RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/471,211, filed on Apr. 4, 2011; to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/471,689, filed on Apr. 4, 2011; to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/472,185, filed on Apr. 5, 2011; and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/532,513, filed on Sep. 8, 2011.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is in the field of mounting systems that enable accessories to be quickly connected to and disconnected from a base unit.
2. Description of the Related Art
The STANAG 4694 NATO Accessory Rail System is employed for the mounting of one or more auxiliary accessories to small arms (e.g. rifles, pistols, etc.). This system allows equipment such as a telescopic sight to be mounted along the same axis as the barrel of small arms and incorporates multiple accessories into a systematic whole.
The STANAG 4694 NATO Accessory Rail System has a large degree of flexibility in regards to fastening mechanisms. Attachments for both the MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail and the older STANAG 2324 NATO Rail systems can be used on a STANAG 4694 Rail and attachments for the STANAG 4694 are backwards compatible with the MIL-STD 1913.
The STANAG 4694 NATO and MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail systems have a long history of use and are proven to be reliable mechanisms for fastening auxiliary devices. The present invention will use these systems as a basis for the design of a dynamic system for attaching accessories such as lights, sights, grips and various other accessories to the exterior of any device where precision alignment, flexibility and modularity are required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An aspect of embodiments in accordance with the present invention is a universal mounting device for a variety of applications. The system is based upon the aforementioned STANAG 4694 NATO Accessory Rail System. While the STANAG 4694 is a both a robust and highly effective system, it is limited by the fact the accessories may only be mounted along the center-line of a single rail. While this is an acceptable limitation for small arms it constricts its use in other applications.
Naturally a system to allow attachments along and across planes, not lines, needs to be devised. As the STANAG 4694 provides a modular and efficient method for fastening auxiliary accessories across a straight line, it is utilized as the basis of the present invention.
The underlying concept behind the system is simple, mount multiple STANAG 4694 rails in parallel and in such a way as to allow inverted rails to be inserted between the parallel rails and subsequently fastened through an appropriate mechanism. In addition to this the present invention provides a system by which the invention can be mounted and joined across orthogonal surfaces via the use of a STANAG 4694 mounted at a 45 degree angle in relation to the surfaces.
The specifications of the STANAG 4694 are changed to allow for tolerance in the insertion of inverted rails. These changes are made to the height of the rail and the filleting of the bottom of the rails.
Attachment of devices fitted with Picatinny or NATO specification fasteners is in the regular manner of these systems (e.g., over the parallel rails). Devices may also be attached to inverted Picatinny or NATO specification rails and fastened by means of a threaded screw threw a specially designed thrust plate that fits between the notches of the parallel rails.
The system also provides the ability to implement custom designed pieces, such as riser rails similar in shape to construction I-beams. The riser rail is simply an example of a specially designed accessory and the system's modularity allows for the integration of a vast number of user defined accessories.
Another aspect of embodiments in accordance with the present invention is an enclosure for a camera system or other electronics system. The enclosure includes a housing configured to contain at least a portion of the camera system or other electronics system. The enclosure has at least a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface and a second side surface. A plurality of rails are positioned on the surfaces of the enclosure. Each rail is configured to have an engagement portion having an outer flat surface, a first inner engagement surface and a second inner engagement surface. The first and second inner engagement surfaces are spaced apart by a width determined by base portion of the rail. The outer flat surface, the first and second engagement surfaces and the base portion are sized and positioned with respect to each other to conform to the STANAG 4694 NATO Accessory Rail System specification. A plurality of channels are positioned on the surfaces of the enclosure. Each channel is positioned between two adjacent rails. Each channel has a first channel engagement surface defined by the first inner engagement surface of one of the two adjacent rails and has a second channel engagement surfaced defined by the second inner engagement surface of the other of the two adjacent rails. The first and second channel engagement surfaces are spaced apart by a distance of at least the width of the base portion of each rail.
Preferably, the enclosure further includes a rail at each corner of the enclosure. The rail at each corner has dimensions that conform to the STANAG 4694 NATO Accessory Rail System specification. In particular embodiments, each of the top surface and the bottom surface of the enclosure includes at least four rails and at least three channels. Also, in particular embodiments, each of the first side and the second side includes at least one rail and at least two channels.
The enclosure further includes removable attachment rails and other attachment devices. For example, an exemplary attachment rail has at least one engagement portion sized to fit within one of the plurality of channels on the enclosure. The attachment rail further includes a mounting channel. The engagement portion of the attachment rail has first and second engagement surfaces sized and positioned to engage the first and second channel engagement surfaces of the channel of the enclosure. The attachment rail is secured to the enclosure with a thrust plate. The thrust plate is positionable in the mounting channel of the attachment rail. The thrust plate extends over at least a portion of the outer flat surface of the respective engagement portion of each of the rails adjacent the channel of the enclosure. A securing device extends from the thrust plate to the attachment rail. The securing device is adjustable to vary move the thrust plate toward the attachment rail to clamp the portions of the outer flat surfaces of the engagement portions of the rails between the thrust plate the attachment rail to thereby secure the attachment rail to the enclosure. In preferred embodiments of the enclosure, the outer flat surface of each of the rails on the enclosure has an alternating pattern of ridges and notches formed therein. For such embodiments, the thrust plate has an engagement surface having at least one ridge formed thereon. The thrust plate is positioned on the rails of the enclosure such that the ridge fits within at least one of the notches of at one of the rails before adjusting the securing device to clamp the engagement portions of the rails.
