Abstract: A visual presenter includes a camera support arm including a pivot support arm pivotally supported on a base and having an interior cavity and a slide support arm which is inserted into the interior cavity of the pivot support arm so as to be slidable and having a distal end on which the image pickup camera is mounted. When the pivot support arm is caused to pivot from a storage location where the camera support arm lies to a setup location where the camera support arm stands up, the slide support arm is pushed out of the pivot support arm by the sliding mechanism so that the image pickup camera is set up at a predetermined location. When the pivot support arm is caused to pivot from the setup location to the storage location, the slide support arm is brought into the pivot support arm by the sliding mechanism.

Abstract: There is disclosed a platform for a stereographic camera system, a stereographic camera, and a method for operating a stereographic camera. The platform may include a first linear motion mechanism and a second linear motion mechanism. A camera mounting plate may be rotatably coupled to the first linear motion mechanism at a first rotation axis and rotatably coupled to the second linear motion mechanism at a second rotation axis.

Abstract: A camera holder (3) is provided for fixing a camera (11) or a camcorder to an optical observation device. The holder (3) has a variable-length sleeve (13) with a first end configured to receive the camera objective and a second end configured to secure the sleeve (13) relative to the optical observation device. The holder (3) also has an adjusting device (19) fixed to the sleeve (13). The adjusting device (19) has a pin for connection with a stand mating thread of a camera (11) and is configured to compensate for an offset between the stand mating thread and the camera objective. The adjusting device (19) enables the camera (11) to be positioned with respect to the sleeve and the optical observation device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional photographic system, which is applicable to take pictures of an object from a great variety of angles, particularly for taking series of pictures, which are later combined together forming a three-dimensional digital image of the object (1) and publish it on a server by submitting a link to a client, wherein said system comprises at least an automatic photographic rack, a computer device and a publishing server, said automatic photographic rack preferably comprises two rotating frames (4, 7) having actuators such as stepper motors (3, 5) or the like.

Abstract: A monitoring camera includes a camera portion that senses image of an object, a base and a shooting angle change device that connects the camera portion and the base with magnetic force. The shooting angle change device can change the shooting direction of the camera portion along X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The shooting angle change device includes a curved rotation guide surface that is formed on the base, a rotation surface that is formed on the camera portion, a magnet that is provided inside one of the camera portion and the rotation guide surface and an attaching member that is provided inside the other of the camera portion and the rotation guide surface. The rotation surface contacts the rotation guide surface. The rotation surface can be rotated relative to the base. The attaching member is made of magnetic substance.

Abstract: The invention is a camera holder, comprising an upper rigid element adapted for suspension from a substantially horizontal strap or belt and a lower rigid element with a substantially circular portion and a substantially rectangular portion, the substantially rectangular portion further comprising a coupling means adapted to enable flexible coupling of the lower rigid element to the upper rigid element. According to the invention, a coupling means of the lower rigid element allows it to alternatively be positioned substantially parallel to or substantially perpendicular to the upper rigid element, so that the lower rigid element, when positioned substantially perpendicular to the upper rigid element, is capable of supporting the weight of a camera or similar portable device. The diameter of the substantially circular portion of the lower rigid element is sufficiently large to permit passage of lenses or similar appurtenances of a camera or similar portable device.

Abstract: Embodiments of hands-free camera holders according to the present disclosure can enable a user to obtain the exact picture they want by giving them complete control of the camera position. A hands-free camera holder can include a camera support member, e.g., a platform, that is connected by way of an adjustable frame. In optional embodiments, the user can connect to the frame by way or a collar/harness. By using a switch, or trigger means, that is connected to the camera, to take the picture, the framing of the picture is not disturbed, whether activated by the user or an assistant. The separate switch concept/means can also enable individuals with disabilities to use other parts of their body to operate the camera. Using adaptive technology, any reliable movement can be used as a trigger for the camera.

