Cable-suspended apparatus for supporting a stabilized camera assembly

Abstract

An ultralight cable car for use in conjunction with a "Steadicam.RTM." support apparatus. The cable car generally takes the form of a trolley adapted for traversal along a cable suspended between two fixed end points, and a shaft and concentric sleeve suspended from the trolley. The shaft suspended from the trolley is fixed against rotation, and has a steering surface fixed to its terminating end. The outer sleeve incorporates a mounting for receiving a conventional "Steadicam.RTM." support apparatus, and an opposing seat for the camera operator. Rotation of the outer sleeve relative to the inner shaft is accomplished by the camera operator, by pressing against the steering surface fixed to the base of the inner shaft, in conjunction with desired operations of the "Steadicam.RTM." support apparatus. A brake mechanism is provided to give the camera operator additional control in regulating movements of the trolley, and the apparatus, along the suspended cable which supports it.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.