Level indicator clip for tripods and other structures
The present invention is directed to a mounting clips and structures to support the mounting clips. The mounting clips may use a bubble level or other device to allow the user to level the item supported, such as a camera. The mounting clips may be used with a tripod or a monopod, and in some embodiments a tripod with flexible legs utilizing ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. The use of flexible mounting apparatus allows the user to mount an item such as a camera in a variety of locations, but this in turn may make it difficult for the user to level the view from the camera. A clip with a level device within it allows for such leveling.
1 . A level clip, said level clip comprising:
a clip body, said clip body comprising a flat plate; and
a level indicator.
2 . The level clip of claim 1 wherein said flat plate has rails along its sides.
3 . The level clip of claim 2 wherein said clip comprises a threaded fastener.
4 . The level clip of claim 3 wherein the threads of said threaded fastener protrude through the top of said clip body.
5 . The level clip of claim 4 wherein said clip body comprises a hole in its bottom surface, wherein the head of said threaded fastener resides in said hole.
6 . The level clip of claim 5 wherein said head of said fastener is restrained in said hole by a ridge portion in the bottom of said clip.
7 . The level clip of claim 1 wherein said level indicator comprises a bubble level device.
8 . The level clip of claim 4 wherein said level indicator comprises a bubble level device.
9 . The level clip of claim 7 wherein said bubble level device is a single axis bubble level device.
10 . The level clip of claim 8 wherein said bubble level device is a single axis bubble level device.
11 . The level clip of claim 7 wherein said bubble level device is a two axis bubble level device.
12 . The level clip of claim 8 wherein said bubble level device is a two axis bubble level device.
13 . The level clip of claim 9 wherein said bubble level device is adapted to measure level in a plane parallel to said flat plate.
14 . The level clip of claim 10 wherein said bubble level device is adapted to measure level in a plane parallel to said flat plate.
15 . The level clip of claim 13 wherein said clip body is adapted to be inserted into a receiver along an insertion axis, and wherein said bubble level device is adapted to measure level in a plane perpendicular to said insertion axis.
16 . The level clip of claim 14 wherein said clip body is adapted to be inserted into a receiver along an insertion axis, and wherein said bubble level device is adapted to measure level in a plane perpendicular to said insertion axis.
17 . A tripod comprising:
three legs;
a body;
a clip support carried by the body, the clip support having a releasable latch, wherein the clip support is suitable for releasably receiving a clip member to facilitate attaching a camera to the tripod; and
a level clip, said level clip comprising a level indicator, said level clip adapted to clip into said clip support.
18 . The tripod of claim 17 wherein said legs are flexible legs.
19 . The tripod of claim 17 wherein said clip support further comprises a base, a floor carried by the base, and flanges that define slots that extend above the floor and apart towards a clip receiving opening, and wherein said releasable latch is pivotably secured to the base and includes a tab.
20 . The tripod of claim 19 wherein said level indicator comprises a bubble level device.