Multi-configuration clamp system for electronic device
A support system which allows for the use and mounting of a smart phone, or similar electronic device, in a variety of ways. The support system may be adapted to function as a hand grip while supporting the smart phone during image acquisition, or while watching images on the smart phone. In another configuration, the support system may be adapted to attach to the user's belt. In another configuration, the support system may function as a support stand. In another configuration, the support system may be mounted on a tripod. The support system may include a kit of parts which allow for the modification of support accessories to allow for different configurations. The support system may include a removable shutter which may actuate the camera functions via wireless communication.
1. A multi-configuration clip system, said system comprising:
a central clip portion, said central clip portion comprising:
an adjustable length clip, said adjustable length clip adjustable along a first extension axis, said adjustable length clip adapted to hold a device in a first plane parallel to said first axis, said adjustable length clip comprising:
a first piece with a first gripping end at a first end, said first gripping end perpendicular to said first extension axis and said first plane; and
a sliding piece with a second gripping end at a top end, said second gripping end perpendicular to said first extension axis and said first plane, wherein said first piece has a first side facing said second gripping end and a second side facing away from said second gripping end, wherein said second gripping end has a first side facing said first gripping end and a second side facing away from said first gripping end, wherein said adjustable length clip comprises a wireless trigger mount on said second side of said second gripping end, wherein said wireless trigger mount comprises a recessed interface on the second side of said second gripping end; and
a first locking mechanism adapted to lock the clip at a certain length along said first axis, wherein said first locking mechanism is adapted to clamp said first piece to said sliding piece, said first locking mechanism comprising:
a clamp lock lever residing on a back surface of said first piece, said clamp lock lever comprising a clamp lever extension arm, and
a threaded element, said threaded element extending through said first piece at a fixed location on said first piece, wherein said clamp lock lever is configured to rotate in a plane parallel to said first plane, thereby tightening said threaded element to firmly lock said first piece and said sliding piece together;
a support portion, said support portion comprising two parallel tabs extending from the back surface of said first piece, said parallel tabs parallel to said first extension axis and perpendicular to said first plane, wherein said support portion extends from a back surface of said first piece below the rotation area of said clamp lock lever extension arm.
2. The multi-configuration clip system of claim 1 wherein said first piece and said sliding piece interlock and are adapted to slide relative to each other along said first extension axis and wherein said sliding piece slides along a front surface of said first piece.
3. The multi-configuration clip system of claim 2 wherein said sliding piece further comprises a slot parallel to said first extension axis configured to slide along said threaded element.
4. The multi-configuration clip system of claim 1 further comprising a wireless trigger mounted into said wireless trigger mount.