Abstract:
A flexible support apparatus adapted to wrap around and grip an element, such as a pole, while, in some embodiments, supporting a device such as a camera, flash unit, cell phone, or other item. The flexible support unit may consist of a series of ball and socket connectors interconnected into a flexible chain. The flexible support unit may have removable clips at one or both ends. The clips may be adapted to support different objects in different ways.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/637,611 to Bevirt et al., with a filing date of Dec. 12, 2006, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/324,994 to Bevirt, with a filing date of Jan. 3, 2006, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to support apparatus, and more particularly to a flexible support arm with gripping features and removable mounting clips.  
         [0004]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0005]     Typical support assemblies need to be hard mounted on one end in order to support an item, or have a base of some sort. What is called for is a support apparatus able to be mounted to a variety of features, such as poles, and vertical elements, with ease both of mounting and removal.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0006]     A flexible support apparatus adapted to wrap around and grip an element, such as a pole, while, in some embodiments, supporting a device such as a camera, flash unit, cell phone, or other item. The flexible support unit may consist of a series of ball and socket connectors interconnected into a flexible chain. The flexible support unit may have removable clips at one or both ends. The clips may be adapted to support different objects in different ways. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]      FIG. 1  is a view of a flexible arm assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0008]      FIG. 2  is a view of a flexible arm assembly with a flash clip according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 3  is a view of a flexible arm assembly with a suction clip according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 4  is a view of a flexible arm assembly holding an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 5  is a view of a flexible arm assembly with a clamp clip according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 6  is a view of a flexible arm assembly with a microphone clip according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 7  is a view of a flexible arm assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 8  is a view of a flexible arm assembly with two interconnect portions according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of a plurality of connected connectors according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 10  illustrates an end view of a plurality of connected connectors according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a plurality of connected connectors according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a connector according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 14  is a view of a connector according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 15  is a view of a connector with a gripping portion according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view of a connector with a gripping portion according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0023]     FIGS.  17  is a view of an interconnect portion according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of an interconnect portion according to some embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 19  are a side view and a cross-section of a composite connector according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0026]     In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in  FIG. 1 , a flexible arm  10  is adapted for twisting and flexing. In some embodiments, the flexible arm  11  consists of a plurality of interconnected connectors  11 . The connectors  11  may be ball and socket connectors. The connectors  11  may have a gripping portion  14 . The gripping portion  14  may be of a rubberized compound. The gripping portion  14  allows for better friction when the flexible arm  10  is wrapped around a feature such as a pole, for example. In some embodiments, the gripping portion is co-molded into the connector body. The co-molding process may also be referred to as overmolding or double injection molding. An end connector  12  may have a gripping pod  13 . The gripping pod  13  may be of rubberized compound. In some embodiments, the flexible arm  10  may have an end connector on both ends of the flexible arm. The gripping pod may also be co-molded onto the connector. In some embodiments, the connector onto which the gripping pod is overmolded may vary from the other connectors in order to be better adapted to receiving the gripping pod. Connectors that support a gripping pod may be termed a gripping pod connector.  
         [0027]     In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in  FIG. 2 , a flexible arm, or monopod,  15  consists of a plurality of interconnected connectors  11  with an interconnect portion  16  on one end. The interconnect portion  16  is adapted to receive a clip  17  into its opening  24 . The clip  17  may be inserted into the opening  24 , which will capture the rails  25  of the clip  17 , which will be captured by the interconnect portion  16 . In some embodiments, the clip will have a recess in its bottom surface in the shape of a slot. A spring loaded tab  27  connected to a release lever with a button resides in the interconnect portion, allowing the clip to be pushed in and then retained as the tab first is pushed down by the insertion of the clip and then springs back up into the slot in the underside of the clamp. A spring loaded release button  18  may be pushed to release the clip  17 . A rotating locking ring  34  may lock the spring loaded release button from being able to release. While a variety of different types of clips may be used with the monopod  15 , the clip  17  shown in  FIG. 2  is adapted to receive a camera flash unit.  
         [0028]     In some embodiments of the invention, as seen in  FIG. 3 , a monopod  15  is seen with another type of clip, a suction clip  20 . The suction clip allows for the mounting of a variety of types of objects. As seen in  FIG. 4 , the monopod  15  has been wrapped around a vertical element  21 . The gripping portions  14  greatly enhance the ability of the monopod stay in the position intended by the user, and greatly reduces the likelihood of the monopod slipping down. An electronic device  22  is seen mounted on the monopod  15 .  
