Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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ELEVATING SUPPORT MEANS
TECEnNlC~L FIELD
This invention relates to devices which may support and elevate an item.
BACKGROUND ART
For varied and numerous reasons there is public demand for devices
which may support and elevate particular items. Elevating the position
of an item may provide a person several advantages. For example,
electrical linesmen usually require some assisting device to support and
elevate them when working on power lines. The same is true of persons
involved in the building trade, who employ scaffolding to elevate
themselves to a surface or point to be worked upon.
In the photography industry varied angle and elevation shots are
required to provide a suitable effect or appearance needed for a particular
shot. Usually the photographer has to use any convenient articles at
hand to try to elevate themselves and a camera to a desired position. A
photographer may have to scale trees, climb ladders, roofs or scaffolding
to achieve the desired elevation.
This method of elevation to achieve a photographic shot is somewhat
haphazard. A photographer has to rely on the random arrangement of a
landscape's components to provide an elevated shot of a particular scene.
The photographer needs to be reasonably dexterous, fit and nimble to
scale any particular article which provides the desired elevation.
A photographer may also scale a ladder to achieve the desired elevation
for a shot. However, this approach is disadvantaged by the fact that a
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ladder needs to be rested against a supporting surface and may not in
some instances extend to an elevation high enough for the required shot.
Building scaffolding may also be used by a photographer to provide the
required elevation for a photograph. Scaffolding however, although
portable, is not easy to relocate or transport with any reasonable speed. A
photographer using scaffolding in such an application is severely
hampered by the set up and disassembly time required to put the
scaffolding into operation. Again a photographer needs to be reasonably
physically fit and agile to scale scaffolding to the required height.
In some instances a cherry picker may be used by a photographer to
provide an elevated photographic shot. Although this device does solve
the existing photographic elevation problem, it causes some logistical
problems of its own. A cherry picker is a large motorised device which is
expensive to purchase and maintain. A cherry picker is also restricted to
certain types of terrain, being unable to access regions not connected by
roads or reasonably flat, dry ground.
Other devices have also been developed to elevate a camera system. These
devices are configured to include, in some instances telescoping sections
which are erected by pumping a hydraulic fluid through the centre of an
extension piece. The pressure of the fluid pumped forcing the extension
piece upwards, erecting the structure. However, these devices are large,
heavy and expensive as they require heavy pumping machinery or
motors to achieve the required elevation from the device. This limits the
portability of the structure and also increases its cost substantially.
Slow flying aircraft such as hot air or helium filled balloons may be used
to elevate a photographic camera. This extension means however is
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inherently unstable and uncontrollable. Even when tethered to the
ground, such a device is at the mercy of the prevailing winds, being
pushed and buffeted in an uncontrolled fashion when in the air.
This instability is a large problem which considering the stable
conditions required for photographic shots. A photographer is also
dependent on the wind, the wind determining exactly which angle a
photograph is to be taken from.
In some applications a platform permanently mounted on a motor car
trailer has been used to provide an elevated photographic platform.
However this configuration of elevation device limits the user, in that the
number of locations in which the device may be used is restricted. The
device may only be used in locations which are linked to, or accessible by
roads. In addition to this limitation reasonably flat ground is required so
the photograph is not taken on a skewed angle.
The most common and well known method of elevating and supporting a
photographic camera is the use of a tripod. A photographic tripod
provides a stable support which includes a central elevating pole to which
a camera may be attached.
Usually the central elevating pole is of an variable height, this being
achieved by adjusting the height of a fixed length central pole. The
elevation height of a tripod is restricted due to the fixed length of the
central pole used. The tripod may only extend a camera attached to it to a
height equal to that of the assembled supporting legs and central pole
fitted together. The central elevating pole of the tripod is usually of a
height which extends a camera to a m~imum of head height for a user.
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For these reasons a tripod may not be used with any reasonable success
for any large increases in elevation of a camera.
