Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
TRAIL CAMERA MOUNTING SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[00011 Trail cameras expose the secrets of the wilderness to a curious man-
kind.
Hunters use trail cameras to identify game trails and wallows used by
potential prey.
Wildlife Biologists use trail cameras to track migration patterns and
understand species
population. Game Wardens use trail cameras to prevent poaching and the
destruction of
public land. Land owners use cameras for property surveillance and home
security. Much
of this information is often lost however because trail cameras are frequently
stolen. Most
trail cameras are placed at game height and are thus easily accessible.
Placing a camera
mount higher in a tree, out of reach, requires carrying a ladder deep into the
woods and then
making multiple trips up and down the ladder to aim the camera on the trail.
Alternatively, one can shimmy up the tree while trying to carry and then
position the
delicate camera equipment. A number of trail camera mounting systems have been
described (see, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,626,322; 5,669,592; and
7,975,973 Bl, and
U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003/0133708; 2008/0099655; and
2011/0116782, and UK Patent Application GB 2 445 173). Some of these systems
have
addressed the issue of theft yet none have described a system that can be
installed and
manipulated remotely. Extension rods and poles have been described to allow
someone to
extend a tool's reach and perhaps remotely trim a high tree branch (see, for
example, U.S.
Patent Nos. 2,703,928; 2,986,054; 3,731,380; 4,607,974; 5,228,202; 5,288,161;
5,787,590; 7,721,391 B2; and 8,875,350 B2) but none have described placing and
manipulating a tool or camera remotely.
100021 A need remains for a trail camera mounting system that can be installed
high
into a tree without leaving the ground. The system should be easy to operate
yet hold the
equipment securely in the tree. Conveniently, the system would allow for
separate removal
of the camera for maintenance. Furthermore, trail cameras have become more
sophisticated. Some models of trail cameras require installation of multiple
wire
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connected components such as solar collectors and antennae. As such, a need
remains for
a trail camera mounting system that is capable of installing multiple
components high in a
tree without leaving the ground.
[0003]
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One embodiment of the invention is a two-piece mounting system that can
be
manipulated high in a tree by an extension pole. A support attached to the
tree connects to a
utility bar which holds the camera. Each piece has a fitting that corresponds
to a fitting on
the extension pole that allows the pieces to be manipulated by the pole. A
universal
camera mount can be added to the utility bar to mount a trail camera. The
universal camera
mount is preferably mounted on a swivel so that an adjustment bar connected to
the
camera mount can be used to adjust the camera when mounted in the tree. The
adjustment
bar has a fitting that corresponds to the fitting on the extensionpole.
[0005] In one embodiment, the support includes an auger that bores into a
tree. The
auger can be placed and turned to bore into the tree by the extension pole.
Thus, the
support is placed in the tree without having to climb into the tree. In
another embodiment,
the support includes a clamp that can be tightened around a tree branch. The
clamp, like
the auger, is placed in the tree without having to climb the tree. The jaws of
the clamp are
tightened around the tree branch from the ground by the extension pole.
Another
embodiment of the support of the mounting system of the subject invention
includes a
mounting plate. The plate can be attached to the side of a building. Although
it is
necessary to climb to attach the plate to a structure, the camera can be
mounted to the plate,
manipulated on the plate, and removed from the plate for maintenance by the
extension pole
without leaving the ground.
[0006] In other embodiments, lights or motion detecting lamps can also be
mounted
to the utility bar to illuminate camp or detect camp intruders. An aperture in
an end of the
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-16
utility bar receives a block and tackle that can be used to hoist loads from
the ground. The
hoist is useful for storing food away from bears or hanging game for
processing.
[0007] In another preferred embodiment, the invention is comprised of an
injection molded tree attachment, which is comprised of an auger tip screw at
the distal
end, and hexagon shaped receiving aperture at the proximal end. A cuff at the
proximal
receiving end of the tree attachment has a recess, which receives a spring
loaded securing
clasp. The hexagon shaped receiving end receives a correspondingly shaped
distal end of
an extension pole. The spring loaded securing clasp of the distal end of the
extension
pole simultaneously engages the cuff recess. Once the tree attachment is
engaged on the
distal end of the extension pole, the user can extend the pole and drive the
tree attachment
with auger tipped screw into a tree branch by rotating the extension pole
clockwise. Once
the tree attachment is placed in the tree, the remainder of the system can be
mounted.
[0008] Once the tree attachment auger tip screw is driven a sufficient depth
into
the tree to achieve solid fixation, the extension pole can be disengaged by
the user by
firmly pulling the extension pole away from the tree attachment. A detaching
ramp of the
cuff recess allows the extension pole securing clasp snap button to slide into
and out of
the cuff recess for installation and removal of the tree attachment. Once the
tree
attachment is placed in the tree, the remainder of the system can be mounted.
[0009] This embodiment is further comprised of a utility bar, which comprises
a
ball mount and a distal first end fitted with two tree attachment clasps,
which provide a
secure, but releasable capture means to secure the utility bar to the tree
attachment. The
tree attachment clasps clasp the ridge of the tree attachment receiving end
cuff, which
secures the utility bar to the tree attachment. Alternatively, the releasable
capture means
of the utility bar-support connection can be comprised of a magnetic disc
disposed at the
distal end of the utility bar, coupled with a corresponding magnet disposed on
or within
the support. The utility bar is further comprised of an upper camera mount
ball housing
and a ball mount cap, which house the camera mount ball. The camera mount ball
housing and ball mount cap can be tensioned together to allow less or more
movement of
the camera mount ball. The tensioning means in this embodiment includes the
use of a
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standard bolt installed through a corresponding hole in the camera mount ball
housing
and ball mount cap. A corresponding thumbscrew can then be tightened or
loosened to
allow movement of the camera mount ball to user preference.
