# US 10,871,371 B1 · Apparatus for on-site mounting of surveying instruments > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,871,371 B1 - Document ID: US10871371B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 16/695,942 - Filed: 2019-11-26 - Granted: 2020-12-22 - Earliest claimed: 2019-11-26 - Applicants: Frank Devereux - Inventors: Frank Devereux - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10871371B1 ## CPC - G01C 15/00: Surveying instruments or accessories not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C13/00 - F16M 13/02: for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle - F16M 13/022: {repositionable} - F16M 11/00: Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon {; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters} (without heads F16M13/00; easels or stands for blackboards or the like A47B97/04; show-stands A47F7/00; for workmen E04G1/32; {sockets or holders for poles or posts E04H12/22;} supporting or suspending for lighting devices F21V21/00) - F16M 11/041: {Allowing quick release of the apparatus} - F16M 11/046: {adapted to upward-downward translation movement} - F16M 11/247: {Members preventing slipping of the feet (for supports with three or more telescoping legs F16M11/36)} - F16M 11/36: Members preventing slipping of the feet - G01C 1/02: Theodolites - G01C 15/002: {Active optical surveying means (optical plumbing G01C15/105)} - G01C: MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY (measuring liquid level G01F; radio navigation, determining distance or velocity by use of propagation effects, e.g. Doppler effects, propagation time, of radio waves, analogous arrangements using other waves G01S) - F16M: FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS ## Abstract A kit or kits are disclosed for temporarily securing a surveying instrument such as a total station, theodolite, laser or laser target to an existing structure on a job site. A basic kit includes an arm assembly with an elongated rigid member with a mounting mechanism such as a tribrach mount on one end to receive and secure the surveying instrument to the arm assembly. Each kit further includes at least two clamps with an adjustable jaw configured to tighten each clamp onto a respective position along the elongated rigid member. Each clamp may include a jaw configured to tighten onto an existing rebar, a masonry wall anchor, or a bracket and ratcheting strap configured to secure the arm assembly to an existing upright column structure such as an I-beam. A kit may further include tools for installing, adjusting or leveling the assembly. ## Claims ### Claim 1 Apparatus securing a surveying instrument to an existing rigid, stable structure on a job site without a tripod, the apparatus comprising: an arm assembly, the arm assembly including an elongated rigid member defining a longitudinal axis and first and second opposing ends defining a length; a mounting mechanism attached to one of the opposing first and second ends of the arm assembly, the mounting mechanism being adapted to removably receive and secure a surveying instrument to the arm assembly; wherein the mounting mechanism defines an instrument mounting axis, and wherein the instrument mounts to the mechanism with the axis being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated rigid member; at least two clamps, each clamp having first and second portions, wherein the first portion of each clamp includes an adjustable jaw configured to tighten each clamp onto a different respective position along the elongated rigid member; wherein the second portion of each clamp includes a device enabling the clamp to be rigidly fastened to an existing structure on a job site; wherein the clamps secure the elongated rigid member in a horizontal orientation with the mounting mechanism facing upwardly to receive and secure the surveying instrument to the arm assembly; and wherein the surveying instrument is a total station, theodolite, laser or laser target. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting mechanism includes a tribrach mount associated with the surveying instrument. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second portion of each clamp includes a jaw configured to tighten onto an existing rebar. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least two clamps are swivel clamps enabling the angular orientation of the opposing jaws on each clamp to be adjusted and tightened into position. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second portion of each clamp includes a masonry wall anchor. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the second portion of each clamp is coupled to a bracket; and a ratcheting strap configured to secure the brackets relative to an existing upright column structure. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated rigid member is a hollow metal tube having width in the range of 1 to 2 inches and a length in the range of 2 to 5 feet.