To date there is no reasonable effective means to elevate a photographic
camera to an extended elevation with any stability, and without any
restrictions on the location or terrain on which the elevation system may
be used.
It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems
or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example
only.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a
support structure to provide variable elevations for an item supported by
the structure,
the support structure including an extension means capable of extending
from a support base,
the support structure characterised in that the extension means is
comprised of lengths capable of being connected or disconnected from
each other to form a single length, to provide the variable elevations
required for the item.
In preferred embodiments the support structure includes the support
base but this is not necessarily limiting.
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In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the item to be elevated
by the support structure is a photographic, or still frame camera. In this
way high elevation photographs may be taken using the invention
apparatus. A photographer may set up the support structure at a point
where they require an elevated photograph to be taken.
The invention can be considered of most use in the field of real estate
photography. In some instances a ground level photograph of a property
does not provide the most attractive or appealing photograph. Especially
in the case of multi-storey structures, a high elevation photograph is
required to provide the most flattering and revealing photographs.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
connector used to construct an extension means substantially as
described above wherein the connector has two ends,
wherein a f~lrst end of the connector is configured so that once inserted
into a length it is substantially immovable with respect to the length, and
a second end of the connector is configured so that a second length can be
placed over the second end of the connector so that the two lengths are
connected together.
The connector characterised in that the configuration of the second end of
the connector enables the second length to be readily disconnected from
the second end of the connector.
The support structure is configured so that an item supported by the
structure may be elevated to a variable range of elevations depending on
the elevation required by a user. For example, some applications of the
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invention may require an item to be elevated to three metres in one
instance, and five metres in another.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the item to be elevated
by the support structure may consist of a photographic camera system. A
photographic camera system combined with the invention allows a
photographer to take photographs at varied elevations when under
normal circumstances these elevated photographic angle shots would be
unobtainable by a photographer.
In an alternative embodiment the item to be elevated may consist of a
video or electronic digital camera system. Such camera systems may
record video footage of a scene from which a photographic image may be
obtained.
Other embodiments may not use a photographic camera system as the
item to be elevated by the support structure. For example, other
embodiments may use the support structure to elevate lighting systems,
video camera systems, flags or display signs, or electrical antennas and
aerials.
Reference throughout the specification will now be made to the item to be
elevated by the support structure as being a photographic camera system.
It should be appreciated however that in other embodiments of the
present invention the item to be elevated by the support structure may be
a device other than a photographic camera system.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the support base may
consist of three lengths of material arranged in a tripod configuration
and may include a circular perimeter to which the lower ends of the
tripod legs are attached.
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At the point where the three tripod lengths intersect at the centre of the
circular perimeter a connection means may be provided to attach the
ends of the three lengths together. There may also be provided at this
point a locking device to lock the extension means of the support
- structure to the tripod legs. Any stress placed upon the support base by
the extension means can be equally distributed through the three legs to
the circular perimeter base.
There may be provided in some embodiments a securing and stabilising
means used to stabilise and secure the support base to the surface which
it is rested on. For example, this stabilising and securing means may
consist of sand bags placed over the circular perimeter of the base, or U-
shaped pegs driven into the ground - with the legs of the peg straddling
either side of the circular perimeter section of the base.
Other embodiments of the invention may not use a tripod configured with
a circular perimeter base as the support base for the invention. Any
configuration of support base may be used which provides a stable seat
for the extension means near ground level, the support base acting to
distribute any stress from the extension means evenly throughout all the
supporting elements of the support base.
For example, a support base may be configured as a cube or cylinder with
the extension means attached at it's centre.
In other embodiments the support base may consist of a locking device
attached to a car tow bar, or the wall of a building to provide the required
stable seat for the extension means attached to it. Any configuration of
support base may be used which allows the elevation means to be used
and assembled as described herein.
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Again with other configurations of support base not configured as a
tripod, a st~hili.qing and securing means may be applied to the support
base to stabilise and secure it to the ground.