[0010] The upper surface of the camera mount ball contains a hole, which
accepts
the camera mount post. Once the camera mount post is seated within the camera
mount
ball, the camera mount can be positioned to user preference. The top camera
mounting
surface of the camera mount is further comprised of a removable camera mount
pad,
which provides a level surface for camera mounting. A camera is mounted by
utilizing
the universal camera screw which protrudes upward from the camera mounting
surface.
A standard game camera can be mounted by first mounting a universal game
camera
bracket to said mounting surface with the camera mount screw. A game camera
can then
be mounted to the game camera bracket with standard mounting means.
[0011] Once the utility bar is ready for installation onto the tree
attachment, the
user inserts the distal post of the extension pole into the proximal receiving
end of the so
that the spring-loaded clasp and snap button of the distal extension pole
engages the
"install" recess of the proximal utility bar. The user can then extend the
pole to install the
utility bar onto the secured tree attachment. To install the utility bar, the
user directs the
distal end of the utility bar into the tree attachment receiving aperture
until the tree
attachment clasps engage the ridge of the tree attachment receiving end cuff.
[0012] Once the utility bar is installed onto the tree attachment, the user
disengages the extension pole by firmly pulling the extension pole away from
the utility
bar. A recessed ramp of the "install" recess pit of the proximal utility bar
allows the
extension pole securing clasp snap button to slide into and out of the install
recess pit for
installation. The tree attachment clasps engage the tree attachment with more
force than
the longitudinal force generated when the extension pole clasp and snap button
disengage
from the "install" recess, thus allowing the utility bar to be retained on the
tree
attachment.
[0013] In another embodiment, the system is further comprised of a multi-mount
adapter, which allows the user to install camera components requiring a wired
connection
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such as a camera and solar collector, in different elevated locations to
optimize placement
of the components. To utilize the multi-mount adapter, the user installs two
separate
supports in the desired locations as previously described. Once the supports
are installed,
the user attaches the multi-mount adapter to the distal end of the extension
pole via the
complementary fittings. The user then attaches a utility bar to the first
multi-mount
adapter prong fitting, and a utility bar to the second multi-mount adapter
prong fitting by
engaging the corresponding multi-mount prong releasable capture means with the
complimentary releasable capture means of each utility bar. The user then
installs the
utility bar onto the first support. Once the user disengages the extension
pole from the
first installed utility bar, the user can then install the second utility bar
to the second
support. The multi-mount adapter allows for the user to position a camera for
optimal
view, and a wire connected solar collector in a different position for optimal
solar
exposure. The multi-mount adapter can also be used to mount multiple
components on
one single support by utilizing the multi-mount adapter's releasable capture
means by
disengaging the extension pole from the multi-mount adapter after the first
utility bar is
connected to the support.
[0014] Once the utility bar is secured onto the tree attachment, with mounted
camera, the camera mount can be accurately aimed by using a laser attachment.
Said
laser attachment clips on to the distal end of the extension pole. A standard
laser pen
light is then placed in the pen light clasp and turned on. The distal end of
the extension
pole is then inserted into the proximal camera mount receiving end. The laser
attachment
with laser pen and mounted camera are then aligned so the projected laser dot
shows the
area where the camera will be recording. The user then manipulates the camera
mount/laser attachment to achieve the desired recording area of the camera.
[0015] To remove the system, the user inserts the distal end post of the
extension
pole into the proximal utility bar receiver so the spring-loaded clasp of the
extension pole
clasps the "remove" recess pit of the proximal utility bar receiving end. The
"remove"
recess pit does not include a recess ramp, thus the extension pole spring
loaded clasp
cannot slide out of the "remove" recess pit. Therefore, the longitudinal force
generated
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by the user by pulling the extension pole away from the utility bar, exceeds
the holding
capability of the tree attachment clasps, which allows the utility bar to
disengage from the
tree attachment.
[0016] To remove multiple components that were installed with the multi-mount
adapter, the user simply configures the multi-mount adapter to engage the
"remove"
releasable capture means of the installed utility bars. The user can then
remove the first
utility bar utilizing the first dual mount prong. The user can then engage the
second dual
mount prong with the second utility bar to remove the wire connected camera
components. If multiple components were installed on one tree attachment, the
user can
engage the "remove" releasable capture means of the multi-mount adapter with
the
extension pole fitting and disengage the connected utility bar from the
support.
[0017] The tree attachment can be uninstalled from the tree by the user
inserting
the distal end post of the extension pole into the proximal receiving aperture
of the tree
attachment so the spring-loaded clasp of the extension pole clasps the tree
attachment
cuff recess pit. The extension pole is then rotated counterclockwise to
unscrew the auger
tip from the tree.
[0018] In another embodiment, the proximal end of the extension pole accepts a
drill attachment. Said drill attachment can receive any standard powered
drill. Said drill
can then be used to turn the extension pole clockwise during installation of
the tree
attachment, or counterclockwise for uninstalling the tree attachment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a preferred embodiment of the
mounting
system of the subject invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment shown in
FIG.1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a rear isometric view of another preferred embodiment of a
support
of the mounting system of the subject invention.
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[0022] FIG. 4 is side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of a support
of the
mounting system of the subject invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a rear isometric view of another preferred embodiment of a
support
of the mounting system of the subject invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a rear isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a
releasable
capture means of the mounting system of the subject invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a rear isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a utility
bracket
of the mounting system of the subject invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a front isometric partial exploded view of another preferred
embodiment of the mounting system of the subject invention.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a front isometric exploded view of another preferred
embodiment of
the mounting system of the subject invention.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a rear isometric partial exploded view of the support and
utility bar
connection of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 9.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a rear isometric partially exploded view of another
preferred
embodiment of the mounting system of the subject invention.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a front isometric exploded view of the support and utility
bar
connection of the mounting system shown in FIG. 11.