In preferred embodiments, the removable attachment rail has an engagement portion having an outer flat surface. The outer flat surface has an alternating pattern of ridges and notches formed therein. The attachment rail further includes a bore positioned in one of the notches and extending through the attachment rail. A removable orthogonal attachment rail has a first end and a second end. At least one of the first end and the second end of the orthogonal attachment rail includes at least first and second grooves that define an end ridge therebetween. The end ridge is sized to fit within a notch of the attachment rail. The end ridge has a threaded bore formed therein. The orthogonal attachment rail is positioned orthogonally to the attachment rail with the threaded bore aligned with the bore in the attachment rail and with the end ridge of the orthogonal rail positioned within the one of the notches. A threaded fastener extends through the attachment rail and engages the threaded bore of the orthogonal attachment rail to secure the orthogonal attachment rail to the attachment rail.
In particularly preferred embodiments, the enclosure further includes a tripod clamp. The tripod clamp comprises a channel formed in a first surface of the tripod clamp. The channel in the tripod clamp has a size and shape configured to receive the engagement portion of at least one rail on the lower surface of the enclosure therein. The channel in the tripod clamp has a first clamp channel engagement surface and a second clamp channel engagement surface positioned to be adjacent the first inner engagement surface and the second inner engagement surface of the at least one rail. A compression plate is positioned in the channel. The compression plate is moveable with respect to the channel to engage the outer flat surface of the at least one rail and to force the first and second clamp channel engagement surfaces against the first and second inner engagement surfaces of the at least one rail to thereby secure the tripod clamp to the enclosure. The compression plate is caused to move by an actuator coupled to the compression plate. Preferably, the tripod clamp channel is sized to span across two adjacent rails of the enclosure and the channel between the two rails such that the first inner engagement surface is part of the engagement portion of one of the two rails and the second inner engagement surface is part of the engagement portion of the other of the two rails, and such that the compression plate engages at least a portion of the outer flat surface of each of the two rails.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments in accordance with aspects of the present invention are described below in connection with the attached drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a 3D camera that incorporates an embodiment of the mounting system in accordance with embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the 3D camera of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one section of an enclosure of the 3D camera system of FIGS. 1 and 2 looking toward the front and top of the enclosure shell;
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the enclosure shell of FIG. 3 looking toward the rear of the enclosure shell;
FIG. 5A illustrates an elevational view of the enclosure shell of FIGS. 3 and 4 viewed from the front;
FIG. 5B illustrates an elevational view of the enclosure shell of FIGS. 3 and 4 viewed from the rear;
FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of the enclosure viewed from the top;
FIG. 7 illustrates an elevational view of the enclosure viewed from the right side;
FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged elevational view of a rail and adjacent channels taken within the area bounded by the dashed circle 8 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional elevational view of the enclosure taken along the line 9-9 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 10 illustrates a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the enclosure shell of FIGS. 3-9 which includes an full channel at each side of the top and bottom surfaces;
FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate a top prospective view, a bottom perspective view, a right side elevational view and a front perspective view of a notched attachment rail that interconnects with the enclosure of FIGS. 1-9 and the enclosure shell of FIG. 10;
FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of thrust plate for use with the notched attachment rail of FIGS. 11A-11D;
FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an engagement knob used in combination with the thrust plate of FIGS. 12A and 12B to secure the notched attachment rail of FIGS. 11A-11D to the enclosure of FIGS. 1-9 and the enclosure shell of FIG. 10;
FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an end-grooved attachment rail used in combination with the notched attachment rail of FIGS. 11A-11D to provide a vertical offset from the enclosure of FIGS. 1-9 and the enclosure shell of FIG. 10;
FIG. 15 illustrates a solid attachment rail that is interconnectable with an end of the notched attachment rail of FIGS. 11A-11D;
FIG. 16 illustrates an enlarged notched attachment rail having two mounting channels;
FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the enclosure shell of FIGS. 3 and 4 with the notched attachment rail inserted in a channel between two rails;
FIG. 18 illustrates an enlarged elevational view of the notched attachment rail and the enclosure shell of FIG. 17 within the area bounded by the dashed circle 18 in FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the enclosure shell and the notched attachment rail of FIG. 17 further showing the thrust plate and the engagement knob to secure the notched attachment rail in a fixed position on the enclosure shell;
FIG. 20 illustrates an enlarged elevational view of the notched attachment rail and the enclosure shell of FIG. 19 showing the effect of the thrust plate and the engagement know in forcing the engagement surfaces of the notched attachment rail against the engagement surfaces of the two rails on the enclosure shell;
FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of the enclosure shell, the notched attachment rail, the thrust plate and the engagement knob of FIG. 19 further showing the interconnection of the end-grooved attachment rail to the notched attachment rail;
FIG. 22 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the enclosure shell, the notched attachment rail, the thrust plate, the engagement knob and the end-grooved attachment rail of FIG. 21 looking upward beneath the notched attachment rail to show the insertion of the hex socket head screw to secure the end-grooved attachment rail to the notched attachment rail;
FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the enclosure shell, the notched attachment rail, the thrust plate and the engagement knob of FIG. 19 further showing the attachment of the solid attachment rail of FIG. 15 to the end of the notched attachment rail;
FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of the 3D camera system of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the notched attachment rail secured to the enclosure via the thrust plate and the engagement knob, with the end-grooved attachment rail secured to the notched attachment rail in a vertical position, and with the enlarged attachment rail of FIG. 16 attached to the end-grooved attachment rail to provide an horizontally disposed attachment rail offset vertically from the top of the enclosure;
FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of a tripod mounting clamp having a wide channel that clamps onto outer edges two adjacent rails on the enclosure;
FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of the enclosure with the tripod mounting clamp attached to two rails of the enclosure;
FIG. 27 illustrates an enlarged plan view of the first enclosure shell of FIG. 26 and the tripod mounting clamp to show the interaction of the compression plate against the top surfaces of the two rails;
FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate top and bottom perspective views of an exemplary commercially available rail mounting lock;
FIG. 29 illustrates the rail mounting lock of FIGS. 28A and 28B clamped to the enlarged notched attachment rail of FIG. 16; and
FIG. 30 illustrates a mounting plate configured with a plurality of rails and interposed channels for mounting on a vehicle, such as for example, a ground vehicle, a watercraft, an aircraft, or the like.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The universal rail mounting system is disclosed herein with respect to exemplary embodiments. The embodiments are disclosed for illustration of the universal rail mounting system and are not limiting except as defined in the appended claims. In particular, the system is described with respect to the shell of a 3D camera system to illustrate an exemplary implementation of the system. The universal rail mounting system is not limited to use with a camera system.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate front and rear perspective views, respectively, of a 3D camera system 100 that incorporates a universal rail mounting system 110 as part of an enclosure 120 of the 3D camera system. As illustrated, the front of the 3D camera system includes a lens mounting subsystem 130 having an extended lower support platform 132 that supports a first lens assembly 134 and a second lens assembly 136. The two lens assemblies are mounted to a positioning assembly 138 that is controllable to vary the distance between the two lens assemblies about a centerline 140. Each lens assembly is further positionable to vary the angle of the lens assembly with respect to the centerline to adjust the focal point. The lenses within each lens assembly are adjustable with respect to at least the aperture and the focal length. Each lens assembly includes a photodetector array that receives a respective image and generates an electronic representation of the image. An electronics subsystem (not shown) is housed within the enclosure. The electronics subsystem controls the lens mounting subsystem, controls the two lens assemblies and processes the electronic representations of the images. As illustrated schematically in FIG. 2, various connectors 144 are housed within a rear portion 142 of the enclosure to communicate with the electronics subsystem. The structure and control of the lens mounting subsystem and the two lens assemblies and the processing of the images are provided to illustrate an exemplary application for the universal rail mounting system described herein. The structure and control of the lens mounting subsystem and the two lens assemblies and the processing of the images are not part of this application and are not illustrated in detail or discussed further herein.
In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure 120 comprises a first enclosure shell 150 and a second enclosure shell 152. The two enclosure shells may be identical as shown. Accordingly, the first enclosure shell is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3-9, and it is understood that in the illustrated embodiment, the second enclosure shell has a similar construction. As discussed below, the first enclosure shell receives the lens mounting subsystem 130 in a recess in a front portion of the first enclosure shell. The rear portion of the first enclosure shell nests within a corresponding recess in the front portion of the second enclosure shell. The rear portion of the second enclosure shell houses the connectors 144 and corresponds to the rear portion 142 of the enclosure.
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the first enclosure shell 150 alone. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate front and rear elevational views of the first enclosure shell. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a top plan view and a right side elevational view, respectively, of the first enclosure shell. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the universal rail mounting system 110 is formed on an upper surface 160, a lower surface 162, a left side surface 164 and a right side surface 166. On the four surfaces, the universal rail mounting system comprises a plurality of rails 170. Each rail is spaced apart from an adjacent rail by a channel (valley) 172. The structures of the rails and channels are described in more detail below.
In the illustrated embodiment, a respective portion of the universal rail mounting system 110 is also formed on each of the four corners of the first enclosure shell 150. A first corner rail 180 is formed or positioned between the upper surface 160 and the left side surface 164. A second corner rail 182 is formed or positioned between the upper surface and the right side surface 166. A third corner rail 184 is formed or positioned between the lower surface 162 and the right side surface. A fourth corner rail 186 is formed or positioned between the lower surface and the left side surface. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the corner rails may not be included.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom and lower corners of the lens mounting subsystem 130 and the portions of top, the sides and the upper corners of the lens mounting subsystem behind the support platform 132 have corresponding rails and channels formed thereon. The rails and channels on the lens mounting subsystem and the rails and channels on the first enclosure shell 150 and the second enclosure shell 152 are formed in precise locations and formed with precise dimensions such that when the first enclosure shell, the second enclosure shell and the lens mounting subsystem are joined to form the enclosure 120, the rails and channels are aligned to form continuous rails and channels from the front to the back of the enclosure.
As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the front of the enclosure shell 150 includes a recess 190. The recess is shaped and sized to receive a protrusion 192 that extends from the back of the enclosure shell. In particular, the recess has inner dimensions that define the opening of the recess that correspond to outer dimensions of the protrusion. Accordingly, when the first enclosure shell is engaged with the second enclosure shell as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the protrusion of the first enclosure shell fits snugly within the recess of the second enclosure shell. Similarly, the lens mounting subsystem 130 has a rear protrusion (not shown), that fits within the recess in the first enclosure shell. After the respective rear protrusions are inserted into the recesses, the lens mounting subsystem and the first and second enclosure shells are securely attached by inserting bolts (not shown) through openings 194 through the enclosure shells and threading the bolts into threaded bores (not shown) in the lens mounting subsystem. As indicated above, the protrusion extending from the second enclosure shell in FIGS. 1 and 2 corresponds to the rear portion 142 of the overall enclosure 120.
