Panoramic camera mount

Abstract

A panoramic device includes a base member and a clamp member 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 upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the 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.

I/We claim: 
     
         1 . An integrated panoramic device comprising:
 (a) a base;   (b) a first clamp member secured for rotation to said base and comprising a first clamp surface rotatable about a single axis substantially normal to said base, said panoramic device being free from and incapable of said first clamp surface being rotatable about an axis other than said single axis substantially normal to said base;   (c) a second clamp member slidably secured to said first clamp member and movable by movement of a first member to approach said first clamp surface to clamp an article therebetween and movable by reversing movement of said first member to separate from said first clamp surface to release an article clamped between said first clamp surface and said second clamp member, said first member including a threaded shaft, said first member extending through said second clamp member, a terminal portion of said threaded shaft of said first member secured to said first clamp member;   (d) a second member that is rotatable to selectively impede relative rotation of said first clamp member and said base, said first clamp member rotatable through 360 degrees with respect to said base;   (e) a bias mechanism that includes two springs spaced apart from one another that biases said second clamp member away from said first clamp member, said threaded shaft positioned between said two springs.   
     
     
         2 . The panoramic device of  claim 1  further comprising a level bubble visible at an upper surface of said panoramic device. 
     
     
         3 . The panoramic device of  claim 1  wherein said clamp surface includes a plurality of different elevations. 
     
     
         4 . The panoramic device of  claim 1  wherein said base defines a curved peripheral edge. 
     
     
         5 . The panoramic device of  claim 4  wherein said base defines a curved exterior surface. 
     
     
         6 . The panoramic device of  claim 1  further comprising a level bubble visible from a location above said panoramic device. 
     
     
         7 . The panoramic device of  claim 1  further comprising said first clamp member defining a first curved peripheral surface. 
     
     
         8 . The panoramic device of  claim 7  further comprising said base defining a second curved peripheral surface. 
     
     
         9 . The panoramic device of  claim 1  further comprising said base defining a second curved peripheral surface. 
     
     
         10 . The panoramic device of  claim 1  wherein said first member is rotatable. 
     
     
         11 . The panoramic device of  claim 9  further comprising said first curved peripheral surface and said second curved peripheral surface are concentric with respect to one another. 
     
     
         12 . The panoramic device of  claim 11  further comprising said first curved peripheral surface and said second curved peripheral surface have the same diameter with respect to one another. 
     
     
         13 . The panoramic device of  claim 1  wherein each of said two springs is in pressing engagement with said first clamp member and said second clamp member. 
     
     
         14 . The panoramic device of  claim 1  wherein said shaft is equidistant between said two springs. 
     
     
         15 . The panoramic device of  claim 1  wherein said base member remains rotationally engaged with said first clamp member when said second member is removed from said panoramic device.