[0031] FIG. 13 is side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of a drill
adapter
for use with the mounting system of the subject invention.
100321 FIG. 14 is side elevational view ofa preferred embodiment a saw blade
for use
with the mounting system of the subject invention.
[0033] FIG. 15 is a rear isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a
connector to
connect two extension poles to one another.
[0034] FIG. 16 is an environmental perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of the invention installed in a tree.
[0035] FIG. 17 is an environmental perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of the invention installed in a tree with optional universal game camera
bracket.
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[0036] FIG. 18 is an environmental perspective view of a user installing the
tree
attachment of a preferred embodiment of the subject invention.
[0037] FIG. 19 is an environmental perspective view of a user installing the
ball
mount/camera mount to the tree attachment of a preferred embodiment of the
subject
invention.
[0038] FIG. 20 is an environmental perspective view of a user detaching
extension
pole from ball mount after installing the ball mount/camera mount to the tree
attachment
of a preferred embodiment of the subject invention.
[0039] FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the distal extension pole
engaging ball
mount receiving aperture and "install" recess pit with recessed ramp.
[0040] FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of installation of ball mount on to
proximal tree attachment.
[0041] FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the distal extension pole
engaging ball
mount receiving aperture and "remove" recess without recessed ramp.
[0042] FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of removal of ball mount from
proximal
tree attachment.
[0043] FIG. 25 is a side elevational view demonstrating releasable capture
means
of distal extension pole and tree attachment.
[0044] FIG. 26 is a side elevational view showing releasable capture means
engaged for installation of tree attachment.
[0045] FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of proximal extension pole drill
attachment.
[0046] FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of proximal extension pole drill
attachment turning tree attachment to bore auger tip into tree.
[0047] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of direct camera mounting on camera mount
with mounting screw and attachment means of ball mount to tree attachment.
[0048] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of camera mounted on subject invention
and
ball mount installed on tree attachment.
[0049] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of universal game camera mounting bracket
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mounted on subject invention and attachment means of ball mount to tree
attachment.
[0050] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of game camera mounted on universal game
camera mounting bracket mounted on subject invention and ball mount installed
on tree
attachment.
[0051] FIG. 33 is an environmental perspective view of saw blade attachment in
use with extension pole.
[0052] FIG. 34 is an environmental perspective view of laser attachment and
manipulation of camera mount to aim camera to desired recording area.
[0053] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the distal extension pole, multi-mount
adapter and utility bar.
[0054] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the distal extension pole, multi-mount
adapter and utility bar connected and ready for installation.
[0055] FIG. 37 is an environmental view of user utilizing multi-mount adapter
to
install multiple components.
[0056] FIG. 38 is an environmental view of user connecting first utility bar
to
first tree attachment with multi-mount adapter.
[0057] FIG. 39 is an environmental view of user disengaging extension pole
multi-mount adapter from first utility bar connected to tree attachment.
[0058] FIG. 40 is an environmental view of user connecting second utility bar
to
second tree attachment.
[0059] FIG. 41 is an environmental view of user disengaging extension pole and
multi-mount adapter from second utility bar connected to tree attachment.
[0060] FIG. 42 is an environmental view of 180 degree rotation of multi-mount
adapter in uninstall configuration.
[0061] FIG. 43 is an environmental view of removal of utility bar from tree
attachment with multi-mount adapter.
[0062] FIG. 44 is an environmental view of installation of multiple components
onto one tree attachment with multi-mount adapter.
[0063] FIG. 45 is an environmental view of disengaging extension pole from
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multi-mount adapter installed onto one tree attachment.
100641 FIG. 46 is a perspective view of magnetic releasable capture means with
cutaway view of support magnetic connector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0065] One embodiment of the invention involves a two-piece mounting system
for a
trail camera. Each piece is placed by an extension pole so the mount can be
placed high
into a tree. A support attaches to the tree. A utility bar connects to the
support through a
releasable capture means and holds a universal camera mount on a swivel with
an
adjustment bar.
100661 The support of the two-piece mounting system of the subject invention
has a
fitting that corresponds to a fitting on the utility bar and the extension
pole. This allows some
embodiments ofthe support to be placed remotely using the extension pole. The
fittings allow the
utility bar to be placed on the support and manipulated remotely by the
extension pole in all
embodiments of the subject mounting system.
[0067] The support 10 has an anchoring means to attach the support to a
surface. In a
preferred embodiment, the anchoring means is an auger 12 that bores into a
branch attaching the
support to a tree. A support fitting 14 is on one end of the support opposite
the auger. The
support fitting 14 corresponds to a pole fitting 16 on the extension pole 17
which is used to
drive the auger into the tree. The corresponding fittings can be any shape or
configuration, it is
only necessary that they possess the strength and stability to manipulate the
mounting system
pieces remotely. In an exemplified embodiment, the support fitting on the
auger is a square
tubular rod 18. The support fitting is inserted into a square companion
fitting 114 of the
extension pole fitting 16 (FIG. 8). The square shape allows the extension rod
connected to the
auger through the fitting to be twisted to drive the auger into the tree. In
the embodiment
shown in FIG. 8, the pole fitting 114 is created by an adapter 106 added to
the end of the pole.
