Device for pivoting an optical apparatus and a function carrier with the device, and a professional camera with a function carrier

{
  "publication_number": "US6252727B1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B1",
  "title": "Device for pivoting an optical apparatus and a function carrier with the device, and a professional camera with a function carrier",
  "abstract": "The arrangement comprises guide units (1) having an arcuate groove (4), a pivotal part (2) with arcuate slide runners (14) and means (6) for the adjustment of the width of the groove. In this way a self-locking can be achieved with simple means in advantageous manner. A function carrier for an objective carrier or an image carrier with this arrangement has the advantages of the omission of a setting device for the horizontal pivoting and the associated saving in weight and height in a plate camera and also a wobble-free pivoting of the objective frame and image frame.",
  "claims": [
    "1. An arrangement for pivoting an optical camera about an axis, comprising at least one guide unit including a body having an arcuate groove; a pivotal part having at least one arcuate section receivable in the groove and displaceable therealong relative to the body; and means for adjusting a width of the groove, wherein a clearance between the arcuate section and groove walls can be reduced to an extent such that the pivotal part after being pivoted in a predetermined pivotal position becomes self-locked in the predetermined pivotal position.",
    "2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the body of the guide unit is an elongate body with the arcuate groove being provided on one longitudinal side thereof and with a slot being provided on an opposite side thereof, and wherein the adjusting means comprises at least one adjusting screw extending through the slot and into the groove transverse to a longitudinal extent of the body for changing the groove width.",
    "3. An arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising another guide unit spaced from the at least one guide unit and including a body having an arcuate groove, and wherein the pivotal part is formed as an elongate body provided with two arcuate sections on opposite longitudinal sides thereof and engageable in the arcuate grooves of both guide units.",
    "4. A carrier, comprising two arrangements for pivoting an optical camera and each including at least one guide unit having a body having an arcuate groove; a pivotal part having at least one arcuate section receivable in the groove and displaceable therealong relative to the body; and means for adjusting a width of the groove, wherein a clearance between the arcuate section and groove walls can be reduced to an extent such that the pivotal part after being pivoted in a predetermined pivotal position becomes self-locked in the predetermined pivotal position, wherein the two arrangements are arranged in such a manner that pivot axes thereof cross each other.",
    "5. A carrier for an optical camera frame, comprising a frame holder, means for pivoting the holder with the frame about a vertical axis; and an arrangement for pivoting the frame about a horizontal axis and including at least one guide unit having a body having an arcuate groove; a pivotal part having at least one arcuate section receivable in the groove and displaceable therealong relative to the body; and means for adjusting a width of the groove, wherein a clearance between the arcuate section and groove walls can be reduced to an extent such that the pivotal part after being pivoted in a predetermined pivotal position becomes self-locked in the predetermined pivotal position, wherein the arrangement is disposed above the means for pivoting the frame about a vertical axis.",
    "6. A carrier according to claim 5, wherein the arrangement is located at least partially in the frame holder.",
    "7. A carrier according to claim 5, wherein the frame holder has a base portion, two limbs for adjustably holding the frame, and means for securing the frame in a selected position.",
    "8. A carrier according to claim 5, wherein the holder has a cut-out a center line of which intersects the vertical axis and extends transverse to the horizontal axis, and wherein one of the at least one guide unit and the pivotal part is arranged in the cut-out.",
    "9. A plate camera, comprising an objective or image frame; and frame carrier including a frame holder, means for pivoting the holder with the frame about a vertical axis; and an arrangement for pivoting the frame about a horizontal axis and including at least one guide unit having a body having an arcuate groove, a pivotal part having at least one arcuate section receivable in the groove and displaceable therealong relative to the body, and means for adjusting a width of the groove, whereby a clearance between the arcuate section and groove walls can be reduced to an extent such that the pivotal part after being pivoted in a predetermined pivotal position, becomes self-locked in the predetermined pivotal position, wherein the arrangement is disposed above the means for pivoting the frame about a vertical axis."
  ],
  "cpc": [
    "G03B 17/02"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "ARCA SWISS INTERNAT S A R L"
  ],
  "filing_date": "1999-10-18",
  "publication_date": "2001-06-26",
  "grant_date": "2001-06-26",
  "priority_date": "1999-10-18",
  "application_number": "US-42028899-A",
  "family_id": "23665872",
  "citations": [
    "CH213078A",
    "US4372609A",
    "US4783673A",
    "US5380062A",
    "US5809340A"
  ]
}