Abstract: A document snapshot device is provided. The document snapshot device comprises a baseboard, a camera and a foldable supporting means. The baseboard comprises a central area to place a document and a connecting chamfer. The camera comprises a pivot. The foldable supporting means comprises a first supporting means connecting the connecting chamfers, a second supporting means connecting the pivot of the camera and a third supporting means connecting the first and the second supporting means. The first, second and third supporting means can stretch along a first plane to form a first angle between the first and the third supporting means and a second angle between the second and the third supporting means. The camera can rotate along a second plane with the pivot to form a third angle relative to a stretching direction from the second supporting means to the camera to aim at the document to take a snapshot.

Abstract: A battery pack for mounting to a camera and camera stand is described. The battery pack has attachment means on opposite sides. The attachment means are of complementary design so that the battery pack can be mounted between the camera and the stand. Each attachment means permits linear adjustment of the camera. The two means provide parallel linear adjustment of the camera with respect to the battery pack and of the battery pack with respect to the stand.

Abstract: A camera stand of the present invention is composed of a deck for controlling a shooting angle of a camera. The deck is provided on one foot tube of a camera tripod and when a user rotates that foot tube, a slid-proof rod can drive a slid-proof sleeve, which is assembled with the slid-proof rod as one unit, to abut a ball below the deck for positioning. When the foot tube is loosened by rotating reversely, the slid-proof sleeve can escape from the ball, such that the deck can move freely to adjust the shooting angle of the camera.

Abstract: The camera slider system supports a camera for longitudinal sliding or rolling movement along a pair of elongate support members which are parallel and spaced apart from one another. The camera mount supporting the camera thereon is supported by a pair of link members pivotally coupled between opposing ends of the camera mount and a carriage assembly which is movable along the rails. The orientation of the camera relative to the elongate supports is readily adjustable by adjusting the pivotal link members while the camera remains supported in a very stable configuration. Rollers or bearings ensure a smooth movement of the camera along the elongate support members so that there are no undesired jerking movements in the resulting captured image.

Abstract: A camera module and a portable electronic device using same are provided. The camera module can be rotated to align with an aperture in the front of the device or an aperture in the rear of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors are designed and constructed such that the interference fit of the ball and socket causes creep in the material resulting in more even frictions in the various ball and socket joints. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping. In an exemplary embodiment utilizing the aforementioned ball and socket joint connectors, a tripod apparatus uses legs comprising the ball and socket joint connectors for support and for gripping objects.

Abstract: A camera adapter support for supporting a camera in an orientation transverse to its traditional orientation includes a base member shaped and dimensioned for selective attachment to a head of a tripod. The base member includes a first end and a second end. A first upstanding member is secured to the first end of the base member. The first upstanding member includes a first end secured to the first end of the base member and a second end. The first upstanding member includes coupling structure which secures the base of the camera to the first upstanding member. A second upstanding member is secured to the second end of the base member, the second upstanding member including a first end secured to the first end of the base member for selective movement relative thereto and a second end. The second upstanding member includes a plate member and a second transverse plate coupled to the plate member.

Abstract: The main objective of the present invention is to provide maintenance mechanism for lighting equipment in a closed space of high radiation activity, which comprises a passage, a lamp base, a multi-section slide rail, a lighting handle, a stainless steel fixation plate, a lead glass lamp guard and a convex lead plug. On the top side of the passage there is a multi-section slide rail with the lamp base attached to move the lamp. The maintenance hole end of the passage has a convex lead plug and a stainless steel fixation plate. When the hole closes, the convex lead plug is locked to the lead plug positioning screw under the stainless steel fixation plate; while the maintenance hole opens, on the top right and top left of the stainless steel fixation plate there is a L-shaped short iron plate and a L-shaped long iron plate respectively. On the L-shaped long iron plate there is an axial screw as the axis for the convex lead plug to move and rotate.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling one or more cameras is provided. The apparatus includes: a mounting sled, a tilt drive motor, a tilt drive train, a pan drive motor, and a pan drive train. The mounting sled includes a camera platform between two sled runners. A lower surface of each sled runner is formed by a circular arc. The tilt drive train includes a tilt drive shaft having an axis perpendicular to the camera platform. The pan drive train includes a pan drive shaft extending along the axis of the tilt drive shaft such that it receives the tilt drive shaft and turns independently and concentrically about the tilt drive shaft. The camera platform receives a camera such that the center of gravity of the camera is aligned with the diameter of the circular arc of the sled runners and the vertical axis of the tilt and pan drive shafts.