In some embodiments the support structure may also include additional
components which act to level the support base when the support base is
located on uneven or sloped ground. Such devices may include
extendable legs or feet attached to the support base, which may raise or
lower points on the support base as required, or a number of sand bags
which may be packed underneath or around the support base to level the
support base.
These components allow the extension means to be extended
substantially straight upwards from the support base, ensuring forces
transmitted from the extension means are evenly distributed throughout
all sides of the support base.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the extension means
used to support and extend a camera system mounted on the invention
shall consist of several interlocked lengths of material which are
connected to and extend from the central portion of the support base. The
lower end of the extension means may be attached to the top of the
support base, and a camera system be attached to the top end of the
extension means.
The extension means in a preferred embodiment consists of several
lengths of material connected together to form an extension of the
required height. Several lengths may be connected together, one end of
the length assembly being fitted into the support base, and the other end
extending to the required height.
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Other embodiments of the present invention may not use an extension
means consisting of several lengths of material connected together.
Other embodiments may, for example, use a telescoping length of
material, the height of which is adjusted by a user pulling out the
required number of interlocl~ing sleeved sections to form an extension
means of the required height.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the extension means
may be assembled by inserting lengths of material through the bottom of
the connector attached to the support base. Initially a first length may be
inserted from the top of the connector with the camera system attached to
the top of the length. Subsequent lengths may then be inserted into the
connector from the bottom of the support base.
In this way several lengths of material may be connected to the extension
means in succession then fixed to the support base using the connector
the lengths are fed through when the desired height of the extension
means is reached.
In this manner, the support structure may be assembled manually.
The lengths in a preferred embodiment are hollow poles. However other
embodiments may use any configuration of material where the length of
the material is substantially longer than the width of the material.
The poles used to construct the extension means shall in a preferred
embodiment be of circular cross section, however in other embodiments
different configurations of pole cross section may be used.
The poles used to assemble the extension means are configured so that
they may be readily attached and detached from one another to form a
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single length, or several separate lengths as required. This feature
allows the support structure to be readily collapsed, easily transported
and reassembled at another location.
In a preferred embodiment the material used to construct the support
structure shall consist of hollow metal poles of a circular cross section.
However other embodiments of the present invention may use different
materials to construct the support structure. For example, materials
such as wood, plastic or any other substantially rigid material which
may be worked into the required shape may be used.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a connector is used to
readily attach and detach two sections of pole used to assemble the
extension means.
Other embodiments may not use a connector to attach two sections of pole
together to form the extension means. Other methods of connection such
as screw threads may be provided at the appropriate ends of each pole to
be connected, or each pole may be configured with a tapering top end so
the tops of pole sections may readily slide into the base of the next pole to
be connected into the extension means.
Such direct connection means which do not use a separate connector to
attach two poles together suffer from several disadvantages. If poles are
constructed from metallic material the connection of metal surface to
metal surface is not easily separated due to the metallic surfaces
interacting together. Attachment of poles together without using a
connector invariably is not as stable as an attachment means using a
separate connector. A connector may extend further inside each poles
interior holding each section rigidly in place.
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Without a connector to attach sections of pole together the entire support
structure is electrically conductive from top to bottom. This property may
be a distinct disadvantage when considering the usual proximity of the
device to power lines when in use.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the connector used to
connect two sections of pole together shall be configured as follows.
The connector shall be constructed of a length of material, where one end
of the connector is of a smaller diameter than the other end of the
connector. The diameter of both ends of the connector shall be equal to or
less than the internal diameter of the hollow poles used to construct the
extension means.
The connector may be configured so that the end of the connector with the
larger diameter may be inserted inside the end of a pole so there is a tight
fit between the connector and pole, with the connector being substantially
immovable once inserted inside the end of the pole.
