Recording device cage and method of use

Abstract

The device is designed to secure any camera or video device to a fixed object and allow for tilt and angle adjustments. The cage is unique such that it will allow for any size device to be held securely while maintain the attributes for camera alignment, yet provide access to the operator to access the capabilities of the device and do so while keeping the device secure from theft.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A cage designed to hold and secure a device such as a camera or other recording device for observation of an area comprising:
 an open cage with separable frame sections to permit access to an interior of the cage; the cage having a frame with frame members and a number of cross bars extending between frame members to define the interior, wherein a portion of the cross bars are moveable with respect to the frame to allow for different-sized devices to fit in the interior, the cross bars also creating sufficient interference that when the cage door is closed and the device is placed in the cage, the device cannot be removed from the interior;   means for mounting the device in the cage;   means for locking the frame sections together to prevent removal of the device in the interior of the cage; and   means for adjustably mounting the cage to a cage supporting structure.   
     
     
         2 . The cage of  claim 1 , wherein the means for locking the door includes mounts attached to the frame, each mount having an opening to receive a lock or securing rope. 
     
     
         3 . The cage of  claim 1 , wherein the means for adjustably mounting the cage comprises:
 plates mounted to the frame;   a ball and arm member assembly, wherein the plate is adapted to receive the ball to allow ball rotation and adjustment of the position of the cage with respect to the supporting structure, and the arm member extends from the ball as part of the mounting to the supporting structure,   
     
     
         4 . The cage of  claim 3 , wherein an arm of the arm assembly is mounted to a member, with the member adapted to be mounted to the supporting structure. 
     
     
         5 . The cage of  claim 1 , wherein the device mounting means comprises:
 a plurality of spring loaded bumpers mounted to the frame of the cage, the bumpers adapted to bias the device against portions of the cage to keep it in place.   
     
     
         6 . The cage of  claim 5 , wherein the spring loaded bumpers are mounted to cross bars of the cage. 
     
     
         7 . The cage of  claim 1 , wherein the frame sections comprise a frame section and a door hinged to the frame section, or two complementary frame sections that when fit together form the cage. 
     
     
         8 . A method of securely mounting a device such as a camera or other recording device in a cage comprising the steps of:
 providing the cage of  claim 1 ;   mounting the device in the interior of the cage; and   securing the cage to a supporting structure.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein an orientation of the cage is adjusted when securing the device to the supporting structure using the adjustable cage mounting means. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising adjusting the position of one of more of the moveable cross bars of the cage as part of the mounting step.