Abstract: Tripod head for pivotably receiving a device, in particular a film or television camera, comprising a housing (10), a shaft (15) which is rotatably mounted in the housing (10), a receptacle (16, 17), which is connected to the shaft (15), for the device, at least two separate energy accumulators (21-25) which are respectively disposed between the shaft (15) and the housing (10), and a compensating comprising a respective interlocking (31-35) for the energy accumulators in order to switch the energy accumulators (21-25), in each case in operative connection between the housing (10) and shaft (15), so that a restoring moment is exerted on the receptacle (16, 17) via the shaft (15) in accordance with the torque of the device, and a common actuating element (46) in order to switch the energy accumulators (21-25) via the interlocking (31-35) individually or in combination, as desired, characterised in that the actuating element (46) is configured as a rotary disc and comprises on the side facing the housing a cam c

Abstract: A camera dolly has a base on which an elevator is mounted. The elevator has a sliding shelf for mounting a camera, a counterweight to balance the weight of the camera. A fixed shelf is provided to hold accessories such as a video monitor. The base is provided with removable wheels for use on most surfaces. The base also has rollers which move along a track made of PVC pipe or hoses filled with compressed air. An alternative embodiment has the camera mounted to a sliding mount connected to the base. A tripod may also be mounted on the base.

Abstract: A camera control apparatus, includes two actuators, each including a piezoelectric body and a stick-shaped shaft provided on the piezoelectric body, the piezoelectric body being configured to be modified based on application of an AC voltage, a rotating part including two circular-shaped members rotatably provided, the circular-shaped members being configured to sandwich two of the shafts; an electric power source part configured to apply the AC voltage to the piezoelectric bodies; and a rotation control part configured to change a shooting direction of a camera apparatus directly connected to the circular-shaped members in rotational directions of the circular-shaped members based on the amount of rotation of the circular-shaped members.

Abstract: A movable-mechanical-section controlling device includes a driving controlling unit and an angular position range setting unit. The driving controlling unit performs control so that a movable mechanical section performs a unit pan operation that is performed in a predetermined angular position range in a pan direction, the movable mechanical section having a structure that moves so that an image pickup direction of an image pickup section changes in the pan direction, the predetermined angular position range being set on the basis of a previously set pan-direction movable angular range. The angular position range setting unit sets the angular position range so that, after the unit pan operation has been performed in a first angular position range, the unit pan operation is performed in a second angular position range differing from the first angular position range.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for supporting and easily adjusting the position of a surveillance camera in an enclosure. Embodiments of the present invention also provide systems, methods and apparatus for keeping the front panel of a camera enclosure clear during cold temperature periods. Finally, embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for the efficient transfer of heat out of a camera enclosure during warm temperatures.

Abstract: A camera crane has a telescopically extendible arm with a camera platform supported at the front end of the arm. A mechanical leveling system is linked to the camera platform to keep the camera platform in a substantially horizontal or level position, regardless of the elevation angle of the arm. A counter weight moves along the arm as the arm extends and retracts, to help keep the arm balanced. A stabilizing system provides instantaneous corrective movements to the camera platform, to keep the camera platform level. The stabilizing system includes a sensor for sensing the angular position of the camera platform. An electronic controller provides a positive preload to a first motor, and a negative preload to the second motor, driving the camera platform, to avoid backlash. Upon sensing an out of level position, the controller provides a corrective signal to the motors, causing both motors to drive the camera platform back towards level.

Abstract: A camera mounting system comprises a pair of rail members, a camera mount arranged to support a video camera on the pair of rail members and a base mount arranged to support the pair of rails on a tripod. The camera mount and the base mount are supported for adjustment relative to one another along the rail members. The camera mount supports the video camera thereon and is supported on the rail members by a pair of link members, each pivotally coupled at a lower end on the rail members and at an upper end on the camera mount. The linkage permits the camera mount and camera thereon to be adjusted in elevation relative to the rail members by pivoting the linkage while being arranged so as not to project below the rail members in both lowered and elevated positions such that the linkage does not interfere with relative movement between the base mount and the camera mount.

