Tilt face step
OwnerClay Wimberleyinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A step is cut into a stationary or movable flange in a two-flange engagement. As the two flanges are brought closer to one another by tightening a nut or knob attached to a central shaft, contact is established along the edge of the step. Contact along this line does not create a point contact about which the flanges will pivot. Therefore, consistent friction is obtained when tension is applied by tightening the nut and the flanges are brought into contact.
Claims16
A pivot joint comprising:
- a first flange including a first flange surface,
- a bore, formed in the first flange, the bore having a first bearing surface,
- a shaft for rotating within the bore, and
- a second flange, coupled to the shaft, the second flange including a second flange surface for mating to the first flange surface when force is applied to draw the first flange and the second flange together,
- wherein one or more of the first or second flanges includes at least one step, formed into the flange surface, such that as the first flange and second flange are brought closer to one another by a pulling force applied to the shaft, contact is established along the edge of the at least one step, to provide consistent resistance to rotation as the force causes the first flange and the second flange to come into contact with one another.
A tripod head for mounting an apparatus including one or more of a camera, telescope, optical instrument, and surveying instrument, the tripod head including a coupler for coupling the tripod head to a tripod, a second coupler for coupling the tripod head to the apparatus, and pivot joint, for allowing the apparatus to pivot along a horizontal axis so as to be adjustable in a vertical plane, the pivot joint comprising:
- a first flange including a first flange surface,
- a bore, formed in the first flange, the bore having a first bearing surface,
- a shaft for rotating within the bore, and
- a second flange, coupled to the shaft, the second flange including a second flange surface for mating to the first flange surface when force is applied to draw the first flange and the second flange together,
- wherein one or more of the first or second flanges includes at least one step, formed into the flange surface, such that as the first flange and second flange are brought closer to one another by a pulling force applied to the shaft, contact is established along the edge of the at least one step, to provide consistent resistance to rotation as the force causes the first flange and the second flange to come into contact with one another.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.