Abstract:
A folding hinge for camera stabilization equipment. The hinge includes support connectors having apertures through which cables may be passed to connect a camera with various auxiliary components. An indexing guide pivotally attaches the support connectors so the camera stabilization system can be folded and unfolded with little or no disruption of the cables pr system balance. Locking mechanisms secure the hinges to provide a desired angular relationship between support members connected by the hinge.

Description:
[0001]     This application is based on, and claims priority to, provisional application Ser. No. 60/670,590, having a filing date of Apr. 12, 2005 and entitled Folding Post hinge. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Embodiments of the invention relate to camera support equipment, and more particularly to hinges connecting components thereof.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]      FIG. 1  depicts a conventional basic body mounted or hand held camera support and stabilization system  100 . It includes a top stage  102  for camera mounting, post  104  and gimbal mechanism  106  for support of a camera and stabilizer system about a common pivot point, a monitor  108  for viewing the camera&#39;s image, and a lower support (sled)  110  that interconnects the post, a battery system  112 , and miscellaneous electronic systems. Battery power must be supplied to the camera, and the viewer must be functionally connected to the camera, so the image captured by the camera can be seen. As is apparent from  FIG. 1 , the camera is displaced from the viewer and the battery, and therefore, wires or cables must extend between the camera and these auxiliary components. (The term “cable” as used herein will include any flexible component that can functionally link cameras to auxiliary components such as viewers and batteries.) Typically, to accomplish this connect coaxial cable and stranded copper cables are run through connectors, or via hard wiring, from the lower sled portion  110 , up through the post  104 , to the top stage  102 . Within the top stage section, power and video cables are then typically broken out to external connectors and then connected to the camera. Within this structure the preferred method of running the cables to the top stage section is within the post itself. Doing this helps to protect the cables from damage and also allows for unimpeded operation of the camera stabilization system without concern for having the operator or other equipment being entangled in the cables. The common approach in connecting the post cables to the lower sled portion  110  is either via a hard wired connection through a rigidly attached post or via an interconnect connector attached to a removable post. If a hard wired/rigid post method is employed, the camera stabilization type system is limited as to how compact it can become for storage and transport. When employing the removable post method, the cost of the assembly is increased because of the addition of connectors, and reliability of electrical or optical connections between post and sled is decreased.  
         [0004]     Compacting of the camera stabilization system is desired in order to reduce the volumetric space required for storage and transport. Decreasing this size as much as possible allows users of the system to transport the device at a lower cost, and to have it fit more readily in compact spaces such as in cars. In effect, the system is made more portable. In having the ability to compact the system, the durability and reliability of the camera stabilization device must be maintained.  
         [0005]     Currently there are a number of schemes to connect the post mechanism to the main lower sled body. They include, for example, mechanically rigid, non-removable or separable post mechanisms with hard wired electrical/fiber optic connections disposed internally within the post and sled. Also used are mechanically removable post mechanisms with connectorized electrical/fiber optic connectors internal to the post and sled. Another mechanically rigid, non-removable or separable post mechanism has hard wired electrical/fiber optic connections external to the post and sled. An external mechanism may also incorporate connectorized electrical/fiber optic connectors.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     Embodiments of the invention provide a folding hinge for camera stabilization equipment. The hinge includes support connectors having apertures through which cables may be passed to connect a camera with various auxiliary components. An indexing guide pivotally attaches the support connectors so the camera stabilization system can be folded and unfolded with little or no disruption of the cables or system balance. Locking mechanisms secure the hinges to provide a desired angular relationship between support members connected by the hinge.  
         [0007]     The invention further includes camera support systems using embodiments of the folding hinge and a method for of connecting camera equipment in such support systems. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]     The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings.  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  depicts a prior art camera stabilizing system in which illustrative embodiments of the invention can be used.  
         [0010]     FIGS.  2 A-E depict a folding hinge mechanism in various positions according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 3A -B show a folding hinge having an indexed stop position according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  depicts a support member slidably attached to a folding hinge according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.  