Abstract: A camera control apparatus, includes two actuators, each including a piezoelectric body and a stick-shaped shaft provided on the piezoelectric body, the piezoelectric body being configured to be modified based on application of an AC voltage, a rotating part including two circular-shaped members rotatably provided, the circular-shaped members being configured to sandwich two of the shafts; an electric power source part configured to apply the AC voltage to the piezoelectric bodies; and a rotation control part configured to change a shooting direction of a camera apparatus directly connected to the circular-shaped members in rotational directions of the circular-shaped members based on the amount of rotation of the circular-shaped members.

Abstract: A support for a camera comprising a first fluid head and a second fluid head, the first fluid head being arranged to provide rotation about a first axis and the second fluid head being arranged to provide rotation about a second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rig for a stereoscopic camera system. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a modular stereoscopic rig system. The modular rig system comprises a plurality of interchangeable bases, a first camera mounting module for mounting a first camera to one base and a second camera mounting module for mounting a second camera to the same base.

Abstract: A light weight camera mounting assembly allowing for tilt and pan of a camera through a significant portion of a spherical rang of view with minimal parts count, minimal weight and minimal weight in the rotated portion of the assembly. A retraction/extension assembly for a light weight camera with minimal weight and complexity. Doors which open to allow a camera to extend beyond the surface of a vehicle and close to protect the camera and allow for landing of the vehicle without external skids.

Abstract: A dome type camera (1) comprises a camera (2), a lower case (3) having a first serration (9), an upper case (4), a dome cover (6), and an inner cover (7) having a second serration (20), where the upper case (4) can be attached to the lower case (3) at two steps of attachment positions which are an adjustment position and a locking position. When the attachment position of the upper case (4) is set at the adjustment position, the first serration (9) and the second serration (20) are incompletely engaged with each other, allowing the inner cover (7) to be rotatable with respect to the lower case (3), and when the attachment position of the upper case (4) is set at the locking position, the first serration (9) and the second serration (20) are completely engaged with each other, allowing the inner cover (7) to be fixed to the lower case (3). The orientation of the cover can be easily adjusted after the cover has been attached, and the work efficiency is improved in installation and adjustment works.

Abstract: A device for connecting a camera to a supporting device as provided. The device has a locking plate which includes a wedge-shaped recess with a dovetail guide which is insertable into a wedge-shaped plate with another dovetail guide. The wedge-shaped plate is connectible to the camera. The device also has a front clamping mechanism for bracing the wedge-shaped plate in the wedge-shaped recess, and in a rear region, has a rear clamp mechanism with a securing pin for engaging a guide shoe connectible to the camera. The device also includes a setting device for adjusting the front clamping mechanism along a longitudinal axis of the locking plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a camera holding module for stereoscopic shooting, characterised in that it comprises: a carriage mobile in translation (2) along at least one guiding rail, driven by a driving device; a camera-holding rotary member (3) having a rotation axis and a guiding member (32) carried by the mobile carriage, as well as an actuator (27) interacting with the guiding member for initiating the movement thereof in order to rotate the camera holding member.

Abstract: A driving mechanism includes a driven member partially having a spherical surface, piezoelectric units that support the driven member between them and drive the driven member, and a base that holds the piezoelectric units. Each of the piezoelectric units includes a driving portion having a flat surface in contact with the spherical surface of the driven member, a first piezoelectric element that moves the driving portion along a first axis parallel to the flat surface, a second piezoelectric element that moves the driving portion along a second axis that is parallel to the flat surface and intersects the first axis, and a support member that supports the driving portion through the first and second piezoelectric elements.

Abstract: A quick-fit device for video and photographic equipment comprises a first attachment member in the form of a plate which can be fixed to the equipment and a second attachment member including a seat for the plate which can be fixed to a supporting head; a safety device comprising a spring-loaded arm bearing a stop tooth acting on a presser designed to removably lock the plate in the seat is provided in the seat. The tooth has a ramp with an inclined plane from the part facing the seat and a stop shoulder on the opposite part; the presser has an appendage which is capable of riding over the tooth passing from a position against the ramp to a position against the shoulder in passing from a position in which the plate is released to a position in which the same is locked in the seat.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-directional camera mount device for mounting a camera onto a compound bow to facilitate movement and positioning of the camera. The camera mount device includes a generally planar camera base bow bracket and a generally planar and elongated camera mount swing arm that is swingably and permanently attached to the bracket. There is also a first attachment assembly to swingably and permanently attach the arm to the bracket, a second attachment assembly to attach the camera to the arm and a swingable assembly that allows swingable movement of the arm and the attached camera.