The square companion fitting 114 receives the square rod 18 while a cup 116
near the top of the
adapter 106 has divots 118 to accept the flattened heads of pins of the
releasable attachment
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means described below. A spring tension ball 115 holds the square tubular rod
18 in the adapter
106 until sufficient downward force is applied to pull the fittings apart. The
pole fitting 16 need
not however be created by an adapter and can be a part of the pole (FIGs. 9
and 11). In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the material, powder coated steel, and
length of the fitting
contribute to the needed strength of the fitting in this embodiment. Fittings
can also be made of
plastic or composite. It would be apparent to one skilled in the art how to
choose the proper
configuration and materials for a fitting that possesses the necessary
qualities to allow
manipulation of system pieces by the extension pole. FIGS. 13, 27, and 28 show
a drill adapter
120 to assist in driving the pieces of the subject invention. The drill
adapter has a shank 122
and a drill adapter fitting 124 like the pole fitting 16. One skilled in the
art would likewise
understand that anticipating using a power drill with the subject system may
require
adjustment in the choice of material used for system components as well as
choosing the
size and shape of the fitting. The drill adapter shown in the exemplified
embodiment hooks
to the extension pole fitting allowing the drill to be used when placing the
support
remotely.
[0068] Pieces of the subject mounting system can be made of not only steel,
but
aluminum, plastics, or composites. The fittings can include adapters 106 made
to convert
available extension poles for use with the subject invention (FIG. 8) or the
fittings on
system pieces can be configured to complement the fittings on available poles
(FIG. 12).
Additionally, connecters can be used to connect two extension poles together
allowing
the subject system to be mounted higher in a tree.
[0069] In another preferred embodiment, a clamp 22 can be used as the
anchoring
means of the support of the two-piece mounting system of the subject invention
(FIG. 4).
The support fitting 14 is rigidly connected to a threaded bolt 24 that pulls
the jaws 26 of the
clamp together as the fitting is turned by the extension pole. Bar 28 keeps
the jaws of the
clamp in alignment as they are being drawn together. A stabilizing rod 29
captures the
branch and prevents the clamp from spinning about the branch as the jaws are
being
tightened. Using the jaws to mount the system prevents the need to bore a
deep,
potentially damaging, and destabilizing hole into the tree branch.
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100701 Another preferred embodiment of the support for the two-piece mounting
system of the subject invention is shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the
support
includes a mounting plate 30. The plate has a support fitting 14 affixed to
the plate to which
the utility bar is mounted. In the exemplified embodiment, the plate has a
back 32 used to
attach the plate to the structure and a platform 34. The back has holes 36 so
that the plate
can be mounted to a vertical structure such as a building. In this embodiment,
one must
climb a ladder to position the plate. After the plate is attached to the
building however the
camera can be placed, positioned, and maintained from the ground using the
extension
pole.
100711 The support also contains part of the releasable capture means 38 that
connects the support 10 to the utility bar 40. An advantage of the two-piece
system of the
subject invention is that the utility bar can be released from the support.
Therefore, anything
attached to the utility bar, for example, a trail camera 41, can be brought
down to check its
condition or change its battery without having to remove the entire system
from the tree. The
support releasable capture means 38a captures and holds the complementary
utility bar
releasable capture means 38b during installation of the system and is
releasable for
uninstallation of the system. In one exemplified embodiment, the releasable
capture means 38
is a simple spring-loaded twist-to-lock system. The support releasable capture
means 38a is
comprised of a support plate 42, which has pins 44 with flattened heads 46,
for example, screw
heads, protruding from the support plate 42 toward the corresponding fitting
of the utility bar
40, which comprises the utility bar releasable capture means 38b. (FIG. 7). In
this
embodiment, the utility bar releasable capture means 38b is comprised of a
utility bar plate 48,
which has openings 50 to receive the flattened heads 46 that taper (FIG. 8) as
the heads move
within the openings 50 to hold the flattened heads to the utility bar plate 48
once received. A
spring (not shown) provides the pressure to hold the flattened heads 46 in
place and to connect
the utility bar 40 to the support 10. In the exemplified embodiment, the
summit plate 42 has
protruding pins with flattened heads 46 and is located on the support 10 while
the utility bar plate
with the openings 50 is located on the utility bar 40. It should be apparent
however that this
embodiment of the releasable capture means 38 would work equally as well if
the position of
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each piece was reversed. This situation is likewise applicable for any of the
releasable capture
means discussed. In the present exemplified embodiment of the utility bar 40,
the end
opposite of the utility bar plate 48 has a utility bar fitting 52 that
receives the extension pole
fitting 16, the pole turns the utility bar 40 to capture the flattened heads
46 in the tapered ends
of the openings 50. A preferred embodiment of the tapered openings 50 of this
embodiment has
a recessed shoulder so that the screw heads locked in the opening will be
flush with the surface
of the plate.
[0072] FIGS. 5 and 12 show another preferred embodiment of a releasable
capture
means 38 of the mounting system of the subject invention. In this embodiment,
the releasable
capture means 38 is a bayonet-type connection where the support releasable
capture means
38a is comprised of a stub 54, which accepts a corresponding socket 56, which
comprises the
utility bar releasable capture means 38b. The stub 54 has grooves 58 that
engage knobs 60 in
the socket 56 (FIG. 12). The knobs 60 move along the grooves 58 as the stub 54
is twisted in the
socket 56. In the exemplified embodiment, the grooves have an incline 61 that
draws the stub
54 into the socket as it is twisted. The grooves terminate in a recess 63 as
the grooves turn
slightly back toward the entry of the grooves to lock the knobs 60 in the
terminus of the
grooves 58. The stub or socket can also be spring-loaded to assist in securing
the stub within
the socket. In this preferred embodiment, the stub 54 is located on the
support 10 and accepts
the corresponding socket 56, located on the utility bar 40. It should be
apparent however that
this embodiment of the releasable capture means 38 would work equally as well
if the position
of each piece was reversed.