The second end of the connector is configured so that it may be readily
inserted into the end of another section of pole to be connected into the
extension means. As the second end of the connector is of a smaller
diameter than the first end of the connector, the length of pole attached to
the second end of the connector may be readily disconnected from the
connector when required.
The term substantially immoveable as used shall mean that once in place
the connector requires an extensive amount of effort and force to effect its
removable from the pole it is attached to. It is envisaged in a preferred
embodiment large pliers, a vice or some other clamping tool will be
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required to fix either the connector or pole if a user is attempting to
separate the connector end from a pole section.
The term readily disconnected as used shall mean the connector and pole
end may be disconnected from each other easily by a person using only
their hands and limbs, not requiring the use of any tools to separate the
two components.
In other embodiments of the present invention a connector may have one
end permanently attached to the end of a section of pole. In such an
embodiment both ends of the connector may be of the same diameter. A
pole section may be fitted onto a connector already permanently attached
by its other end to another section of pole. As one end of the connector is
permanently attached to a pole section, the other end of the connector
may readily be removed from a pole section as the connector is not
permanently attached to the pole section.
Other embodiments may not require a connector with both ends of the
same diameter to have one end of the connector permanently attached to
a pole section. The connector and pole ends may be fitted together and
pulled apart when required - with the connector remaining in either pole
section.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the connector shall
include a wide sleeve between its ends of a diameter larger than either
end of the connector. This sleeve may in some embodiments extend
outwards to separate the two connected poles from each other.
Other embodiments of the present invention may not use a connector as
described above. Other embodiments may use connector portions which
attach poles together without the use of tight fitting ends and the
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associated frictional forces. Other embodiments may use connection
methods such as connectors including latches, reciprocal threaded
screws, or nut and bolt att~chrnent connectors.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the item elevated by
the support structure is a camera system which includes remote controls
and a video surveillance system.
The camera system may be configured so that a user at ground level may
receive and view a video image of the shot to be taken by an elevated
camera as seen through the lens or viewfinder of the still photograph
camera .
The camera system operator may then remotely control the functions of
the camera system, including ch~n~inF the focus of the camera, the
camera zoom and the physical orientation and angle of the camera with
respect to the object to be photographed. For example, an operator may
view the shot to be taken through the video system observing through the
camera lens or viewfinder, and adjust the orientation of the camera,
moving the camera system left or right, up or down while focusing and
zooming in on the object to be photographed.
In a preferred embodiment the connector used to connect two poles
together shall be constructed from an electrically insulating material, in
one embodiment this material being nylon. The material used shall be
strong, rigid and resist the conduction of electrical current. In this way,
a conductor with the required physical properties may also prevent
electrical accidents (including transmitting shocks to the invention's
user), if the extension means of the support structure contacts an
electricity distribution power line.
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In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the connector used to
connect two pole sections together, shall have one end of the connector of
a length longer than the other end of the connector. In a preferred
embodiment the connector end with the larger diameter shall be the
shorter end of the connector.
Using a long connector with the pole end to be readily removed from the
end of the connector provides a stable attachment for connector and pole
end. As the connector extends further into the pole end the pole has less
freedom of movement allowed by the smaller diameter of the connector
end. As a long connector length is used the pole end when attached to the
connector may only pivot through a small angle, which stabilises the
construction of the extension means. In this way the composite pole used
as the extension means is not composed of sections of pole which may
pivot slightly around the bottom end of the pole.
The invention as described has many advantages over the prior art.
The configuration of the support structure allows the invention to be
disassembled and easily transported by a user. The support structure is
portable and may be transported using most automobiles, with the largest
unclasped piece of the device being the circular support base.
The invention provides a means to elevate any appropriately sized object
to a height not normally achievable. The elevation of such an item is
easily and quickly done by a user, not requiring any complex or expensive
equipment.
The support structure as con~lgured provides a strong structure when
assembled, which may easily cope with the extra weight of an item
elevated by of the device. It provides a stable platform which resists
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weather forces such as the wind from causing excessive movement of the
elevated item.
