Patent ID: 6924838

Claim:
A device for placing and operating a remotely controllable video camera, on a remote surface, comprising: (a) a primary housing, the primary housing having a top end, the top end having an opening; (b) a compression member positioned within the primary housing; (c) at least three legs, each leg being connected to the primary housing, each leg further being movable between a first position, substantially adjacent the primary housing, and a second position, extending from the primary housing, such movement being in response to movement of the compression member; (d) a leg securing member, the leg securing member being movable between a first position and a second position in response to motion of the compression member, the leg securing member securing at least one leg in the leg first position when the leg securing member is in the first position, the compression member being retained by such securement in the compressed position, the leg securing member further releasing the at least one leg when the leg securing member is in the second position, the compression member being released to decompress when the at least one leg is released, the decompression causing the legs to move into the legs' second positions, such that the legs support the primary housing in a position which is generally upright; (e) a camera housing for securing and positioning the camera, the camera housing being at least partially transparent for the camera view; (f) a camera housing positioning member, the camera housing positioning member causing the camera housing to lower through the primary housing top end opening as the compression member is compressed, and to elevate through the primary housing top end opening when the compression member decompresses, such elevation positioning the camera housing such that the camera view substantially clears the primary housing; (g) a motor for moving the leg securing member from the first to the second position; and (h) means for activating and deactivating the motor, such that, after the device has been propelled on to the remote surface, the motor is activated, causing the leg securing member to move to the second position, which in turn causes the compression member to decompress, the decompression causing the legs to move to the second position, such leg motion lifting the primary housing until it is supported by all the legs, the decompression also elevating the camera housing through the primary housing top opening, such that the camera can be operated remotely to provide a view of the remote surface vicinity.