[0073] Another preferred embodiment of the releasable capture means 38 used to
connect the support 10 to the utility bar 40 of the mounting system of the
subject invention is
shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the utility bar releasable capture means
38b is comprised
of a spring-loaded clamp 64, which captures and holds a ball 62. The ball 62
comprises the
support releasable capture means 38a. In FIG. 6 the ball 62 is connected to
the support 10 and
receives the clamp, which is connected to the utility bar. It would be
apparent to one skilled in
the art however that the means would work equally as well if the ball were on
the utility bar and
the clamp was on the support. It is also noted that in FIG. 6 the support
fitting 14, and utility bar
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fitting 52 receive a square rod, the converse of FIG. 2, further illustrating
that the positioning of
the parts of the releasable capture means as well as the parts of the
complementary fittings can
be reversed and still function within the subject mounting system.
[0074] FIGS. 9 and 10 show another preferred embodiment of the releasable
capture
means 38 of the subject mounting system. In this embodiment, the means mimics
the fitting
configuration of an available extension pole 17 shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. The
distal end of the
extension pole 17 fitting has a post 66 with a hexagonal neck 68 at its base.
The post 66 is
received by the complementary support fitting 8 and utility bar fitting 9, the
neck 68 dropping
into a hexagonal recess 70 in that fitting. A snap button 72 engages a utility
bar collar 74 to
hold the utility bar fitting 9 together. Likewise, the releasable captum means
38 connecting the
utility bar 40 to the support (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) includes a utility bar
post 67 with a
hexagonal neck 69 which drops into a complementary support fitting 8 with a
hexagonal recess
71. A snap button 73 engages a collar 75 to hold the releasable capture means
38 together. The
support releasable capture means 38a is comprised of a support fitting 8 with
a hexagonal
recess 71, and a collar 75. The utility bar releasable capture means 38b is
comprised of a
utility bar post 67 with a hexagonal neck 69, and a snap button 73, which
engages the collar
75 of the support releasable capture means 38 a. It may be necessary for the
snap buttons 72,
73 to yield under different pressure since the snap button on the extension
pole 17is used to place
the mounting system pieces and then be removed while the configuration used as
a releasable
capture means 38 connecting the utility bar 40 to the support 10 must maintain
its connection
after the pole is removed. Differing the pressure or yield angles on the
collar are used to
customize the release of the various snap buttons.
[0075] One skilled in the art would understand that a number of releasable
capture
means could be used on the subject invention. In an alternative embodiment, a
releasable
capture means includes a lever pivotally connected through a wall of the
auger. The lever
engages the spring-loaded fitting as it enters the end of the auger. To
release the connection, a
tab on the lever is pulled or pushed and the pieces are separated.
[0076] In yet another preferred embodiment of the releasable capture means 38
the
support releasable capture means 38a is comprised of a first magnetic
connector 210
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disposed upon or within the support 10 tree attachment 150 and the utility bar
releasable
capture means 38b comprising a corresponding magnetic connector 211 disposed
on the
distal end 176 of the utility bar 40 as shown in FIG. 46.
100771 The utility bar 40 connects to the support 10 by releasable capture
means 38.
The utility bar 40 can have a fitting at one end configured to engage the
complementary
fitting end of the support 10. The fitting end of the support 10 also contains
part of the
releasable capture means 38. A fitting to engage the extension pole 17 is
disposed at the
other end of the utility bar.
100781 The utility bar 40 is used to mount accessories to the subject system.
In FIG.
2 a bracket 76 positioned along the utility bar to which an accessory can be
mounted. The
system is used primarily as a trail camera mounting system that allows the
user to mount a
trail camera 41 high above the trail so it will not interfere or be detected
by wildlife and
also so it is out of the reach of thieves. One skilled in the art would
realize that there are a
number of camera mounts that can be used with the subject system. A preferred
camera
mounting system includes a universal camera mount 78 atop a swivel 80. The
swivel allows
the camera's angle to be adjusted so that the camera can capture movement from
any set
angle. Another embodiment that provides movement to the camera mount 78 is the
U-
bracket 82 shown in FIG.7. An adjustment bar 84 on the camera mount allows the
camera
to be positioned after it is in the tree. The adjustment bar 84 has an
adjustment bar fitting 86
that corresponds to the pole fitting 16. Once positioned in the tree, the
extension pole can be
used to aim the camera where desired. To further assist in aiming the camera,
a laser or
other aiming device can be mounted on or near the camera and the laser can be
used to
determine the position of the camera's focus. The aiming device can be
associated with
mounting system pieces, for example the extension pole. Alternatively, the
laser can clip
to the camera or a clip can be provided to receive the laser.
100791 FIG. 8 shows a sphere 90 mounted on the utility bar 40. The sphere can
be
used with and received by a variety of camera mounts to allow full
adjustability and
positioning of the camera. While an adjustment bar with a universal camera
mount could
be mounted directly to the ball, the hook-up 94 shown in FIG. 8 can be used to
connect
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the adjustment bar 84 to the utility bar to provide a stout mount that can be
fully manipulated.
The hook-up 94 receives the sphere 90 on the utility bar and a sphere 92 on
the
adjustment bar. This configuration provides full movement of a camera mounted
on the
device as device pieces move about the spheres. The adjustment bar in this
embodiment is
configured to support a camera with either a bottom camera mount or a back-
camera mount
(FIG. 8). The adjustment bar 84 platforms 98, 100 on the top of the bar and on
the bottom
of the bar, respectively, to receive and support universal camera mounts
including camera
quick shoes. Other adjustable interfaces by which the camera can be mounted to
the utility
bar that provide full camera positioning include, but are not limited to, a
flex arm 110
(FIG. 10) and an arm with meshed hinge compression style connections 112 (FIG.
12).
