Aerial photography mount

Abstract

An aerial photography mount that features a three-axis gimbal unit that is supported between two posts by elastic straps. Each of the axes rotates within precision bearings that enable smooth operation of a camera secured to the mount. The elastic straps, in conjunction with independently rotating bearings at the end suspension assemblies, provide a enhanced vibration isolation effect. The mount can be further stabilized by the attachment of gyroscopic stabilizers.

I claim: 
     
       1. A photography mount for stabilizing a camera, the mount comprising:
 a gimbal assembly configured to provide rotation about first, second, and third axes of rotation that are substantially perpendicular to each other, said gimbal assembly further comprising:
 a central gimbal frame having an inner face and an outer face; 
 a vertical post assembly further comprising a top member that is fixedly linked to a bottom member, said vertical post assembly having at least one first axis bearing engaged with a middle member and either the top member or the bottom member to enable said top member and said bottom member to rotate together about the first axis of rotation; 
 said middle member mounted to the inner face of a central gimbal frame by opposing side posts that are connected to second axis bearings to enable said vertical post assembly to rotate about the second axis of rotation; 
 said outer face of the central gimbal frame mounted to two opposing end suspension assemblies having engagement to third axis bearings to enable said central gimbal frame to rotate about the third axis of rotation; 
 said top member of the vertical post assembly having an equipment attachment element; whereas 
 
 said gimbal assembly is suspended between elastic straps having first and second ends, with said first ends connected to said end suspension assemblies. 
 
     
     
       2. The photography mount of  claim 1  further comprising attachment points to which the second ends of said elastic straps are connected. 
     
     
       3. The photography mount of  claim 2  further comprising upright posts to which the attachment points are connected. 
     
     
       4. The photography mount of  claim 3  in which said attachment points are selectively and independently positionable on said upright posts. 
     
     
       5. The photography mount of  claim 4  in which said upright posts are mounted on a cross rail. 
     
     
       6. The photography mount of  claim 5  in which said upright posts are selectively positional on said cross rail. 
     
     
       7. The photography mount of  claim 6  in which said cross rail is selectively positional on at least one bottom rail. 
     
     
       8. A photography mount for stabilizing a camera, the mount comprising:
 a gimbal assembly configured to provide rotation about first, second, and third axes of rotation that are substantially perpendicular to each other, said gimbal assembly further comprising:
 a central gimbal frame having an inner face and an outer face; 
 a vertical post assembly further comprising a top member that is fixedly linked to a bottom member, said vertical post assembly having at least one first axis bearing engaged with a middle member and either the top member or the bottom member to enable said top member and said bottom member to rotate together about the first axis of rotation; 
 said middle member mounted to the inner face of a central gimbal frame by opposing side posts that are connected to second axis bearings to enable said vertical post assembly to rotate about the second axis of rotation; 
 said outer face of the central gimbal frame mounted to two opposing end suspension assemblies having engagement to third axis bearings to enable said central gimbal frame to rotate about the third axis of rotation; 
 said top member of the vertical post assembly having an equipment attachment element; 
 said bottom member of the vertical post assembly having a gyroscope stabilizer attachment element; whereas 
 
 said gimbal assembly is suspended between elastic straps having first and second ends, with said first ends connected to said end suspension assemblies. 
 
     
     
       9. The photography mount of  claim 8  further comprising attachment points to which the second ends of said elastic straps are connected. 
     
     
       10. The photography mount of  claim 9  further comprising upright posts to which the attachment points are connected. 
     
     
       11. The photography mount of  claim 10  in which said attachment points are selectively and independently positionable on said upright posts. 
     
     
       12. The photography mount of  claim 11  in which said upright posts are mounted on a cross rail. 
     
     
       13. The photography mount of  claim 12  in which said upright posts are selectively positionable on said cross rail. 
     
     
       14. The photography mount of  claim 13  in which said cross rail is selectively positionable on at least one bottom rail. 
     
     
       15. The photography mount of  claim 8  in which the first axis bearing, second axis bearings, and third axis bearings are ball bearings. 
     
     
       16. A photography mount for stabilizing a camera, the mount comprising:
 a gimbal assembly configured to provide rotation about first, second, and third axes of rotation that are substantially perpendicular to each other, said gimbal assembly further comprising:
 a central gimbal frame having an inner face and an outer face; 
 a vertical post assembly comprising a top member that is fixedly connected to a bottom member by a connecting member passing within an opening in a middle member, with said connecting member positioned within the inner race of a first vertical post bearing that engages the top member and middle member and the inner race of a second vertical post bearing that engages the bottom member and the middle member, so as to enable said top member and said bottom member to rotate in unison about a first axis of rotation; said middle member mounted to the inner face of a central gimbal frame by opposing side posts that are connected to second axis bearings to enable said vertical post assembly to rotate about the second axis of rotation; 
 said outer face of the central gimbal frame mounted to two opposing end suspension assemblies having engagement with third axis bearings to enable said central gimbal frame to rotate about the third rotation axis between the end suspension assemblies; 
 said top member of the vertical post assembly having an equipment attachment element; and  
 said bottom member of the vertical post assembly having a gyroscope stabilizer attachment element; 
 
 said gimbal assembly suspended between elastic straps having first and second ends, with said first ends connected to said end suspension assemblies and said second ends of said elastic straps connected to attachment points that are selectively and independently positionable on upright posts; and whereas 
 said upright posts are mounted in a selectively positionable manner on a cross rail and said cross rail is connected in a selectively positionable manner on at least one bottom base member. 
 
     
     
       17. The photography mount of claim 1 in which a counterweight element is attached to said bottom member.