Gimbal mechanism

#(Not Applicable)

#(Not Applicable)

#The present invention relates generally to camera mounting systems and, more particularly, to a uniquely configured gimbal mechanism such as may be used to mount a surveillance camera and which is specifically adapted to be angularly positionable about multiple axes of orientation as well as laterally positionable relative to a mounting surface upon which the gimbal mechanism may be mounted.

#These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gimbal mechanism of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the gimbal mechanism and illustrating the mounting thereof to a mounting surface;

#Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, shown in FIGS. 1–6 is a gimbal mechanism 10 which is specifically adapted to be angularly positionable about multiple axes of orientation as well as laterally positionable relative to a mounting surface 54 upon which the gimbal mechanism 10 may be mounted. The gimbal mechanism 10 may be used to mount a variety of objects including, but not limited to, a camera lens 50 such that the camera lens 50 is easily adjustable over a wide field of view.

#In its broadest sense, the gimbal mechanism 10 is comprised of a support stand 12, an outer frame 26 and an inner frame 36. The support stand 12 may be mounted to the mounting surface 54 such as a wall or a ceiling of a building. However, the support stand 12 may be mounted to any suitable mounting member. The outer frame 26 is nested within and is pivotally connected to the support stand 12. The inner frame 36 is nested within and is pivotally connected to the outer frame 26. A substrate 46 may be fixedly mounted to the inner frame 36. The substrate 46 may comprise a circuit board 48 having the camera lens 50 mounted thereon although the substrate 46 may comprise any article. Importantly, the gimbal mechanism 10 is configured such that the inner frame 36 is pivotable about an axis that is oriented perpendicularly to an axis about which the outer frame 26 is pivotable.

#Referring to FIGS. 1–6, the support stand 12 may comprise a pair of legs 14 disposed in spaced parallel relation to one another. Each one of the legs 14 may comprise an elongate first member 16. Additionally, the inner frame 36 may include an elongate second member 20 which is connected or joined to a first member 16. The second member 20 may extend laterally outwardly from the first member 16. More particularly, the second member 20 may be oriented perpendicularly relative to the first member 16 from which it extends. However, each one of the second members 20 may be oriented at any angle relative to the first member 16.