[0080] It is noted that although the subject mounting system is described for
mounting
a trail camera, the system can be used to mount other items. For example,
flood lights can
be mounted to the utility bar to illuminate an outdoor work area. Motion
sensing lights
can be mounted to illuminate a campsite and make late night relief trips into
the bushes
less dangerous. A rail 102 inserted into an aperture in the utility bar can
support a block and
tackle to allow the system to be used to hoist a load off the ground. The
hoist does not
interfere with the utility bar and thus the hoist can be used while a camera
or light is in
place.
[0081] In the exemplified embodiments, the extension pole 17 is one piece. It
is noted
however that the pole can telescope to reach and place the mounting system
higher.
Further, several poles can be connected together to create a longer pole. The
telescoping
connection and the pole need only be rigid enough to manipulate the pieces
when
assembling the system. FIG. 15 shows a preferred embodiment of a connector 140
that
can be used to join two extension poles to one another. One end of the
connector 128 is
affixed to an end of one extension pole 130 opposite the pole fitting. The
connector fitting
end 132 of the connector engages the extension pole fitting 16 of a second
extension pole.
It is noted that in this embodiment the fitting that complements the fitting
on the
extension pole has a ramp 134 entering a pit 136 that is engaged by the snap
button 72 on
the extension pole 17 unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 where the snap
button 72
16
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engages a collar 74. FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment in which the snap
button 72
engages a pit 136.
100821 To mount the subject system a tree or tree part of suitable strength is
chosen to support the system. A knife or saw 108 can be adapted to the fitting
in the
extension pole to allow the user to clear brush and prepare the area to mount
the system
(FIGS. 14 and 33). The support, with an auger anchoring means, for example, is
then
inserted into the extension pole. The auger is raised to the branch with the
extension pole and
driven into the branch by turning the extension pole. Once the auger is seated
in the branch,
the extension pole is removed. Any desired accessory is attached to the
utility bar. The
utility bar is inserted into the extension pole. The utility bar is connected
to the auger by the
releasable capture means. The extension pole is removed. At any time, the
utility bar and
its attached accessory can be removed for maintenance and replaced. To remove
the
system, the extension pole is raised to engage the fitting end of the utility
bar and the utility
bar is released from the auger by disconnecting the capture means and lowering
it from the
tree. The extension pole is then used to loosen the auger from the tree.
100831 In another preferred embodiment, shown in FIGS. 16-34, the support 10
is
comprised of an injection molded tree attachment 150, a utility bar 40,
comprising a ball
mount 151, and camera mount 152. The system is installed by using an extension
pole 17
with releasable capture means. Once installed, a camera 41 can be accurately
aimed by
using a laser attachment 153 and standard laser pen light 154. This system is
further
comprised of a saw 108 attachment, which can be used to clear branches from
the installation
area of the tree being utilized.
100841 The injection molded tree attachment 150, is comprised of an auger 12
tip
screw at the distal end, and hexagon shaped receiving recess 155 at the
proximal end. A
cuff 156 at the proximal receiving end of the tree attachment 150 contains a
pit 136,
which receives snap button 72 disposed on the distal portion of the spring
loaded securing
clasp 157 located at the distal end of the extension pole 17. FIGS. 25-26.
Said snap
button 72 engages said pit 136 by entering the pit via a recessed ramp 134.
The hexagon
shaped receiving recess 155 receives a post 66 with correspondingly shaped
hexagonal
17
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neck 68 at its base. The snap button 72 of the spring loaded securing clasp
157 of the
distal end of the extension pole 17 simultaneously engages the cuff 156 pit
136. Once the
tree attachment 150 is engaged on the distal end of the extension pole 17, the
user can
extend the pole and drive the tree attachment with auger 12 tipped screw into
a tree
branch by rotating the extension pole clockwise as shown in FIGS. 18 and 26.
Once the
tree attachment 150 is placed in the tree, the remainder of the system can be
mounted.
100851 Once the tree attachment 150 auger 12 tip screw is driven a sufficient
depth
into the tree to achieve solid fixation, the extension pole 17 can be
disengaged by the user
by firmly pulling the extension pole away from the tree attachment 150. The
ramp 134 of
the cuff 156 pit 136 allows the snap button 72 to slide out of the pit 136
thus disengaging
the extension pole 17 from the installed tree attachment 150.
100861 This embodiment is comprised of a utility bar 40, where the distal end
comprises the utility bar releasable capture means 38b and is fitted with two
tree
attachment clasps 158, which provide a secure, but releasable capture means 38
to secure
the utility bar 40 to the support releasable capture means 38a of the tree
attachment 150.
The support releasable capture means 38a are comprised of tree attachment
clasps 158,
which clasp the shelf 159 formed by the receiving end cuff 156, and tree
attachment neck
160 which secures the utility bar 40 to the tree attachment 161 as shown in
FIG. 23.
100871 In an alternative embodiment, As shown in FIG. 46, the releasable
capture
means 38 is achieved by a magnetic connection. In this embodiment, the support
releasable capture means 38a is comprised of a first magnetic connector 210
disposed
upon or within the tree attachment 150 and a corresponding utility bar
releasable capture
means 38b comprised of a second magnetic connector 211 disposed on the distal
end 176
of the utility bar 40. Once the utility bar 40 and tree attachment 150 are
connected by the
magnetic releasable capture means 38, the user then disengages the extension
pole 17
from the utility bar 40. The magnetic connection of the releasable capture
means 38 is
strong enough to withstand the longitudinal force exerted upon the utility bar
40 during
disengagement of the extension pole 17 from the utility bar install ramp 134
and pit 136,
but able to disengage when the extension pole is engaging the "remove" recess
pit 181 for
18
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disconnecting the system.
