Devices and methods for leveling and orienting trail cameras

Abstract

Devices and methods are provided for leveling and orienting a trail camera mounted to a stationary object such as tree. For example, a device for leveling and orienting a trail camera includes a housing element comprising a first cavity and a second cavity formed in an upper surface of the housing element, a compass mounted in the first cavity of the housing element, wherein the compass is configured for use in directionally orienting the trail camera in a target direction, and a bubble level mounted in the second cavity of the housing element. The housing element includes at least one flat surface which is placed against a flat surface of a trail camera housing to determine a level position of the trail camera housing using the bubble level.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A trail camera comprising:
 a protective case;   a camera fixedly disposed within the protective case; and   at least one bubble level integrally disposed on or within a surface of the protective case;   wherein the at least one bubble level is configured to enable vertical leveling of the trail camera.   
     
     
         2 . The trail camera of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one bubble level is integrally disposed on or within a sidewall surface of the protective case. 
     
     
         3 . The trail camera of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one bubble level is integrally disposed on or within a front side surface of the protective case. 
     
     
         4 . The trail camera of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one bubble level is integrally disposed on or within an upper surface of the protective case. 
     
     
         5 . The trail camera of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one bubble level comprises a first bubble level that is integrally disposed on or within a sidewall surface of the protective case and a second bubble level that is integrally disposed on or within a front side surface of the protective case. 
     
     
         6 . The trail camera of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one bubble level comprises a first bubble level that is integrally disposed on or within a first surface of the protective case and a second bubble level that is integrally disposed on or within a second surface of the protective case, wherein the first and second bubble levels are disposed orthogonally to each other. 
     
     
         7 . The trail camera of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one bubble level comprises a circular bubble level disposed on or within an upper surface of the protective case. 
     
     
         8 . A trail camera comprising:
 a protective case;   a camera fixedly disposed within the protective case; and   a magnetic compass integrally disposed on or within a surface of the protective housing to provide directional orientation information with respect to viewing direction of the camera.   
     
     
         9 . The trail camera of  claim 8 , wherein the magnetic compass is disposed on or within an upper surface of the protective case.