The support structure may be used in a wide variety of locations. It does
not rely on road access to a location, only requiring a reasonably flat
surface upon which the support base may rest. The invention may easily
be assembled/disassembled when required for transportation or use as
an extension means.
The invention may be assembly manually, eliminAting the need for extra
machinery to erect the device. Extra machinery may increase the
structure, cost and weight, mAking the device harder to transport.
The connector as described in a preferred embodiment of the invention
provides a strong and stable attachment for the connected elevating poles.
The elevation pole when formed using these connectors resists the action
of wind pushing against pole elements and shaking the composite
elevation pole.
The connector as described in a preferred embodiment of the invention
may also be considered as an electrical safety feature. A user in contact
with the support base of the invention is electrically isolated from upper
pole sections by the connectors used to attach the pole sections and the
support base together. If the composite elevation pole contacts a power
distribution line, a user of the device is protected against electrocution by
the pole connectors, which do not allow the trAn.~mi.~sion of electrical
current.
The camera system including video surveillance through the camera
lens and remote control of the camera functions provides the camera
operator with many advantages over the prior art.
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When used in combination with the support structure an operator may
adjust and use the camera remotely with substantially the same degree
of control as if the camera were in his or her hands. The remote
operation of such an elevated camera system allows the camera to be
used as normal, while allowing photographic shots of an elevation not
normally achievable with existing camera systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the
following description which is given by way of example only and with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the support structure including an
elevated camera;
Figure 2 is a schematic of the connector used in the preferred
embodiment.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Figure 1 illustrates the support structure 1.
The support structure 1 consists of firstly a support base, represented by
tripod 2 including a circular base.
The second portion of the support device 1 is the extension means,
represented by composite pole 3.
The composite pole 3 consists of several pole sections 4 attached together
by connectors ~.
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Elevated by the support structure is a camera system 6. The camera
system 6 may be remotely controlled and, the photographic shot to be
taken observed with use of cables 7 to transmit electrical si~n~l.c between
the camera system 6 and a user interface 8.
In use camera 6 is controlled using the interface 8, the interface allowing
a user to adjust the zoom, focus, left, right and up, down orientation of the
camera, and the opening and closing of the camera shutter.
When transportation of the support structure 1 is required all the
structures components may be broken down into separate elements.
The tripod legs 9 may be detached from circular base 10 and pole locking
means 11. The composite pole 3 may be broken down into separate pole
sections 4 which may include connectors ~.
To assemble the support structure a user first places the circular base 10
on a flat surface and attaches the three tripod legs 9 to the circular base
10.
The pole locking means 11 is next attached to the three tripod legs 9.
The composite pole 3 is formed by a user pll~hing a first pole section 4
down through the pole locking means 11, with each subsequent pole
section being inserted from underneath the pole locking means.
A connector 5 attached to the top of a pole section 4 when inserted into
pole locking means 11 connects with the bottom end of the previous pole
section and is removably attached to it.
After the first pole section 4 is inserted through the pole locking means 11
the camera system 6 is mounted on its top end. As the composite pole 3 is
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assembled from separate pole sections 4 the elevation of the camera
system 6 is increased.
Figure 2 illustrates a connector 5 used to connect sections of pole together
to form the extension means of the support structure.
Connector 5 includes top end 21, bottom end 22 and sleeve 23.
The bottom end 22 has a wider diameter than top end 21 to allow bottom
end 22 to fit tightly into a pole section. Top end 21 has a smaller diameter
end than bottom end 22 to allow its easy removal from a pole section.
A sleeve 23 provides electrical isolation between pole sections the
connector attaches together. The sleeve 23 prevents electrocution of the
device's user if any upper pole section contacts an electric power line.
The connector 5 is configured so that end 21 is of a longer length than end
22. This provides a secure attachment of end 21 to a pole section, with end
21 extending further into the pole section and contacting a large surface
area of the pole section.
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