Camera stabilizer

#This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application having Ser. No. 61/729,898, filed Nov. 26, 2012, and entitled Camera Stabilizer.

#Currently commercialized stabilizers exist that are portable but there still exists a need for more compact products. Conventional stabilizers are generally grasped with one hand and directed via a control surface with either the same hand or the operator's second hand. The limiting factor in making these devices compact is the ability to actually grasp the handle and still have enough room to be able to get a second hand, or the fingers from the grasping hand, up to the control surface so that the operator can actually aim the camera.

#With traditional handle designs, one handed operation is slightly more difficult, since trying to grip a straight handle and raise your fingers to contact the control surface(s) results in a less than ergonomic grip and slightly less than ideal way to lightly influence the cameras aim without disturbing the stability of it. Generally, the best way to lightly control the camera is with a natural/ergonomic two finger pinch using the thumb and index finger. Conventional stabilizers are not configured to provide such a natural hand positioning and movement. Accordingly, the need exists for a camera stabilizer that can be used with relatively small imaging devices yet allows for desired control of the stabilizer.

#Illustrative embodiments of the invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings.

#FIGS. 1A-B depict a camera stabilizer according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 2 depicts a camera stabilizer according to a further illustrative embodiment of the invention.

#FIGS. 1A-B depict a camera stabilizer 100 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The term “camera” is used herein broadly to mean “imaging device.” Stabilizer 100 includes a camera mount 102 for attaching and positioning a camera to the apparatus. Gimbal component 104 is disposed below camera mount 102 and positioned at or near the center of gravity of the stabilizer plus camera. Gimbal component 104 includes a gimbal 108 rotationally seated in a housing 110. As shown in FIG. 1B handle 124 can be rotated via gimbal 104 while maintaining mount 102 in a substantially horizontal position. The excursion path of handle 124 will depend at least in part on the configuration of the handle and the handle offset, which is described below.

#FIG. 2 depicts a camera stabilizer 200 according to a further illustrative embodiment of the invention that more clearly shows a gimbal apparatus 204. Gimbal apparatus 204 includes a gimbal 208 rotationally seated in housing 210. The exterior of housing 210 is a control surface that a user can access to affect the motion allowed by gimbal 208. Gimbal 208 includes an inner ring 212 rotationally attached to an outer gimbal element 214, which in turn is rotationally connected to housing 210. The gimbal can be of any configuration that allows the desired degrees of freedom and is compatible with the use and design of the camera stabilizer. An offset 222 displaces handle 224 from directly below gimbal 208

#Camera stabilizer 100 includes a balancing arm 106 extending from mount 102 or an intermediary component, generally above the gimbal 108 or gimbal component 104. Balancing arm 106 is included to counter the weight distribution of other components, including the camera, so the gimbal is at the center of gravity of the stabilizer plus camera or in a chosen position with respect to the center of gravity. Balancing arm may be a single arm such as shown in FIGS. 1A-B or may have another configuration, such as for example, the dual rod balancing arm 206 shown in FIG. 2. Weights can be located in positions in addition to the end of balancing arm 106. For example, one or more weights can be disposed in the area designated generally as 130 in FIG. 1A to facilitate fine tuning Z adjustments, wherein mount 102 adjusts the camera position in the X-Y plane and the Z direction is mutually perpendicular to the X and Y directions. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, area 130 is the portion of balancing arm 106 furthest from a plumb line through the center of gravity of the camera stabilizer plus camera.