Abstract: A tripod includes: a hub defining a set of leg mounts; a set of legs configured to telescopically extend from the hub and couple to the set of leg mounts; a center column including a spherical end; and a head pivotably coupled to the spherical end. The head further includes: a base section; a camera platform arranged over the base section; a set of flanges extending below the base section and extending around the spherical end; a hat arranged over the spherical end; a pivot control ring arranged about the base section, configured to drive the hat into the spherical end to fix the head on the spherical end responsive to rotation in a first direction about the base section, and configured to retract the hat from the spherical end to unlock the head from the spherical end responsive to rotation in a second direction about the base section.

Abstract: One variation of a device case includes a device case body: configured to accept and retain a mobile device; defining a strap receptacle; and including a first set of magnetic features arranged across a base surface of the strap receptacle. The device case further includes a strap: coupled to the device case body; configured to seat within the strap receptacle in a retracted position; configured to accept a finger of a user in a deployed position; and including a second set of magnetic features configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic features to drive the strap from the deployed position to the retracted position and to retain the strap within the strap receptacle in the retracted position.

Abstract: A tripod includes: a leg section; a hub section; and a head containing a stacked ring control system that enables a user to rapidly adjust pitch, yaw, and roll of a camera—mounted to the head—relative to the leg section and to rapidly install, lock, and remove the camera with a single hand in the same location. More specifically, the tripod includes a set of stacked control rings that fall to hand in one compact location and thus enable a user to manipulate the position of a camera mounted to the tripod and to quickly mount and dismount the camera from the tripod.

Abstract: A tripod includes: a hub defining a set of leg mounts; a set of legs configured to telescopically extend from the hub and couple to the set of leg mounts; a center column including a spherical end; and a head pivotably coupled to the spherical end. The head further includes: a base section; a camera platform arranged over the base section; a set of flanges extending below the base section and extending around the spherical end; a hat arranged over the spherical end; a pivot control ring arranged about the base section, configured to drive the hat into the spherical end to fix the head on the spherical end responsive to rotation in a first direction about the base section, and configured to retract the hat from the spherical end to unlock the head from the spherical end responsive to rotation in a second direction about the base section.

Abstract: A camera tripod for preventing camera movement and providing stability. More specifically, a camera tripod comprising an adjustable center column; three adjustable legs having a plurality of shaft segments, the legs being in concentric thirds around the center column when in a closed position; a camera attachment platform; and a soft lock mechanism on each shaft segment. The camera tripod can be efficiently set up and taken down and greatly improves portability and ease of use.

Abstract: A male/female connection system is disclosed. The system is specifically designed as a novel way of attaching straps to cameras. The device includes a male attachment anchor with an overmolded loop, as well as a female housing inclusive of a spring to lock the male and the female together. The anchor connects to a camera at the neck strap loops using a cow hitch knot. The anchor connects to the housing by entering an open end, and being pulled through to an end where it is strapped. A strap connects to the housing by way of a loop being sewn around it.

Abstract: Customers purchasing fuel from a dispenser may engage in non-fuel transactions using a tablet computing system affixed on or near a fuel dispenser. A tablet computer may be used to display information regarding available items, services, charitable opportunities, or other options to a fuel customer, receive inputs requesting additional information from the fuel customer, and/or receive an input indicating a desire to engage in a transaction from a fuel customer. Purchased items may be available for pick-up by a customer inside a store, available for pick-up at a drive through window, and/or delivered to the customer at a fuel dispenser. A payment mechanism may be provided in conjunction with the tablet computer. The tablet computer provided may be constructed in such a way to be protected from physical damage and weather.

Abstract: A camera mounting device and associated method are disclosed. The device can securely affix a camera to a strap of varying properties. The device provides a strap attachment mechanism used to connect the device to a strap such as a belt or a backpack strap. The device also includes a camera attachment mechanism used to attach a camera to the device while allowing its locking and release through a quick release mechanism. The device also includes a lens support extension with a support extension sized and oriented to provide secondary support to a long lens of a camera, such as a lens of a SLR-type camera.