         [0029]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate further embodiments of the present invention. A clamp clip  23  is seen with a clip  26  adapted to be received by the interconnect portion  16 . A spring loaded tab  27  connected to a release lever with a button resides in the interconnect portion, allowing the clip to be pushed in and then retained as the tab first is pushed down and then springs back up into the slot in the underside of the clamp. A spring loaded release button  18  may be pushed to release the clip  17 . A rotating locking ring  34  may lock the spring loaded release button from being able to release. A microphone clamp  27  adapted to be received by the interconnect portion is seen with a holder  28  for a microphone  29 .  
         [0030]      FIGS. 7 and 8  contrast differing embodiments according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 7  illustrates a monopod  15  with suction cup mounted into the interconnect portion on a first end, and a gripping pod at a second end.  FIG. 8  illustrates a monopod  30  with suction cup clip mounted onto an interconnect portion  16  on a first end. The clip may be released from the interconnect portion  16  by pressing a release button  18 . At the second end, a second interconnect portion  33  is seen. The second interconnect portion  33  is adapted to receive a clip in its receiver  31 . A release button  32  releases the captured clip. The interconnect portion may also have a grip ring  34 . The first interconnect portion and the second interconnect portion may differ somewhat from each other as one is opposite that male end of the connector and one is opposite the female end of a connector.  
         [0031]      FIGS. 9, 10 , and  11  illustrate a flexible arm with a plurality of ball and socket joint connectors  101  according to some embodiments of the present invention. A connector  101  has a first end portion  102  and a second end portion  103 . A socket engaging end surface  104  is present at the first end  102 . The first end portion  102  is substantially hollowed out in some embodiments.  
         [0032]     The second end portion  103  has a body  106  with an internal socket receiving cavity  107 . The inner surface  110  of the an internal socket receiving cavity  107  is adapted to fit over the socket engaging end surface  104  of another connector  101 , or of another piece with a similar socket engaging end surface. A neckdown  105  separates the first end portion  102  from the second end portion  103 . A stop nub  108  acts as a mechanical stop to prevent over angulation and possible unintentional separation of a ball and socket joint connector pair.  
         [0033]      FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plurality of ball and socket joint connectors. In some embodiments of the present invention, a stop nub  108  resides within the internal socket receiving cavity. The inner rim  140  of the socket engaging end surface  104  is adapted to contact the stop nub  108  as the two connectors reach a certain angle relative to each other. The contact of the stop nub  108  and the inner rim  140  of the socket engaging end surface  104  acts as a mechanical stop with regard to further angulation of the two pieces relative to each other. The mechanical stop function works to prevent over-rotation and possible disconnection of the two connectors. As seen in cross-section in  FIG. 11 , the gripping pod  207  may be fully molded into the cavity of the connector.  
         [0034]     As seen in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the connector  101  has a primary axis  111  in some embodiments. The connector  101  may be symmetric around the primary axis  111  in some embodiments. The end surface planes of the first and second end portions of the connector may be perpendicular to the primary axis  111  in some embodiments.  
         [0035]     In some embodiments of the present invention, the wall thicknesses of the internal socket receiving cavity or the socket engaging end surface, or both, are constructed so that an interference fit remains after the ball and socket joint connectors are connected. In some embodiments, the interference fit is designed such that the material is stressed to a stress level below that of the plastic limit but above the creep limit. The material may then creep until the interference is at or below the creep limit, typically down to the upper end of the elastic deformation stress range of the material. In such an embodiment using a plurality of connectors connected together to form a longer chain, the stresses will tend to equalize in the different connector pairs. This equalization of stresses will tend to equalize the frictions of the various connector pairs. An equalization of the frictions in the connector pairs in a long chain of connected connectors will tend to allow the chain of connectors to bend in a smooth fashion when the chain is subjected to bending forces. For example, in a 10 unit chain bent to a 45 degree angle, the bending may be well spread among the connector pairs.  
         [0036]     In some embodiments, as seen in  FIGS. 14, 15  and  16 , a connector  120  includes a gripping portion  122 . The connector  120  has a first end portion  125  and a second end portion  123 . A socket engaging end surface  124  is present at the first end  125 . The first end portion  125  is substantially hollowed out. The connector may be made of thermo-plastic elastomer, or of other materials.  
         [0037]     The second end  123  has a body  121  with an internal socket receiving cavity  130 . The inner surface  129  of the an internal socket receiving cavity  130  is adapted to fit over the socket engaging end surface  124  of another connector, or of another piece with a similar socket engaging end surface. A neckdown  128  separates the first end portion  125  from the second end portion  123 . A gripping portion  122  allows the connector to grip surfaces more readily. In some embodiments, the gripping portion is co-molded into the connector body. The co-molding process may also be referred to as overmolding. In some embodiments, the gripping portion is a rubberized compound. In some embodiments, the gripping portion is a circumferential ring molded into the outer surface of the connector. The gripping portion may provide a higher friction interface when the connector is set upon or wrapped around an object.  