Abstract: A folding, adjustable camera support having a central post secured in one or more central post holders. A first camera equipment support component having a distal end and a proximate end is adjustably attached at its proximate end to one of the one or more central post holders, and is configured to adjust between an operative position and a folded position via an adjustment mechanism. The distance of the camera equipment is adjustable radially from the central post. A second camera equipment support component is similarly configured and adjustable with respect to the central post, and can balance the first camera equipment component.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket type head (1) for optical and video-photographic equipment comprises: a sphere portion (6) on which is fixed an attachment plate (7) for the optical or video-photographic equipment, a main body (2) in which is defined a seat (5) in which the sphere portion is received in engagement for adjustably orienting the attachment plate with respect to the main body, a locking means (20) acting between the sphere portion and the main body in order to lock the sphere portion in a desired position relative to the main body, and arranged within the volume defined by the sphere portion (6) and by the seat (5), and an actuating means (30) for actuating the locking means arranged on said sphere portion.

Abstract: A visual presenter includes a base, an upright portion standing from the base and having a distal end, a support column including a horizontal portion formed by bending the distal end of the upright portion so that the horizontal portion protrudes forward away from the base, the horizontal portion having a distal end, an imaging camera head mounted on the distal end of the horizontal portion, and a pivot portion provided on the upright portion of the support column so that the horizontal portion is pivotable horizontally.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling one or more cameras is provided. The apparatus includes: a mounting sled, a tilt drive motor, a tilt drive train, a pan drive motor, and a pan drive train. The mounting sled includes a camera platform between two sled runners. A lower surface of each sled runner is formed by a circular arc. The tilt drive train includes a tilt drive shaft having an axis perpendicular to the camera platform. The pan drive train includes a pan drive shaft extending along the axis of the tilt drive shaft such that it receives the tilt drive shaft and turns independently and concentrically about the tilt drive shaft. The camera platform receives a camera such that the center of gravity of the camera is aligned with the diameter of the circular arc of the sled runners and the vertical axis of the tilt and pan drive shafts.

Abstract: A panoramic device includes a base member having a flat lower surface suitable to be supported by a tripod. A clamp member has a flat upper surface rotatably interconnected within a single plane of rotation with the base that includes a first rotatable knob to selectively inhibit the rotation of the clamp member with respect to the base. The flat upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the flat upper surface. The clamp includes a pair of opposed surfaces suitable to detachably secure a camera thereto. The one of the opposed surfaces is maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to the clamp member. The other one of the opposed surfaces is in a movable relationship with respect to the clamp member using a second rotatable knob. The first knob and the second knob are rotatably connected with respect to one another. The panoramic device includes a level bubble visible on an upper surface at a location exterior to the central region of the clamp.

Abstract: A display device comprises a housing, an image capture device and a screen mounted to the housing. A drive platform is mounted to the housing. The drive platform comprises: a rotatable part to which the image capture device is mounted; a stationary part having a chamber to receive the rotatable part and a capture window to expose the image capture device; and at least one piezoelectric motor which rotates the rotatable part to pan and tilt the image capture device within the capture window.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for boresighting a device with respect to a fixed position and/or a boresight of another device. Typical devices include various types of cameras, firearms and/or antennas. The apparatus includes a first plate and a second plate movable with respect to each other and a fixed location by a pivot rod. The first plate and the second plate are locked with respect to each other by at least one fastener. The apparatus includes adjustment of the pitch angle and the yaw angle of the device. This invention also relates to a method of boresighting a device with respect to the boresight of a second device.

Abstract: A camera mount securely attaches to a variety of mounting surfaces and holds a motion activated camera in a desired position. The camera mount permits the camera mount to positioned as desired on the mounting the mounting bracket which has a camera plate pivotally attached thereto.

