between the indexed positions. 
     The rotational member and the body  109  are able to rotate independently in either direction, against each other. This allows the bottom mounting tabs  104  to remain stationary while the top half of the body  109  and a camera  111  attached to the upper tabs  102  are able to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise a full 360 degrees, with predetermined angle positions. Thus, the inventive rotational mount  101  is able to remain stable and allow the camera  111  to be rotated to obtain a different angle of footage, without having to stop filming, and/or reposition the camera  111  by loosening and tightening the thumb knobs  107 ,  108 . 
     The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, that it is compact, lightweight, portable and exceedingly easy to transport. It is also easy to incorporate into existing camera mount setups due to the compatible mounting tabs  102 ,  104 . Using other multidirectional devices typically requires two hands, and requires extra effort to adjust extra parts. Further, the included invention is easily interchanged between numerous vehicles, sports and music equipment, rigging, stages, and event spaces 
     While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of it&#39;s quick, easy, safe usage, it&#39;s portability and compatibility of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.