In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure shell 150 and the universal rail mounting system 120 on the shell are formed from anodized aluminum; however, other suitable materials may also be used. For example, a suitable carbon fiber material may also be used. As further shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, the enclosure shell in the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure shell is formed as an upper portion 200 and a lower portion 202, which are joined at a seam or other interface 204 in a suitable manner (e.g., with fasteners or the like). In the illustrated embodiment, rear protrusion 192 and the recess 190 are offset such that a larger portion of each element is in the upper portion of the enclosure shell. The two portions of the enclosure shell may be formed by milling a block of aluminum or other suitable material, by extruding aluminum or other suitable material, or by another suitable manner.
FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged elevational view of the rail 170 and the two channels 172 on either side of the rail within the area bounded by the dashed circle 8 in FIG. 3. As indicated above, each rail is configured for compatibility with the standard STANAG 4694 NATO Accessory Rail System. In particular, the rail has a well-defined, generally T-shaped, cross-section having an overall width “W1” and an overall height “H1” measured with respect to the adjacent channel. The rail is generally configured as an upper portion 300 supported by a base portion 302. The upper portion has a height “H2” from the base portion to a horizontal flat top portion 310. The flat top portion has a width “W2” and is surrounded on each side by slanted upper side portions 312 that each slant downward and outward at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal flat top portion. The slanted upper side portions are symmetrical about the center of the horizontal flat top portion. Each upper side portion terminates at the top of a respective substantially vertical intermediate side portion 320 that each has a height “H3.” The vertical intermediate side portions are spaced apart by the overall width “W1” of the rail. A respective slanted lower side portion 322 extends downward and inward from each intermediate side portion at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. Each slanted lower side portion terminates at the base portion. The two slanted lower side portions are also symmetrical about the center of the horizontal flat top portion. In the preferred embodiment, the base portion has a width “W3” that is substantially equal to the width “W2” such that the upper slanted side portions and the lower slanted side portions are symmetrical about a horizontal line (not shown) between the centers of the vertical intermediate side portions. Furthermore, the each upper slanted side portion is positioned at an angle “A” with respect to the respective lower slanted side portion, which has a value of approximately 90 degrees. The height of the base portion is “H4,” which is substantially equal to the difference in the height “H1” and the height “H2.” As further illustrated in FIG. 8, the vertical sides of the base portion merge with the adjacent channels via fillets of radius “R.”
In accordance with the STANAG 4694 NATO Accessory Rail System standard, the upper horizontal flat surface 310 serves as a reference surface for a rail grabber on an accessory (not shown); and the two slanted lower side portions 322 serve as the grabber surfaces which are engaged to secure the rail grabber to the rail 170. The two slanted upper side portions 312 may also be engaged for accessories configured for compatibility with the older MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail system.
Two adjacent rails 170 are spaced apart by an intermediate channel 172. Each channel has a generally hourglass shape with an upper portion having a width “W4” between adjacent horizontal flat top portions 310 of the two rails. An intermediate “waist” portion of the channel has a width “W5” between the right intermediate vertical side portion 320 of one rail and the left intermediate vertical side portion of the adjacent rail to the right. A bottom portion of the channel has a width “W6” between the base portions 302 of adjacent rails. In the illustrated embodiment, the width “W5” of the waist portion of each channel is slightly larger than the width “W3” of the base portion of each rail; and the width “W6” of the bottom portion is slightly larger than the overall width “W1” of each rail.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the profile of each channel 172 is selected to be complementary to the profile of each rail 170. In particular, the profile of each channel is configured to receive an “inverted” rail inserted through an open end of the channel as will be discussed below with respect to exemplary attachments for the enclosure 120.
As indicated above, the dimensions of each rail are selected to be compatible with the standard STANAG 4694 NATO Accessory Rail System. Accordingly, the following dimensions are used in the preferred embodiment:
-
- W1: 21.2 mm+0.00/−0.13 (0.835 in.+0.000/−0.005)
- W2: 15.6 mm+0.00 (0.610 in.+0.000)
- W3: 15.6 mm+0.00 (0.610 in.+0.000)
- W4: 21.4 mm−0.00 (0.844 in.−0.000)
- W5: 15.7 mm+0.00 (0.619 in.−0.000)
- W6: 21.4 mm−0.00 (0.844 in.−0.000)
- H1: 9.4 mm−0.00 (0.370 in.−0.000)
- H2: 6.2 mm (0.246 in.)
- H3: 0.5 mm (0.021 in.)
- H4: 3.2 mm (0.124 in.)
- R: 1.5 mm+0.00 (0.06 in.+0.00)
As shown in FIGS. 1-9, the upper portions 300 of the rails 170, 180, 182, 184 and 186 are not continuous from the front of the enclosure 120 to the rear of the enclosure. Instead, approximately one-half of the upper portions are removed to form a periodic structure of ridges 330 and notches (valleys) 332. As shown in the cross-sectional view of the first enclosure shell 150 in FIG. 9, which is taken along the lines 9-9 in FIG. 3, the upper portion of the sectioned rail is complete for a length “L1” to form a ridge and is then partially removed for a length “L2” to form a notch. In the illustrated embodiment, the length “L1” is approximately 0.190 inch (4.8 millimeters) and the length “L2” is approximately 0.210 inch (5.3 millimeters). The alternating pattern of full upper portions (ridges) and partial upper portions (notches) is repeated for the length of the first enclosure for a distance of approximately 3.8 inches (96.5 millimeters) such that 10 complete “cycles” of the structure are provided. Accordingly, when the rear protrusion 192 of the first enclosure shell is inserted into the front recess 190 of the second enclosure shell 152, the front-most full upper portion of the rail of the second enclosure shell is spaced apart from the rear-most full upper portion of the rail of the first enclosure shell by the distance “L2” so that the periodic pattern of ridges and notches continues uninterrupted from the first enclosure shell to the second enclosure shell.