Abstract: A free-standing assembly maintains an optical device at a location spaced from a stand assembly supporting surface. The stand assembly comprises an elongated rail member having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of sides, leg support members each including a transverse centerline and two outer distal end sections each having an angled planar surface for mounting a leg member. A novel mechanism fixes each leg support member to a side of the elongated rail member and in a direction transverse to the rail member longitudinal axis. A plurality of leg members each has one end thereof mounted to the angled planar surface for projecting outwardly from an outer distal end of the leg support members. Another novel mechanism supports the optical device at a selected location on another side of the rail member and includes a mechanism for movably mounting the optical device along the elongated rail member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a miniature tripod assembly adapted to mount to the bottom of a camera, or other device, and to be small enough to fit within the profile of the device. The miniature tripod assembly may use ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping. In some embodiments, device may use flexible and extendable legs.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a device for securing an object to a mountable surface. The device is configured to face the object secured thereto in any direction up to 360 degrees about the mountable surface. The device comprises a mating surface securable to the mountable surface via a tamper proof locking means and a support attached to the mating surface that is operationally configured to secure the object thereto.

Abstract: As one of the examples, one of the main features is that the setup is small enough that it can live with the camera full-time, and carried around by the user. The legs fold into a very compact size that fit within the footprint of the camera, used for any type camera, e.g. compact point-and-shoot camera, camera phone, or SLR camera. The tripod can then live unnoticed on the bottom of the camera, until a shot requiring a tripod is needed. Then, the legs can be deployed to act as a firm stand. Another one of the main features of this tripod is that all the legs do not share a common end-point or pivot-point. This allows the legs to form a very wide stable platform, even when they are short. In general, for N legs, some legs may have common end-points or pivot-points, but not for all N legs. (N is a positive integer, greater or equal to 3.) This invention can be applied to any camera (e.g.

Abstract: A multi-functional device and transport apparatus that includes a telescoping spine mechanism. The device further includes a selectively extendable axle mechanism that is operatively secured to the spine mechanism. A plurality of wheels are rotatably secured to the axle mechanism. The axle mechanism may be selectively extended to effectively increase a width of the multi-function device and transport apparatus to stabilize the apparatus.

Abstract: A webcam assembly includes a webcam head and a support. The support has an arm, a base, and a tail. The arm and tail are pivotably connected to a rear end of the base. The webcam head is connected to the base and the tail through the arm. The support has a clamp form in which the tail has a pivot position away from the base and the arm has a pivot position adjacent to said base. The support also has a stand form in which the tail has a pivot position adjacent to the base and the arm has a pivot position away from the base.

Abstract: A camera mount including an adjustable bracket for securement to a tree trunk. The bracket has a base portion for engaging a tree trunk. A carrier portion is pivotally fastened to the base portion for movement around a first horizontal axis. A pivot portion is pivotally fastened to the carrier portion for movement around a second horizontal axis being oriented at right angles to the first horizontal axis. A tree trunk-encircling belt extends through a passageway in the base portion. A hinged support arm extends outwardly from the bracket and is pivotally fastened to the pivot portion.

Abstract: In an imaging device 100, as a base 110 is moved from a certain position on an upper side of an imaging area SA to a different position on a left side of the imaging area SA, a camera head 150 is pivotally rotated together with a head-side arm 160 relative to a second arm 132. Such combination of the movement of the base 110 with the pivotal rotation of the camera head 150 changes the operation mode of the imaging device 100 from a first working mode to a second working mode and enables the imaging device 100 to take images in the second working mode.

Abstract: The invention is a camera holder, comprising an upper rigid element adapted for suspension from a substantially horizontal strap or belt and a lower rigid element with a substantially circular portion and a substantially rectangular portion, the substantially rectangular portion further comprising a coupling means adapted to enable flexible coupling of the lower rigid element to the upper rigid element. According to the invention, a coupling means of the lower rigid element allows it to alternatively be positioned substantially parallel to or substantially perpendicular to the upper rigid element, so that the lower rigid element, when positioned substantially perpendicular to the upper rigid element, is capable of supporting the weight of a camera or similar portable device. The diameter of the substantially circular portion of the lower rigid element is sufficiently large to permit passage of lenses or similar appurtenances of a camera or similar portable device.