[0088] The utility bar 40 is further comprised of a ball mount 151, an upper
camera mount ball housing 162 and a ball mount cap 163, which house the camera
mount
ball 164. The camera mount ball housing 162 and ball mount cap 163 can be
tensioned
together to allow less or more movement of the camera mount ball 164. The
tensioning
means in this embodiment includes the use of a standard bolt 165 installed
through a
corresponding hole in the camera mount ball housing 162 and ball mount cap
163. A
corresponding thumbscrew 185 can then be tightened or loosened to allow
movement of
the camera mount ball 164 to user preference.
[0089] The upper surface of the camera mount ball 164 contains a hole, which
accepts the camera mount post 166. Once the camera mount post 166 is seated
within the
camera mount ball 164, the camera mount 152 can be positioned to user
preference. The
top camera mounting surface 167 of the camera mount 152 is further comprised
of a
removable camera mount pad 168, which provides a level surface for camera
mounting.
A camera 41 is mounted by utilizing the universal camera screw 169 which
protrudes
upward from the camera mounting surface 167. A standard game camera 41 can be
mounted by first mounting a universal game camera bracket 170 to said mounting
surface
with the camera mount screw 169. A game camera can then be mounted to the game
camera bracket 170 with standard mounting means available on game cameras.
[0090] Once the utility bar 40 is ready for installation onto the tree
attachment
150, the user inserts the post 66 of the distal end of the extension pole 17
into the
proximal receiving end 172 of the utility bar 40 as shown in FIG. 21. The
extension
pole's hexagonal neck 68 fully engages the utility bar hexagon receiving
recess 174.
Simultaneously, snap button 72 of the spring-loaded clasp 157 of the distal
extension pole
engages the "install" recess pit 175 of the proximal utility bar. The user can
then extend
the pole to install the utility bar 40 onto the secured tree attachment as
shown in FIG. 19.
To install the utility bar 40, the user directs the distal end 176 of the
utility bar into the
tree attachment 150 hexagon receiving recess 155 until the distal hexagonal
neck 177 of
the utility bar is fully engaged. Simultaneously, the tree attachment clasps
158 engage
19
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the shelf 159 formed by the receiving end cuff 156, and tree attachment distal
neck 160
which secures the utility bar 40 to the tree attachment 161 as shown in FIG.
22-23.
[0091] Once the utility bar 40 is installed onto the tree attachment 150, the
user
disengages the extension pole 17 by firmly pulling the extension pole away
from the
utility bar 40 as shown in FIG. 20. The ramp 134 of the utility bar "install"
recess pit 175
allows the extension pole snap button 72 to slide out of the utility bar
"install" recess pit
175 because the tree attachment clasps 158, clasp the tree attachment shelf
159 with more
force than the longitudinal force generated when the extension pole snap
button 72 clasp
is disengaged from the utility bar "install" recess pit 175, thus allowing the
utility bar to
be retained on the tree attachment 150.
[0092] In another embodiment, the system is further comprised of a multi-
mount
adapter 200 (FIGs. 35-45), which allows the user to install camera components
requiring
a wired connection 201 such as a camera 41 and solar collector 202, in
different elevated
locations. The multi-mount adapter 200 is comprised of a central extension
pole receiver
fitting 203, which is configured similar to the utility bar fitting. The
extension pole
receiver fitting 203 receives the distal post 66 of the extension pole 17
fitting 16 by
accommodating the hexagonal neck 69 of the extension pole within the hexagonal
recess
204 of the central receiver fitting 203. The central extension pole receiver
fitting 203 is
further comprised of a snap button engaging pit 205 located on the top of the
central
receiver 203 fitting and a ramped snap button pit 206 located on the bottom
side of the
central receiver fitting 203.
[0093] The multi-mount adapter 200 is further comprised of a plurality of arms
207 which protrude outward from the central receiver fitting 203, which serve
to anchor
the individual prongs 208 of the multi-mount adapter 200. Each prong fitting
208
comprises a releasable capture means comprised of a distal post 66, hexagonal
neck 68,
spring-loaded clasp 157, and snap button 72, which engage the corresponding
utility bar
40, releasable capture means.
[0094] To utilize the multi-mount adapter 200, the user installs separate tree
attachments 150 in the desired locations as previously described. FIG. 18.
Once the tree
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attachments 150 are installed, the user attaches the multi-mount adapter 200
to the
extension pole 17 by fully engaging the hexagonal neck 69 of the extension
pole within
the hexagonal recess 204 of the central receiver fitting 203 and
simultaneously engaging
the extension pole snap button 72 in the central receiver fitting 203 snap
button engaging
pit 205. The user then attaches a utility bar 40 to the first multi-mount
adapter prong
fitting 208, and a utility bar 40 to a second multi-mount adapter prong
fitting 208 by
engaging the corresponding multi-mount prong fitting 208 snap buttons 72 with
the
respective "install" recess pit 175 of each utility bar 40.
[0095] The user then uses the extension pole 17 to raise the multi-mount
adapter
200 with attached utility bars 40 with mounted and wire connected 201 camera
41 and
solar collector 202 up to the previously installed tree attachments 150 as
shown in FIG.
37. The user then installs the first utility bar 40 onto the first tree
attachment 150 as
shown in FIG. 38 by the means previously described and depicted in FIG. 22.
Once the
user disengages and removes the extension pole 17 from the first connected
utility bar 40,
as shown in FIG. 39, the user can then install the second utility bar 40 to
the second tree
attachment 150 as shown in FIG. 40 by the means previously described and
depicted in
FIG. 22. After each utility bar 40 is installed, the mounted camera, and
accessory solar
collector 202 can be aimed by utilizing the laser attachment 153, described
below and
shown in FIG. 34. The multi-mount adapter 200 allows for the user to position
a camera
41 for optimal view, and a wire connected 201 solar collector 202 in a
different position
for optimal solar exposure. FIG. 41.
