Not applicable.
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Not applicable.
Trail cameras expose the secrets of the wilderness to a curious man-kind. Hunters use trail cameras to identify game trails and wallows used by potential prey. Wildlife Biologists use trail cameras to track migration patterns and understand species population. Game Wardens use trail cameras to prevent poaching and the destruction of public land. Land owners use cameras for property surveillance and home security. Much of this information is often lost however because trail cameras are frequently stolen. Most trail cameras are placed at game height and are thus easily accessible. Placing a camera mount higher in a tree, out of reach, requires carrying a ladder deep into the woods and then making multiple trips up and down the ladder to aim the camera on the trail. Alternatively, one can shimmy up the tree while trying to carry and then position the delicate camera equipment. A number of trail camera mounting systems have been described (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,626,322; 5,669,592; and 7,975,973 B1, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003/0133708; 2008/0099655; and 2011/0116782, and UK Patent Application GB 2 445 173). Some of these systems have addressed the issue of theft yet none have described a system that can be installed and manipulated remotely. Extension rods and poles have been described to allow someone to extend a tool's reach and perhaps remotely trim a high tree branch (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,703,928; 2,986,054; 3,731,380; 4,607,974; 5,228,202; 5,288,161; 5,787,590; 7,721,391 B2; and 8,875,350 B2) but none have described placing and manipulating a tool or camera remotely.
A need remains for a trail camera mounting system that can be installed high into a tree without leaving the ground. The system should be easy to operate yet hold the equipment securely in the tree. Conveniently, the system would allow for separate removal of the camera for maintenance.
All patents, patent applications, provisional patent applications and publications referred to or cited herein, are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent they are not inconsistent with the teachings of the specification.
One embodiment of the invention is a two-piece mounting system that can be manipulated high in a tree by an extension pole. A support attached to the tree connects to a utility bar which holds the camera. Each piece has a fitting that corresponds to a fitting on the extension pole that allows the pieces to be manipulated by the pole. A universal camera mount can be added to the utility bar to mount a trail camera. The universal camera mount is preferably mounted on a swivel so that an adjustment bar connected to the camera mount can be used to adjust the camera when mounted in the tree. The adjustment bar has a fitting that corresponds to the fitting on the extension pole.
In one embodiment, the support includes an auger that bores into a tree. The auger can be placed and turned to bore into the tree by the extension pole. Thus, the support is placed in the tree without having to climb into the tree. In another embodiment, the support includes a clamp that can be tightened around a tree branch. The clamp, like the auger, is placed in the tree without having to climb the tree. The jaws of the clamp are tightened around the tree branch from the ground by the extension pole. Another embodiment of the support of the mounting system of the subject invention includes a mounting plate. The plate can be attached to the side of a building. Although it is necessary to climb to attach the plate to a structure, the camera can be mounted to the plate, manipulated on the plate, and removed from the plate for maintenance by the extension pole without leaving the ground.
In other embodiments, lights or motion detecting lamps can also be mounted to the utility bar to illuminate camp or detect camp intruders. An aperture in an end of the utility bar receives a block and tackle that can be used to hoist loads from the ground. The hoist is useful for storing food away from bears or hanging game for processing.
In another preferred embodiment, the invention is comprised of an injection molded tree attachment, which is comprised of an auger tip screw at the distal end, and hexagon shaped receiving aperture at the proximal end. A cuff at the proximal receiving end of the tree attachment has a recess, which receives a spring loaded securing clasp. The hexagon shaped receiving end receives a correspondingly shaped distal end of an extension pole. The spring loaded securing clasp of the distal end of the extension pole simultaneously engages the cuff recess. Once the tree attachment is engaged on the distal end of the extension pole, the user can extend the pole and drive the tree attachment with auger tipped screw into a tree branch by rotating the extension pole clockwise. Once the tree attachment is placed in the tree, the remainder of the system can be mounted.
Once the tree attachment auger tip screw is driven a sufficient depth into the tree to achieve solid fixation, the extension pole can be disengaged by the user by firmly pulling the extension pole away from the tree attachment. A detaching ramp of the cuff recess allows the extension pole securing clasp snap button to slide into and out of the cuff recess for installation and removal of the tree attachment. Once the tree attachment is placed in the tree, the remainder of the system can be mounted.