         [0013]     FIGS.  5 A-B depict use of a folding hinge to balance equipment on a stabilizing system according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 6  depicts an illustrative example of a folding hinge mechanism mounted on a lower sled. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]     In addition to allowing increased portability and reliability, the implementation of a hinged post mechanism may also improve the ability to achieve balance in the camera stabilization system. By introducing a common pivot point to the sled/post interface junction, and-introducing a horizontally positionable monitor and battery support member, the major counterbalance components (battery and monitor) can be readily positioned to help achieve system balance.  
         [0016]     Advantageously, embodiments of the inventive folding post hinge mechanism may provide greater electrical connection reliability due to the elimination of 2+ solder type electrical connections per wire in comparison to the removable post method. Connection reliability for optical fiber type connections may also be improved in comparison to the removable post method due to elimination of interconnect connectors. A rigid connection mechanism eliminates or reduces the possibility of cable/wire damage due to twist or abrasion as would happen for non-mechanically restrained post/sled interconnects. The ability to conceal and protect the cable path from post to sled body has thus far not been accomplished with the conventional technology.  
         [0017]     Additionally, contact impedance may be reduced or eliminated, in comparison to the removable post method. Furthermore, the possibility of contact damage or contact damage through misalignment, or exposure to foreign matter or moisture may be reduced or eliminated in comparison to the removable post method.  
         [0018]     Cost may also be reduced for certain embodiments of the invention due to the elimination of fiber optic and/or electrical connectors in comparison to the removable post method. Cost reductions may also be generated because there will be a reduction in labor that is required to construct the interconnect assembly in comparison to the removable post method.  
         [0019]     Embodiments of the invention allow the post mechanism to fold easily for compact storage and transport in comparison to the fixed post method. Approximately 31% in space savings have been achieved using particular configurations of the invention. Compacting of the sled mechanism can be convenient and, in exemplary embodiments, performed without the use of tools.  
         [0020]     A variation on the configuration will allow another way to balance the camera stabilization system by rigidly locking the post/sled interconnection point at various angles, and having the monitor and battery, or other equipment, counter balance weights balance about that common point.  
         [0021]     Embodiments of the folding hinge can be placed at various intersections of components of a camera stabilizing system to provide a protected avenue through which cables can be passed through and further to allow the equipment to be folded or compacted without having to entirely disassemble the system.  
         [0022]     FIGS.  2 A-E depicts a folding hinge mechanism  200  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. A first support connector  202 , having one or more apertures  204  therethrough is provided. Cable  206  is positioned to extend through aperture  204 . A second support connector  208  is positioned so cable  206  can extend through it aperture(s)  210 . An indexing guide  212  is positioned between first support connector  202  and second support connector  208 . Indexing guide  212  has a first end  214  connected to first support connector  202  and a second end  216  connected to second support connector  208 . Indexing guide  212  pivotally connects first support connector  202  to second support connector  208 . Illustrative indexing guide  212  has two slotted sections  220  and  222  that allow first and second support connectors  202  and  208  to pivot with respect to each other and to slide apart from one another without totally separating. Slotted section  222  can slide into first support connector  202 . Various pivoting mechanisms can be used provided they are compatible with the support connectors and allow one or more cables to pass through support connectors  202 ,  208 . Indexing guide  212  may maintain a twist free, restrained movement of the mechanism to help prevent cable or harness damage.  