In the embodiment illustrate in FIGS. 1-9, the top surfaces and the bottom surfaces of the first enclosure shell 150, the second enclosure shell 152 and the lens mounting subsystem 130 each have four rails 170 and three complete channels 172 between the rails. Each surface further has a partial channel formed between each outside rail on the top surface and the bottom surface and the respective corner rails 180, 182, 184, 186. The particular configuration is selected to provide a cameral body having an overall outside width of approximately 8.32 inches (211 millimeters) and having inside dimensions of approximately 8.85 inches (174 millimeters). The overall outside width can be increased by approximately 0.45 inch (11.5 millimeters) as illustrated in FIG. 10 to provide sufficient room to form complete channels 172 at each side of the top and bottom surfaces of a modified first enclosure shell 152′. The second enclosure shell (not shown) and the lens mounting subsystem (not shown) are modified in a corresponding manner.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, the enclosure 120 comprising the first enclosure shell 150, the second enclosure shell 152 and the lens mounting subsystem 130 advantageously provides multiple mounting rails 170 on the top, the bottom and both sides of the enclosure as well as the mounting rails 180, 182, 184 and 186 on the four corners of the enclosure. Accordingly, accessories compatible with the STANAG 4694 NATO Accessory Rail System or with the MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail System can be mounted at multiple locations on the enclosure to extend outward in each of the four principal orthogonal directions (up, down, left and right) as well as at four directions displaced angularly by 45 degrees from the four principle directions.
In addition to being able to mount accessories directly to the rails on the enclosure, interconnection components (adapters) are provided as illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11D, 12A and 12B, 13, 14, 15 and 16 to extend the flexibility in mounting accessories.
FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate perspective views of a notched attachment rail 400 view from the top and bottom, respectively. FIG. 11C illustrates a right side elevational view of the notched attachment rail, and FIG. 11D illustrates a bottom plane view of the notched attachment rail. As illustrated below in connection with FIGS. 17-24, the notched attachment rail is configured to be positioned in a channel 172 between two adjacent rails 170 on the top surface, the bottom surface, the left surface or the right surface of the enclosure 120. In particular, the notched attachment rail comprises an upper engagement portion 402 and a lower engagement portion 404. Both engagement portions are sized and shaped to correspond to the generally T-shaped cross section of the rails on the enclosure and are therefore complementary to the channels of the enclosure. The two engagement portions are spaced apart by an intermediate body portion 406 having a height “H11” between the two engagement portions of approximately 0.35 inch (8.9 millimeters). The notched attachment rail has a length “L11” of approximately 3 inches (76.2 millimeters) from a first end 410 to a second end 412.
As further shown in FIGS. 11A-11D, the two engagement portions 402, 404 of the notched attachment rail 400 are notched in a similar manner to the rails 170 such that alternating ridges 420 and notches 422 are formed on the outer half of each engagement portion. In the illustrated embodiment, a first ridge at each end has a length “L12” of approximately 0.211 inch (5.36 millimeters) and the remaining ridges have lengths “L13” of approximately 0.180 inch (4.57 millimeters). The notches have lengths “L14” of approximately 0.214 inch (5.44 millimeters). A portion of the first ridge at each end of the notched attachment rail extends beyond the respective end of the intermediate body portion 406 to form a respective first end channel 430 and second end channel 432 between the extended ridges.
In certain embodiments (not shown), the notched attachment rail 400 may be symmetrical on the top and the bottom; however, in the illustrated embodiment, the notched attachment rail has a mounting channel 440 formed across the upper engagement portion 402 and extending approximately a depth “D11” into the intermediate body portion 406 measured from the base of the notches 422. The mounting channel has a width “W11” corresponding to the widths of two ridges 420, the width of a full notch and portions of two notches of the upper engagement portion. In the illustrated embodiment, “D11” is approximately 0.324 inch (11.23 millimeters) and “W11” is approximately 0.844 inch (21.43 millimeters). In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting channel is centered with respect to the notch between the third and fourth ridges from the second end 412 of notched attachment rail. A threaded through bore 442 is formed substantially in the middle of the mounting channel. The bore extends through the intermediate body portion and exits in the notch between the third and fourth ridges from the second end of the lower engagement portion 404. In the illustrated embodiment, the bore has a diameter of approximately 0.201 inch (5.1 millimeters).
As best shown in FIG. 11B, the notched attachment rail 400 further includes an unthreaded countersunk bore 444 centered with respect to the width of the lower engagement portion 404 and positioned substantially in the middle of a notch 412 between the second and third ridges 410 of the lower engagement portion. The countersunk bore extends through to the corresponding notch on the upper engagement portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the countersunk bore is sized to accommodate a ¼ inch hex socket head screw. For example, the countersunk bore has a main diameter of approximately 0.240 inch (6.1 millimeters) through the notched attachment rail, thus causing a portion of the second and third ridges on the upper engagement portion to be removed as shown in FIG. 11A. The countersunk bore has a larger diameter on the lower engagement portion of approximately 0.438 inch (11.1 millimeters) to a depth of approximately 0.250 inch (6.35 millimeters) with respect to the surfaces of the adjacent ridges.