This embodiment is further comprised of a ball mount with a distal first end fitted with two tree attachment clasps, which provide a secure, but releasable capture means to secure the ball mount to the tree attachment. The ball mount tree attachment clasps clasp the ridge of the tree attachment receiving end cuff, which secures the ball mount to the tree attachment. The ball mount is further comprised of an upper camera mount ball housing and a ball mount cap, which house the camera mount ball. The camera mount ball housing and ball mount cap can be tensioned together to allow less or more movement of the camera mount ball. The tensioning means in this embodiment includes the use of a standard bolt installed through a corresponding hole in the camera mount ball housing and ball mount cap. A corresponding thumbscrew can then be tightened or loosened to allow movement of the camera mount ball to user preference.
The upper surface of the camera mount ball contains a hole, which accepts the camera mount post. Once the camera mount post is seated within the camera mount ball, the camera mount can be positioned to user preference. The top camera mounting surface of the camera mount is further comprised of a removable camera mount pad, which provides a level surface for camera mounting. A camera is mounted by utilizing the universal camera screw which protrudes upward from the camera mounting surface. A standard game camera can be mounted by first mounting a universal game camera bracket to said mounting surface with the camera mount screw. A game camera can then be mounted to the game camera bracket with standard mounting means.
Once the ball mount/camera mount is ready for installation onto the tree attachment, the user inserts the distal post of the extension pole into the proximal receiving end of the ball mount so that the spring-loaded clasp and snap button of the distal extension pole engages the “install” recess of the proximal ball mount. The user can then extend the pole to install the ball mount/camera mount onto the secured tree attachment. To install the ball mount/camera mount, the user directs the distal end of the ball mount into the tree attachment receiving aperture until the ball mount tree attachment clasps engage the ridge of the tree attachment receiving end cuff.
Once the ball mount/camera mount is installed onto the tree attachment, the user disengages the extension pole by firmly pulling the extension pole away from the ball mount/camera mount. A recessed ramp of the “install” recess pit of the proximal ball mount allows the extension pole securing clasp snap button to slide into and out of the install recess pit for installation. The tree attachment clasps engage the tree attachment with more force than the longitudinal force generated when the extension pole clasp and snap button disengage from the “install” recess, thus allowing the ball mount/camera mount to be retained on the tree attachment.
Once the ball mount/camera mount is secured onto the tree attachment, with mounted camera, the camera mount can be accurately aimed by using a laser attachment. Said laser attachment clips on to the distal end of the extension pole. A standard laser pen light is then placed in the pen light clasp and turned on. The distal end of the extension pole is then inserted into the proximal camera mount receiving end. The laser attachment with laser pen and mounted camera are then aligned so the projected laser dot shows the area where the camera will be recording. The user then manipulates the camera mount/laser attachment to achieve the desired recording area of the camera.
To remove the system, the user inserts the distal end post of the extension pole into the proximal ball mount receiver so the spring-loaded clasp of the extension pole clasps the “remove” recess pit of the proximal ball mount receiving end. The “remove” recess pit does not include a recess pit, thus the extension pole spring loaded clasp cannot slide out of the “remove” recess pit. Therefore, the longitudinal force generated by the user by pulling the extension pole away from the ball mount, exceeds the holding capability of the tree attachment clasps, which allows the ball mount to disengage from the tree attachment.
The tree attachment can be uninstalled from the tree by the user inserting the distal end post of the extension pole into the proximal receiving aperture of the tree attachment so the spring-loaded clasp of the extension pole clasps the tree attachment cuff recess pit. The extension pole is then rotated counterclockwise to unscrew the auger tip from the tree.
In another embodiment, the proximal end of the extension pole accepts a drill attachment. Said drill attachment can receive any standard powered drill. Said drill can then be used to turn the extension pole clockwise during installation of the tree attachment, or counterclockwise for uninstalling the tree attachment.
One embodiment of the invention involves a two-piece mounting system for a trail camera. Each piece is placed by an extension pole so the mount can be placed high into a tree. A support attaches to the tree. A utility bar connects to the support through a releasable capture means and holds a universal camera mount on a swivel with an adjustment bar.
