Column attachment

Abstract

A column attachment having an abutment, a platform, a tension member, and a securing element that are used to provide a stable support for a device. The tension member secures the platform to the abutment. The securing portion is able to slide along a slot defined in the platform. The securing portion is able to attach to devices, like total stations, and secure them to the platform.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 an abutment comprising one or more projections;   a center tension member, engaged with the abutment;   a periphery tension member, engaged with the abutment;   a platform comprising a slot a curved slot, and an aperture; and   a securing element comprising a securing portion;   wherein the periphery tension member extends through the curved slot, the center tension member extends through the aperture, and the securing element is able to slide along the slot.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each of the center tension member and the periphery tension member comprise an adjustable clamping lever. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the abutment further comprises one or more strap accepting sections. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a lower support element and a lower tightening member; wherein the lower tightening member extends through the lower support element and is engaged with the abutment. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a lower support element and one or more brackets, wherein the one or more brackets extend from the lower support element toward the platform. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the lower support element comprises a base and an arm extending from the base, and the one or more brackets are connected to the arm. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the securing element further comprises a gripping portion and a neck, and the neck is sized so that it can move through the slot. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus comprising:
 an abutment;   a platform defining a slot and a curved slot;   a securing element comprising a neck;   a periphery tension member;   wherein the platform is adjacent to the abutment, the neck is configured to slide along the slot, and the periphery tension member extends through the curved slot and secures the platform to the abutment.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising a lower support element and a lower tightening member, wherein the lower tightening member secures the lower support element to the abutment. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising a brace connecting the lower support element to the platform, wherein the lower support element is configured to rotate relative to the abutment. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the abutment comprises two projections extending from a center portion, and the two projections define an angle. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the platform further defines a through hole in communication with the slot, the securing element further comprises a threaded securing portion, and the through hole has a thread that corresponds with the threaded securing portion.