         [0038]     In some embodiments of the present invention, the outer surface  109  of the socket engaging end surface  104  may be lubricated. Lubrication of the outer surface  109  of the socket engaging end surface  104  may allow for more even frictions between various connections in a chain of connectors. In some embodiments, the inner surface  110  of the internal socket receiving cavity  107  may be lubricated. Lubrication of the inner surface  110  of the internal socket receiving cavity  107  may allow for more even frictions. In some embodiments, both the outer surface  109  of the socket engaging end surface  104  and the inner surface  110  of the an internal socket receiving cavity  107  may be lubricated. In some embodiments, the surfaces may be coated with an adhesive. With some connector materials, such as acetyl materials, Delrin, and Nylon, compounds normally used as adhesive may function as a lubricant when used in an interference fit ball and socket joint connector.  
         [0039]     In some embodiments of the present invention, the outer surface  109  of the socket engaging end surface  104  may be textured. The texture may take the form of a surface roughness. Texturing of the outer surface  109  of the socket engaging end surface  104  may allow for more even frictions between various connections in a chain of connectors. In some embodiments, the inner surface  110  of the internal socket receiving cavity  107  may be textured. The texture may take the form of a surface roughness. Texturing of the inner surface  110  of the internal socket receiving cavity  107  may allow for more even frictions. In some embodiments, both the outer surface  109  of the socket engaging end surface  104  and the inner surface  110  of the an internal socket receiving cavity  107  may be lubricated.  
         [0040]     In some embodiments, the flexible arm is connected to an interconnect portion  205 . A clip  220  is removably fastened to the interconnect portion  205 . The clip  220  may have a threaded post adapted to fit into a camera or other device in some embodiments. As described above and as seen in the other patent applications incorporated by reference, other clips may be used.  
         [0041]     In some embodiments of the present invention, as further illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the interconnect portion  205  is adapted to receive a clip  220 . The clip  220  may have rails  228  adapted to slide into slots  227  within the interconnect portion  205 . The clip  220  may have recess  226  adapted to be filled by a tab  225  on a spring loaded lever  222 . The clip is removably attached to the interconnect portion  205  and may be released by pressing on the lever  222 . In some embodiments, the lever  222  is on the same side of the interconnect portion  205  as which the clip  220  slides in on. In other embodiments, the lever  222  is on the side opposite that which the clip  220  slides in on.  
         [0042]     The interconnect portion may have a rotatable locking ring  230  with a cam that allows the release button  231  of the spring loaded lever  222  to be pushed, thereby allowing the clip to be removed, in a first position, and when rotated to a second position fills the space behind the release button  231 , preventing the spring loaded lever  222  from disengaging the clip.  
         [0043]     A mounting screw  221  may be recess mounted into the clip  220  in some embodiments. The screw  223  may be of the standard size and thread to attach to a camera in some embodiments. The head  223  of the screw  221  may be held into the recess  224  by a slight ridge in the molding of the recess in some embodiments.  
         [0044]     In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in  FIG. 19 , a connector  50  may be made from more than one material. The first end portion and the second end portion may be of different materials. For example, the socket engaging end surface  51 , along with the rest of the first end portion, may be of an ABS plastic. The internal socket receiving cavity  52 , as well as the second end portion, may be of another material, such as aluminum. In some embodiments, the bulk of the second end portion may machined from metal, such as aluminum. The internal mating surface of the socket receiving cavity may be machined to a desired roughness. A series of grooves  55  may be left on the external surface of the second end portion to facilitate the molding of the first end portion over the second end portion. A stop pin  54  may also be molded at the same time and of the same material. A grip strip  53  may be molded of the same material, or of a softer material, as desired. The grip strip  53  may be added in second overmolding, or double injection, process.  
         [0045]     The selection of differing materials may offer a variety of advantages. For example, the frictions between the two materials may be ideal for a particular use. Also, as in the case of using a metal such as aluminum, the connector may be much stiffer than a connector made solely of plastic. In the case of a support structure made of a length of connectors, the stiffness added to each connector may greatly affect the stiffness of the overall structure.  
         [0046]     Another distinct advantage of a composite connector may be that using a metal for the socket, which is primarily under tensile stress, as opposed to a plastic, reduces the likelihood over time of creep induced relaxation of the fit of the ball and socket. Also, if the ball and socket are ever disengaged, it may be that the plastic socket is more susceptible to permanent deformation, and the use of a metal socket may allow the connectors to be connected and disconnected in a manner that may not be suitable with all plastic connectors.  
         [0047]     Although the foregoing discussion has involved plastic and metal, other combinations of materials may be used. For example, nylon may be used with plastic. Other suitable combinations may also be used.  
         [0048]     As evident from the above description, a wide variety of embodiments may be configured from the description given herein and additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is, therefore, not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant&#39;s general invention.