The notched attachment rail 400 further includes a respective first threaded bore 450 and second threaded bore 452 formed in the respective center of each end channel 430, 432 at the first end 410 and the second end 412 of the attachment rail. In the illustrated embodiment, each bore has a diameter of approximately 0.201 inch. The bore at the first end extends to the countersunk bore 444, and the bore at the second end extends to the channel 440.
As further shown in the end view of FIG. 11D, the notched attachment rail 400 has a pair of engagement surfaces 460 formed on the upper engagement portion 402 proximate the intermediate body portion 406 and a pair of engagement surfaces 462 formed on the lower engagement portion 404 proximate the intermediate body portion. The engagement surfaces are angled at 45 degrees with respect to the intermediate body portion and correspond to the above-described engagement surfaces on the rails 170.
The notched attachment rail 400 is mounted to the enclosure 120 as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. For simplicity, only the first enclosure shell 150 is shown in FIG. 17. As shown in more detail in FIG. 18, the notched attachment rail rests in a channel 172 between two adjacent rails 170 on the top of the first enclosure shell. In particular, the lower engagement portion 304 rests on the bottom of the channel. The lower engagement portion is sized such that small gaps are present between the engagement surfaces 462 of the lower engagement portion and the lower engagement surfaces 322 of the two adjacent rails. Accordingly, the notched attachment rail may be moved longitudinally within the channel to position the notched attachment rail at a selected location within the channel. For example, in FIG. 17, the notched attachment rail is positioned with a portion of the notched attachment rail extending forward beyond the front edge of the first enclosure shell.
After selecting an approximate location for the notched attachment rail 400 as shown in FIG. 17, a thrust plate 500 is positioned in the channel 440 of the notched attachment rail as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. The thrust plate is shown in more detail in FIGS. 12A and 12B. The thrust plate has a generally rectangular planar upper surface 502 and a corresponding lower surface 504 having dimensions of approximately 1.25 inch (31.8 millimeters) by 0.75 inch (19.1 millimeters) separated by a thickness of approximately of approximately 0.125 inch (3.2 millimeters). The thrust plate has an unthreaded central through bore 510 formed substantially in the center of the two surfaces. The lower surface of the thrust plate has a first engagement tab 520 and a second engagement tab 522 formed proximate to the center of the shorter side of the surface and extending inwardly from the edge by approximately 0.305 inch (7.7 millimeters). The tab has a width of approximately 0.188 inch (4.8 millimeters) and has a thickness of approximately 0.063 inch (6.4 millimeters).
As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, when the thrust plate 500 is positioned with the lower surface 504 facing downwardly toward the bottom of the channel 440 of the notched attachment rail 400, the lower surface extends outwardly from both sides of the attachment rail such that the engagement tabs 520, 522 extend downwardly over the adjacent rails 170 on both sides of the channel 172 of the first enclosure shell 150. The longitudinal position of the notched attachment rail is adjusted so that the engagement tabs are positioned in corresponding notches 232 in the rail of the first enclosure shell and so that the adjacent portions of the lower surface rest on the tops of the ridges 230 of the rail.
After positioning the thrust plate 500 and the notched attachment rail 400, an engagement knob 550 (shown in FIG. 13) is used to secure the thrust plate to the attachment rail and to thereby secure the attachment rail to the first enclosure shell 150. The knob has upper gripping portion 552 and a lower threaded portion 554 that has threads that correspond to the threads in the through bore 442 at the bottom of the channel 440 in the notched attachment rail. The lower threaded portion passes through the unthreaded through bore 510 of the thrust plate and engages the threads in the through bore of the channel in the notched attachment rail. As the gripping portion is rotated, the engaged threads cause the thrust plate to be drawn toward the channel in the notched attachment rail. Since the ridges 230 of the rails 170 of the first enclosure shell prevent downward movement of the thrust plate, the notched attachment rail is drawing upward to cause the engagement surfaces 462 on the lower engagement portion 404 of the notched attachment rail to be forced against the engagement surfaces 322 of the rails of the first enclosure shell. Accordingly, the notched attachment rail is held securely in a fixed position. Furthermore, the precise angles and positions of the respective engagement surfaces of the notched attachment rail and adjacent rails of the first enclosure shell cause the upper engagement portion 402 of the notched attachment rail to be positioned in precise parallel alignment with the engagement portions of the rails on the first enclosure shell. Accordingly, the notched attachment rail effectively provides an additional rail for the first enclosure shell that is displaced at a higher elevation.
FIG. 14 illustrates an end-grooved attachment rail 600 similar to the notched attachment rail 400. The end-grooved attachment rail may be inserted into a channel 172 in like manner to the notched attachment rail, as described above; however, the end-grooved attachment rail is also adapted to be installed in an orientation orthogonal to the notched attachment rail as described below with respect to FIGS. 21 and 22.
In the illustrated embodiment, the end-grooved attachment rail 600 has dimensions generally corresponding to the dimensions of the notched attachment rail 400. The end-grooved attachment rail has a first end 610 and a second end 612. The first end 610 has a first end channel 614 and the second end has a second end channel 616. A plurality of ridges 620 and notches 622 correspond to the ridges and notches of the notched attachment rail 400. Unlike the above-described notched attachment rail, the end-grooved attachment rail in FIG. 14 has a first pair of parallel grooves 630, 632 formed in the first end channel and a second pair of parallel grooves 634, 636 formed in the second end channel. Each groove extends across the respective end channel adjacent respective end ridges 620. Each groove has a width slightly larger than the length “L13” of a ridge 420 of the notched attachment rail shown in FIG. 11C. The two grooves in each pair of grooves are spaced apart by a distance that is slightly less than the length “L14” of a notch 422 of the notched attachment rail to form a centered ridge 640 in the first end channel and to form a centered ridge 642 in the second end channel.