The support of the two-piece mounting system of the subject invention has a fitting that corresponds to a fitting on the utility bar and the extension pole. This allows some embodiments of the support to be placed remotely using the extension pole. The fittings allow the utility bar to be placed on the support and manipulated remotely by the extension pole in all embodiments of the subject mounting system.
The support 10 has an anchoring means to attach the support to a surface. In a preferred embodiment, the anchoring means is an auger 12 that bores into a branch attaching the support to a tree. A support fitting 14 is on one end of the support opposite the auger. The support fitting 14 corresponds to a pole fitting 16 on the extension pole 17 which is used to drive the auger into the tree. The corresponding fittings can be any shape or configuration, it is only necessary that they possess the strength and stability to manipulate the mounting system pieces remotely. In an exemplified embodiment, the support fitting on the auger is a square tubular rod 18. The support fitting is inserted into a square companion fitting 114 of the extension pole fitting 16 (
Pieces of the subject mounting system can be made of not only steel, but aluminum, plastics, or composites. The fittings can include adapters 106 made to convert available extension poles for use with the subject invention (
In another preferred embodiment, a clamp 22 can be used as the anchoring means of the support of the two-piece mounting system of the subject invention (
Another preferred embodiment of the support for the two-piece mounting system of the subject invention is shown in
The support also contains part of the releasable capture means 38 that connects the support 10 to the utility bar 40. An advantage of the two-piece system of the subject invention is that the utility bar can be released from the support. Therefore, anything attached to the utility bar, for example, a trail camera 41, can be brought down to check its condition or change its battery without having to remove the entire system from the tree. The support captures and holds the utility bar through a releasable capture means. In one exemplified embodiment, the capture means is a simple spring-loaded twist-to-lock system. A plate 42 has pins 44 with flattened heads 46, for example, screw heads, protruding from the plate toward the fitting (
Another preferred embodiment of the releasable capture means used to connect the support to the utility bar of the mounting system of the subject invention is shown in
One skilled in the art would understand that a number of releasable capture means could be used on the subject invention. In an alternative embodiment, a releasable capture means includes a lever pivotally connected through a wall of the auger. The lever engages the spring-loaded fitting as it enters the end of the auger. To release the connection, a tab on the lever is pulled or pushed and the pieces are separated.
The utility bar connects to the support. The utility bar can have a fitting at one end configured to engage the fitting end of the support. This end also contains part of the releasable capture means. A fitting to engage the extension pole is disposed at the other end of the utility bar.
The utility bar 40 is used to mount accessories to the subject system. In
It is noted that although the subject mounting system is described for mounting a trail camera, the system can be used to mount other items. For example, flood lights can be mounted to the utility bar to illuminate an outdoor work area. Motion sensing lights can be mounted to illuminate a campsite and make late night relief trips into the bushes less dangerous. A rail 102 inserted into an aperture in the utility bar can support a block and tackle to allow the system to be used to hoist a load off the ground. The hoist does not interfere with the utility bar and thus the hoist can be used while a camera or light is in place.
In the exemplified embodiments, the extension pole 17 is one piece. It is noted however that the pole can telescope to reach and place the mounting system higher. Further, several poles can be connected together to create a longer pole. The telescoping connection and the pole need only be rigid enough to manipulate the pieces when assembling the system.
To mount the subject system a tree or tree part of suitable strength is chosen to support the system. A knife or saw 108 can be adapted to the fitting in the extension pole to allow the user to clear brush and prepare the area to mount the system (
In another preferred embodiment, shown in
The injection molded tree attachment 150, is comprised of an auger 12 tip screw at the distal end, and hexagon shaped receiving recess 155 at the proximal end. A cuff 156 at the proximal receiving end of the tree attachment 150 contains a pit 136, which receives snap button 72 disposed on the distal portion of the spring loaded securing clasp 157 located at the distal end of the extension pole 17.