[0096] The multi-mount adapter 200 can also be used to mount multiple camera
components onto one tree attachment 150. To do so, the user orients the multi-
mount
adapter 200 so that the central receiver fitting 203 ramped snap button pit
206 is in the
upward position. In this position, the spring-loaded clasps 157 and snap
buttons 72 of
each multi-mount prong fitting 208 are oriented to securely clasp the non-
ramped
"remove" recess pits 181 of each of the utility bars 40 to be installed. The
user then
connects the multi-mount adapter 200 to the extension pole 17 by directing the
extension
pole 17 snap button 72 to engage the upward oriented ramped snap button pit
206 of the
21
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multi-mount 200 central receiver 203. The user then installs the first utility
bar 40 onto
the first tree attachment 150. The user can then disengage the extension pole
17 snap
button 72 from the central receiver 203 ramped snap button pit 206 while the
utility bar
40 maintains its connection to the tree attachment 150.
[0097] Once the utility bar 40 is secured onto the tree attachment 150, with
mounted camera 41, the camera mount 152 can be accurately aimed by using a
laser
attachment 153 as shown in FIG. 34. Said laser attachment 153 clips on to the
distal end
of the extension pole 17. A standard laser pen light 154 is then placed in the
pen light
clasp 178 and turned on. The distal post 66 of the extension pole 17 is then
inserted into
the proximal camera mount receiving recess 179. The laser attachment 153 with
laser
pen 154 and mounted camera 41 are then aligned so the projected laser dot 180
shows the
area where the camera 41 will be recording. The user then manipulates the
camera mount
152/laser attachment 153 to achieve the desired recording area of the camera.
[0098] To remove the system, the user inserts the distal post 66 of the
extension
pole 17 into the proximal receiving end 172 of the utility bar 40 until the
snap button 72
of the spring-loaded clasp 157 of the extension pole clasps the "remove"
recess pit 181 of
the proximal utility bar receiver. The "remove" recess pit 181 does not
contain a ramp
134, thus the snap button 72 cannot slide out of the "remove" recess pit 181.
Therefore,
the longitudinal force generated by the user by pulling the extension pole 17
away from
the utility bar 40, exceeds the holding capability of the tree attachment
clasps 158, which
allows the utility bar 40 to disengage from the tree attachment 150.
[0099] If multiple utility bars need to be removed, the user simply rotates
the
multi-mount adapter 180 degrees so that the spring-loaded clasps 157 and snap
buttons 72
of each multi-mount prong fitting 208 are positioned to clasp the "remove"
recess pits
181 of each of the installed utility bars' 40 proximal receiving ends. The
user can then
remove the first utility bar 40 utilizing the first dual mount prong fitting
208. FIG. 42-43.
The user can then engage the second dual mount prong 208 with the second
utility bar 40
to remove the wire connected 201 camera components.
[0100] If multiple utility bars were installed onto one tree attachment 150
via the
22
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multi-mount adapter 200, the user can uninstall the system by directing the
extension pole
17 snap button 72 to engage the central receiver fitting 203 non-ramped snap
button
engaging pit 205, which will be oriented in the down position. Once the snap
button
engaging pit 205 is engaged, the user can then uninstall the system by
longitudinally
pulling away from the tree attachment 150. The holding strength of the engaged
snap
button engaging pit 205 exceeds the holding force of the utility bar and
support releasable
capture means 38, so the utility bar 40 and multi-mount adapter 200 can be
disconnected
from the tree attachment 150.
[0101] The tree attachment 150, or multiple tree attachments can be
uninstalled
from the tree by the user inserting the distal post 66 into proximal hexagon
shaped
receiving end 155 of the tree attachment 150 until the snap button 72 of the
spring-loaded
clasp 157 of the extension pole 17 clasps the tree attachment 150 cuff 156 pit
136. The
extension pole 17 is then rotated counterclockwise to unscrew the auger 12 tip
from the
tree.
[0102] In another embodiment, the proximal end of the extension pole 17
receives
a drill adapter 120, which allows the use of a powered drill 182 during
installation and
removal of the tree attachment 150. Said adapter is comprised of a post 66;
hexagon
shaped neck 124 at the base of said post 66; and a drill attachment post 122.
FIGS. 27-
28. To utilize the adapter 120, the user simply secures the drill attachment
post 122 in a
standard drill chuck 183 in the same manner any drill bit would be engaged for
use in said
drill. The user then inserts the adapter post 66 into the hexagon shaped
receiving end 184 of
the extension pole 17, until the hexagon shaped neck 124 fully engages the
hexagon receiving
shaped receiving end 184. When the adapter 120 is fully engaged, the drill 182
can be
operated to install or remove the tree attachment as shown in FIG. 28.
[0103] In yet another embodiment a saw 108 can be mounted to an injection
molded adapter 186, which connects to the distal end of the extension pole 17
to allow for
clearing of branches from the installation site of the system as shown in FIG.
33. Said
saw adapter 186 would engage the distal end of the extension pole 17 with the
same
means as already described for the tree attachment 150 above.
23
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[0104] The mounting system of the subject invention safely installs a trail
camera
high in a tree. This not only protects the camera from damage and theft, but
prevents the
person installing the camera from dangerously climbing up and down the tree or
balancing
preciously on a ladder on unstable ground. The system is versatile and can be
configured
to support not only cameras, but lights or other accessories. It also can be
used to hoist a
load into the tree on which it is mounted.
[0105] It is understood that the foregoing examples are merely illustrative of
the
present invention. Certain modifications of the articles and/or methods may be
made and
still achieve the objectives of the invention. Such modifications are
contemplated as
within the scope of the claimed invention.
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