The end-grooved attachment rail 600 further includes a mounting channel 650 corresponding to the channel 440 of the notched attachment rail 400 and includes a threaded through bore 652 corresponding to the through bore 442 of the notched attachment rail. A threaded blind end bore 660 is centered on the centered ridge 640 of the first end channel 614. A threaded through bore 662 is centered on the centered ridge 642 of the second end channel 616 and extends to the mounting channel as described above for the notched attachment rail.
The end-grooved attachment rail 600 of FIG. 14 is mounted to the notched attachment rail 400 as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22. The end-grooved attachment rail is positioned with either the first end 610 or the second end 612 downward proximate to the extended portion of the notched attachment rail. In FIGS. 21 and 22, the second end is positioned proximate the notched attachment rail. The grooves 634, 636 in the second end channel 616 are aligned with the ridges 420 on the notched attachment rail on either side of the threaded through bore 444. The centered ridge 642 of the second end channel is aligned with the notch 422 between the pair of ridges. The end-grooved attachment rail is then adjusted as necessary to align the threaded through bore 462 of the end-grooved attachment rail with the unthreaded countersunk through bore 444 of the notched attachment rail. As shown in the rotated enlarged view in FIG. 22, a hex socket head screw 650 is inserted through the countersunk through bore of the notched attachment rail to engage the threads of the threaded through bore of the end-grooved attachment rail to thereby secure the end-notched attachment rail in a vertical position with respect to the notched attached rail. The multiple alignment surfaces of the two alignment rails cause the end-grooved attachment rail to be precisely aligned with respect to the notched attachment rail and to thereby be precisely aligned with the first enclosure shell 150. Accessories can be attached to the end-grooved attachment rail with orientations that are orthogonal to the orientations that the accessories would have had if attached directly to the rails on the enclosure.
FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a solid rail 700. The solid rail has a single engagement portion 702 supported by a base portion 704. The base portion is shorter than the intermediate body portion of the above-described notched attachment rail 400. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the base portion extends approximately 0.139 inch (3.5 millimeters) below the engagement portion. The length of the solid rail can be varied. In the illustrated embodiment, the length is approximately 3 inches (76.2 millimeters). An unthreaded countersunk through bore 710 is formed in the solid rail substantially in the center of the rail. In the illustrated embodiment, the bore is sized to accommodate a ¼ inch hex socket head screw.
FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary application for the solid rail 700. The notched attachment rail 400 is secured in the first enclosure shell 150 as described above with the first end channel 430 facing outward as shown in FIG. 19. The solid rail is positioned with the body portion 404 in the first end channel of the notched attachment rail and with the unthreaded countersunk through bore 710 of the solid rail aligned with the first threaded bore 450 (FIG. 19) notched attachment rail. A hex socket head screw 720 is inserted into the aligned bores and threaded into the threaded bore of the notched attachment rail to secure the solid rail to the notched attachment rail with the engagement portion 702 of the solid rail facing outward in a generally horizontal orientation. Accordingly, the solid rail provides a further surface for securing accessories at an orientation not provided by the rails on the first enclosure shell 150.
FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of an enlarged notched attachment rail 800 that is configured generally as two end-to-end copies of the notched attachment rail 400 of FIGS. 11A-11D. The enlarged notched attachment rail has a first engagement portion 802 and a second engagement portion 804. The enlarged notched attachment rail has a first end 810 and a second end 812. In the illustrated embodiment the enlarged notched attachment rail is sized to accommodate 15 ridges 820 and 14 intervening notches 822 along each engagement portion versus the 8 ridges and 7 notches accommodated by engagement portions of the notched attachment rail. Note, however, that the first engagement portion has a first mounting channel 830 with a threaded central through bore 832 formed therein corresponding to the mounting channel 440 and bore 442 of the notched attachment rail. A second mounting channel 840 and a threaded central bore 842 are formed in the second engagement portion. Thus, two ridges and all or parts of three notches are removed from each engagement portion. As illustrated, the mounting channels are symmetrically disposed about the middle of the enlarged attachment rail. As further illustrated in FIG. 16, the enlarged notched attachment rail includes a first threaded bore 850 that extends from the first end into the first mounting channel and a second threaded bore 852 that extends from the second end 812 to the second mounting channel.
In the illustrated embodiment, the enlarged notched attachment rail 800 includes a first countersunk unthreaded bore 860 generally located between the second and third ridges towards the center of the rail from the first mounting channel 830 and includes a second countersunk unthreaded bore 862 generally located between the second and third ridges towards the center of the rail from the second mounting channel 840. In the illustrated embodiment, the countersunk portion of the first bore is on the same side as the second engagement portion, and the countersunk portion of the second bore is on the same side of the first engagement portion.
The enlarged notched attachment rail 800 may be installed directly in a channel 172 of the first enclosure shell 150, as illustrated above with respect to the notched attachment rail 400. The enlarged notched attachment rail may also be installed to the top of the end-grooved attachment rail 600 as illustrated in FIG. 24 to provide an elevated attachment rail generally parallel to the upper surface of the first enclosure shell. In FIG. 24, the complete 3D camera system 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is again illustrated. The enlarged notched attachment rail is attached to the top of the end-grooved attachment rail 600, which is secured to the notched attachment rail 400, as described above with respect to FIGS. 21 and 22. A pair of ridges 820 on either side of the second counter sunk through bore 862 (FIG. 16) are engaged with the grooves 630, 632 (FIG. 14) of the first end channel 614 of the end-grooved attachment rail. A hex socket head screw 870 is inserted through the through bore in the enlarged notched attachment rail and engaged with the threaded bore 660 (FIG. 14) of the end-grooved attachment rail to secure the enlarged attachment rail in a horizontal position elevated above the top of enclosure 120.
FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment of a tripod mounting clamp 900 that allows a conventional tripod (not shown) to be coupled to the bottom of the 3D camera system 100. The tripod mounting clamp comprises a body 902 that has a generally rectangular plan shape and a generally rectangular elevation shape. As further illustrated, the cross section of the tripod mounting clamp is formed by milling or by another suitable process to create an elongated channel 910 that corresponds to the channels 172 of the first enclosure shell 150 as described above. However, the elongated channel has a width between a first vertex 912 and a second vertex 914 that corresponds to the width of two channels 172 and an intermediate rail 170. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the width is slightly larger than approximately 2.289 inches (58.1 millimeters). The elongated channel includes a first upper engagement surface 920 and a first lower engagement surface 922 proximate the first vertex and a second upper engagement surface 924 and a second lower engagement surface 926 proximate the second vertex. The engagement surfaces are sized and angled as described above. The planar surface 930 between the lower engagement surfaces is generally rectangular. A central portion of the planar surface is removed to form a generally rectangular cavity 932 with filleted corners. A movable compression plate 940 is positioned within the cavity. The compression plate has a generally rectangular shape and has an outer perimeter that is slightly smaller than the inner perimeter of the cavity. The compression plate is coupled to an external actuator 950. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the actuator is a lever that turns about a coupling rod (not shown). When the lever is turned about the rod from the initial position (not shown) to a rotated position illustrated in FIG. 25, an internal mechanism (not shown) raises the compression plate upward to a position a distance “D” above the planar surface. The internal mechanism includes a conventional over-center latching mechanism so that when the compression plate is raised to a maximum extended position, force applied to the compression plate will not cause the compression plate to return to a lower position unless the external actuator is manually returned to the initial position.
FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate the tripod clamp 900 attached to the bottom of the enclosure 150 with the upper engagement surfaces 920, 922 engaging the respective outer lower engagement surfaces 322 of two adjacent rails 170 of the first enclosure shell 150 and with the compression platform 940 forced against the flat top portions 310 of the two rails. Accordingly, the tripod clamp is securely attached to the enclosure. As further illustrated in FIG. 26, the tripod clamp includes a threaded bore 960 that is sized to receive a conventional engagement bolt at the top of a conventional tripod. For example, the threaded bore is advantageously a conventional ¼-inch hole that is threaded to receive a corresponding bolt. The threaded bore may also be sized to accommodate other tripods.
Although described above with respect to installation of the attachment rails with respect to the upper surface of the first enclosure shell 150, the attachment rails may also be installed with respect to the bottom surface and either or both of the side surfaces of the first enclosure shell. Furthermore, the attachment rails may also be installed in a channel that spans across interconnected enclosure portions. For example, FIG. 26 illustrates a tripod interconnection system 900 mounted to the bottom surface of the first enclosure shell.
As discussed above, commercially available STANAG 4694 NATO rail and MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail accessories can be attached at multiple locations directly on the enclosure 120 or on any of the accessory rails that further expand the various angles and distances where such accessories can be installed. For example, various configurations of handles may be attached to the rails 170 for carrying and aiming the camera. Other devices can also be secured to the enclosure. For example, a laser aiming device may be attached to the rails of the enclosure or to one of the extended attachment rails to assist in directing the camera. Lighting devices, microphones and other devices associated with cameras may also be attached to the enclosure or to the attachment rails.
As further discussed above, the enclosure 120 and the attachment accessories described in FIGS. 11-16 are compatible with conventional STANAG 4694 NATO rail accessories. For example, FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrated upper and lower perspective views of a commercially available mounting device 1000, such as, for example, an adjustable gun rail lock manufactured by American Defense Mfg, LLC., 2525 S 162nd Street, New Berlin, Wis. 53151, and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,823,316 to Storch et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. The operation of the lock is described in the patent and is not described further herein. FIG. 29 illustrates the mounting device installed on the enlarged notched attachment rail 800, which is described above. As previously discussed, the enlarged attachment rail may be installed directly in one of the channels 172 on one of the surfaces of the enclosure; or the enlarged attachment rail may be installed in a vertically offset position as illustrated in FIG. 24.
Although described herein primarily with respect to a camera enclosure having the rails and channels positioned on the surfaces and corners of the enclosure, other embodiments that incorporate the rails and channels are also contemplated. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 30, a mounting plate 1100 has an upper surface 1102 and a lower surface 1104. The upper surface of the mounting plate is formed into a plurality of rails 1110 and interposed channels 1120 having the configurations described above. The mounting plate includes a plurality of mounting bores 1130 that receive fasteners (e.g., screws) that engage the surface 1140 (shown in phantom) of a vehicle (e.g., a ground vehicle, a watercraft, an aircraft or the like) so that the mounting plate is secured to the vehicle. The rails and channels are thereby useable to mount devices to the vehicle in a manner similar to the manner described above for the camera enclosure. Although the lower surface of the mounting plate is shown as a flat surface, it should be understood that the lower surface can be contoured to conform to the contours of the vehicle onto which the mounting plate is mounted.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