Once the tree attachment 150 auger 12 tip screw is driven a sufficient depth into the tree to achieve solid fixation, the extension pole 17 can be disengaged by the user by firmly pulling the extension pole away from the tree attachment 150. The ramp 134 of the cuff 156 pit 136 allows the snap button 72 to slide out of the pit 136 thus disengaging the extension pole 17 from the installed tree attachment 150.
This embodiment is further comprised of a ball mount 151 where the distal end is fitted with two tree attachment clasps 158, which provide a secure, but releasable capture means to secure the ball mount 151 to the tree attachment 150. The ball mount tree attachment clasps 158 clasp the shelf 159 formed by the receiving end cuff 156, and tree attachment neck 160 which secures the ball mount 151 to the tree attachment 161 as shown in
The upper surface of the camera mount ball 164 contains a hole, which accepts the camera mount post 166. Once the camera mount post 166 is seated within the camera mount ball 164, the camera mount 152 can be positioned to user preference. The top camera mounting surface 167 of the camera mount 152 is further comprised of a removable camera mount pad 168, which provides a level surface for camera mounting. A camera 41 is mounted by utilizing the universal camera screw 169 which protrudes upward from the camera mounting surface 167. A standard game camera 41 can be mounted by first mounting a universal game camera bracket 170 to said mounting surface with the camera mount screw 169. A game camera can then be mounted to the game camera bracket 170 with standard mounting means available on game cameras.
Once the ball mount/camera mount combination 171 is ready for installation onto the tree attachment 150, the user inserts the post 66 of the distal end of the extension pole 17 into the proximal receiving end 172 of the ball mount 151 as shown in
Once the ball mount/camera mount combination 171 is installed onto the tree attachment 150, the user disengages the extension pole 17 by firmly pulling the extension pole away from the ball mount/camera mount 171 as shown in
Once the ball mount/camera mount combination 171 is secured onto the tree attachment 150, with mounted camera 41, the camera mount 152 can be accurately aimed by using a laser attachment 153 as shown in
To remove the system, the user inserts the distal post 66 of the extension pole 17 into the proximal receiving end 172 of the ball mount 151 until the snap button 72 of the spring-loaded clasp 157 of the extension pole clasps the “remove” recess pit 181 of the proximal ball mount receiver. The “remove” recess pit 181 does not contain a ramp 134, thus the snap button 72 cannot slide out of the “remove” recess pit 181. Therefore, the longitudinal force generated by the user by pulling the extension pole 17 away from the ball mount 151, exceeds the holding capability of the tree attachment clasps 158, which allows the ball mount 151 to disengage from the tree attachment 150.
The tree attachment 150 can be uninstalled from the tree by the user inserting the distal post 66 into proximal hexagon shaped receiving end 155 of the tree attachment 150 until the snap button 72 of the spring-loaded clasp 157 of the extension pole 17 clasps the tree attachment 150 cuff 156 pit 136. The extension pole 17 is then rotated counterclockwise to unscrew the auger 12 tip from the tree.
In another embodiment, the proximal end of the extension pole 17 receives a drill adapter 120, which allows the use of a powered drill 182 during installation and removal of the tree attachment 150. Said adapter is comprised of a post 66; hexagon shaped neck 124 at the base of said post 66; and a drill attachment post 122.
In yet another embodiment a saw 108 can be mounted to an injection molded adapter 186, which connects to the distal end of the extension pole 17 to allow for clearing of branches from the installation site of the system as shown in
The mounting system of the subject invention safely installs a trail camera high in a tree. This not only protects the camera from damage and theft, but prevents the person installing the camera from dangerously climbing up and down the tree or balancing preciously on a ladder on unstable ground. The system is versatile and can be configured to support not only cameras, but lights or other accessories. It also can be used to hoist a load into the tree on which it is mounted.
It is understood that the foregoing examples are merely illustrative of the present invention. Certain modifications of the articles and/or methods may be made and still achieve the objectives of the invention. Such modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the claimed invention.
This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 15/262,610, filed on Sep. 12, 2016, now pending, which application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/332,910, filed on May 6, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/217,653, filed on Sept. 11, 2015, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62332910 | May 2016 | US | |
62217653 | Sep 2015 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15262610 | Sep 2016 | US |
Child | 15709276 | US |