         [0023]     A locking collar  218  is releasably attached to first support connector  202  and second support connector  208  and alignable with the support connectors to allow the one or more flexible components to pass through locking collar  218 . Locking collar  218  can be secured to first and second support connectors  202 ,  208  by, for example, threaded surface on both locking collar  218  and support connectors  202 ,  208 . Locking collar  218  may also snap into place, for example by a detent mechanism. Use of a locking collar may dampen vibrations and movement typically occurring at such joints. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS.  2 A-E, indexing guide  212  is disposed within locking collar  218  when the locking collar is attached to both the first support connector  202  and the second support connector  208 .  FIG. 2D  depicts folding hinge  200  in a linear position without locking collar  218 .  FIG. 2E  depicts folding hinge  200  in a linear position with locking collar  218  in place to keep hinge  200  from opening, i.e. pivoting  
         [0024]     The embodiments shown in  FIG. 2A -E provide a linear support once the hinge is locked in place. It is sometimes desirable to maintain two support members at an angle with respect to one another. FIGS.  3 A-B depict illustrative embodiments of a folding hinge  300  having an index locking mechanism to lock an index guide  302  in position with respect to a first support connector  304  and a second support connector  306 . Folding hinge  300  has two or more indexed stop positions created by various openings in the locking components. FIGS.  3 A-B show a first pivot locking component  310  incorporated into indexing guide  302  and having one or more lateral openings  308  therethrough. A second pivot locking component  312  is rigidly attached to one of the first or second support connectors  304 ,  306  and has one or more openings  314  therethrough. At least one of the one or more first pivot locking component lateral openings  308  is alignable with at least one of the one or more second pivot locking component openings  314 . Once aligned, a locking pin or stop component  316  can be inserted through a lateral opening  308  and an aligned opening  314 , thereby securing the index guide in place so support components  304 ,  306  are at a desirable angle to one another.  
         [0025]     Embodiments of the invention provide various support members attached to a folding hinge. The attachment mechanism type between the support member and the folding hinge will depend in part on the design of the support member.  FIG. 2C  depicts a collar attachment, which is suitable, for example, to attaching a post to the hinge.  FIGS. 4 and 5 A-B depict a flat support member  402  slidably attached to a folding hinge  400  at a first support connector  404 . (Although support member  402  is referred to as a “flat support member”, it can be any cross-sectional shape compatible with the apparatus and hinge.) A second support connector  406  is attached to a post  408 . Flat support member  402  is inserted through a slot  410 . The particular embodiment shown provides a mechanism to adjust the position of flat support member  402  with respect to hinge  400 . Flat support member  402  can be locked in place at various longitudinal points.  
         [0026]     FIGS.  5 A-B depict use of hinge  400  to balance equipment on a stabilizing system. Viewer or monitor  412  is balanced with respect to battery  414 , and possible other equipment by sliding flat support member  402  through folding hinge  400 . Folding hinge  400  can also be secured at a non-perpendicular angle to the horizontal, as depicted in  FIG. 5A , for balancing and desirable positioning of the equipment.  FIG. 5B  shows another illustrative balancing/positioning configuration.  
         [0027]     Other examples of connections that can be made with illustrative embodiments of folding hinges are between a camera mounting stage and post; gimbal and post; monitor mounting platform and support member; and between other equipment mounts and posts or support members. Balancing arms, such as seen in Steadicam® equipment can also be connected to stabilizing systems with embodiments of the folding hinge. Embodiments of the invention include these various support and mounting components, and the associated camera equipment.  FIG. 6  depicts an illustrative example of a folding hinge mechanism  500  mounted on a lower sled portion  502 .  
         [0028]     Embodiments of the invention also include a method of connecting camera equipment on a support system using the inventive hinges as described herein. One or more hinges are provided to connect components of a stabilizing system. Cables are run through the hinge(s) and connected to the desired camera equipment. The hinge(s) are positioned at the desired angle, if adjustable in that manner, and secured in place, but pins, collars or the like. The stabilizing equipment can then be folded without affecting the adjustments and balancing of the system. Upon unfolding the system, the desired balancing and adjustments remain unaffected.  
         [0029]     A variation on the hinge mechanism use a mechanically hinged mechanism that maintains electrical contact between the post and sled portions through a slip ring or wiper type connection system.  
         [0030]     Illustrative embodiments of the invention include a lower portion of a cable or harness secured in place while an upper portion of the cable is allowed to pass freely through an opening in order to allow the hinge mechanism to operate. This in turn allows the cable(s) to move freely and not bind.  
         [0031]     Top and bottom support connectors may be indexed together in the X and Y directions without the need for additional indexing components so as to maintain the rigidity required for correct operation and balance of the camera stabilization system.  
         [0032]     While the invention has been described by illustrative embodiments, additional advantages and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to specific details shown and described herein. Modifications, for example, to the application of the hinge to other system-types, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the specific illustrative embodiments described herein, but be interpreted within the full spirit and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.