US20020162921A1 - Telescope support stand system - Google Patents
Telescope support stand system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020162921A1 US20020162921A1 US09/847,153 US84715301A US2002162921A1 US 20020162921 A1 US20020162921 A1 US 20020162921A1 US 84715301 A US84715301 A US 84715301A US 2002162921 A1 US2002162921 A1 US 2002162921A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support stand
- telescope
- stand system
- telescope support
- tube
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
- G02B23/16—Housings; Caps; Mountings; Supports, e.g. with counterweight
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/18—Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
- F16M11/24—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other
- F16M11/26—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other by telescoping, with or without folding
- F16M11/28—Undercarriages for supports with one single telescoping pillar
Definitions
- FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention in an extended position.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Telescopes (AREA)
Abstract
A telescope support stand system for side cutaway view of the present invention in the contracted position. The telescope support stand system includes a base that is permanently secured to a floor, a lower tube attached to the base, an upper tube slidably positioned about the lower tube, an elevating unit within the lower tube for elevating the upper tube, and a support plate attached to the upper tube for mounting a telescope thereto. The outer tube preferably includes a plurality of alignment plates for providing a reduced friction guide surface for sliding about the lower tube.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to telescope stands and more specifically it relates to a telescope support stand system for providing a convenient and stable support stand for a telescope.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- Telescope stands have been in use for years. Typically, a conventional telescope stand has one or more legs that support a telescope upon thereof. A commonly utilized telescope stand is comprised of a typical tripod structure. Many conventional telescopes are motorized for allowing accurate rotation thereof for allowing tracking of celestial objects. However, prior to installing the telescope upon the support stand the user must ensure that the support stand is polar aligned. This process must be repeated each time the user desires to utilize the telescope.
- Unfortunately, conventional telescope stands do not provide a stable system for adequately and conveniently supporting a telescope upon thereof. In addition, conventional telescope stands must constantly be realigned to ensure proper polar and horizontal positioning. Another problem with conventional telescope stands is that they are easily moved from external forces such as wind or an individual engaging the stand.
- Examples of patented devices which are illustrative of such prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 176,133 to Haworth; U.S. Pat. No. 3,828,694 to Nestler et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,752 to Rizzi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,353 to Watt; U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,277 to Bailey et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,323 to Garelick; U.S. Pat. No. 3,358,951 to Carter; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,196,881 to Davidson.
- While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for providing a convenient and stable support stand for a telescope. Conventional telescope stands do not provide a convenient and stable structure for telescopes.
- In these respects, the telescope support stand system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a convenient and stable support stand for a telescope.
- In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of telescope stands now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new telescope support stand system construction wherein the same can be utilized for providing a convenient and stable support stand for a telescope.
- The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new telescope support stand system that has many of the advantages of the telescope stands mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new telescope support stand system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art telescope stands, either alone or in any combination thereof.
- To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a base that is permanently secured to a floor, a lower tube attached to the base, an upper tube slidably positioned within the lower tube, an elevating unit within the lower tube for elevating the upper tube, and a support plate attached to the upper tube for mounting a telescope thereto. The outer tube preferably includes a plurality of alignment plates for providing a reduced friction guide surface for sliding about the lower tube.
- There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
- In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
- A primary object of the present invention is to provide a telescope support stand system that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.
- A second object is to provide a telescope support stand system for providing a convenient and stable support stand for a telescope.
- Another object is to provide a telescope support stand system that that does not need to be realigned after installation.
- An additional object is to provide a telescope support stand system that is simple and easy to permanently install.
- A further object is to provide a telescope support stand system that is not easily moved after installation.
- Another object is to provide a telescope support stand system that aids in astrophotography by eliminating vibrations and movements.
- A further object is to provide a telescope support stand system that allows for simple vertical adjustment.
- Another object is to provide a telescope support stand system that maintains proper polar alignment at various adjusted heights.
- Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.
- To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.
- Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
- FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention supporting a conventional telescope.
- FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention in an extended position.
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention in an extended position.
- FIG. 5 is a side cutaway view of the present invention in the contracted position.
- FIG. 6 is a side cutaway view of the present invention in the extended position.
- FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along line7-7 of FIG. 3.
- FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate a telescope
support stand system 10, which comprises abase 20 that is permanently secured to afloor 16, alower tube 30 attached to thebase 20, anupper tube 40 slidably positioned about thelower tube 30, anelevating unit 70 within thelower tube 30 for elevating theupper tube 40, and asupport plate 50 attached to theupper tube 40 for mounting atelescope 12 thereto. The outer tube preferably includes a plurality ofalignment plates 90 for providing a reduced friction guide surface for sliding about thelower tube 30. - As shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings, the
base 20 is comprised of a relatively flat structure that may be attached to various surfaces such as afloor 16. Thebase 20 may be attached to thefloor 16 utilizing various well-known attachment means such as but not limited tofasteners 22 and adhesives. Thebase 20 may be comprised of various structures, designs and materials as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art. - The
lower tube 30 is attached to an upper surface of thebase 20 as further shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings. Thelower tube 30 may have various lengths, widths and shapes as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art. Thelower tube 30 may be constructed by various means, however conventional extrusion methods are preferably utilized to construct thelower tube 30. - As shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings, the
upper tube 40 is formed to slidably surround thelower tube 30. It can be appreciated that theupper tube 40 may be formed to slidably fit within the lumen of thelower tube 30. As best shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings, thelower tube 30 and theupper tube 40 have angled corner sections that correspond to one another. In addition, thelower tube 30 and theupper tube 40 preferably have a similar cross sectional shape as further shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings. - As shown in FIGS. 5 through 7 of the drawings, a plurality of
alignment plates 90 are preferably attached within the inner corner surfaces of theupper tube 40 for slidably engaging the corresponding outer corner surface of thelower tube 30. Thealignment plates 90 are preferably constructed of a relatively low friction material such as but not limited to high density plastic. Thealignment plates 90 are preferably formed to provide a relatively snug fit about theupper tube 40 to reduce undesirable movement of theupper tube 40. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings, thealignment plates 90 are preferably constructed of an elongate structure to ensure complete contact with thelower tube 30. - As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings, a
support plate 50 is attached to the upper portion of theupper tube 40. Thesupport plate 50 is formed for securely mounting asupport housing 14 of atelescope 12 thereof as are commonly found within the industry. - As shown in FIGS. 5 through 7 of the drawings, an elevating
unit 70 is positioned within thelower tube 30. The elevatingunit 70 is mechanically attached to either theupper tube 40 or thesupport plate 50 for elevating and lowering theupper tube 40 with respect to thelower tube 30. The elevatingunit 70 is preferably comprised of amechanical actuator 72 with amotor 74 and apower cord 76. The elevatingunit 70 may be constructed of an electrical-mechanical or a pressurized air system as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings, acontrol unit 60 in communication with the elevatingunit 70 by acommunication cord 62 is provided for allowing control of the elevatingunit 70. - A product manufactured by LINAK (www.linak.com) entitled the DESKLINE system is considered relevant to the elevating
unit 70, thelower tube 30 and theupper tube 40 structure of the present invention and is incorporated herein by reference. The DESKLINE system is currently utilized for elevating desks, tables, kitchen units and even heavy-duty industrial workbenches. - An alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrating the
upper tube 40 slidably positioned within the lumen of thelower tube 30 with a plurality ofalignment rods 120 attached to thesupport plate 50 of theupper tube 40. Anupper plate 100 is attached to the upper portion of thelower tube 30 and includes a plurality ofsupport bearings 110 within for slidably receiving the plurality ofalignment rods 120 thereby maintaining proper alignment of theupper tube 40 andsupport plate 50 during operation of the present invention. - In use, the user first polar aligns the present invention. After the present invention is properly aligned, the
base 20 is permanently and non-movably secured to thefloor 16 or similar structure. The user then is able to manipulate the elevation of thetelescope 12 by manipulating thecontrol unit 60. If thetelescope 12 is desired to be elevated, theupper tube 40 is elevated by the elevatingunit 70 to the desired position with thealignment plates 90 sliding about the exterior surface of thelower tube 30. If thetelescope 12 is desired to be lowered, theupper tube 40 is lowered by the elevatingunit 70 to the desired position with thealignment plates 90 sliding about the exterior surface of thelower tube 30. This process continues while not requiring the user to realign the present invention nor thetelescope 12 over extended periods of time. - As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
- With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed to be within the expertise of those skilled in the art, and all equivalent structural variations and relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
- Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Claims (20)
1. A telescope support stand system for adjustably supporting a telescope, comprising:
a base;
a lower tube extending vertically from said base;
an upper tube slidably positioned about said lower tube;
a support plate attached to an upper end of said upper tube for mounting said telescope thereto; and
an elevating unit for manipulating a vertical position of said upper tube with respect to said lower tube.
2. The telescope support stand system of claim 1 , wherein said elevating unit includes a control unit.
3. The telescope support stand system of claim 2 , wherein said elevating unit is comprised of an electric actuator system.
4. The telescope support stand system of claim 2 , wherein said elevating unit is comprised of a pressurized air system.
5. The telescope support stand system of claim 1 , wherein said upper tube and said lower tube have a similar cross section shape.
6. The telescope support stand system of claim 5 , wherein said upper tube and said lower tube have rectangular shape with angled corners.
7. The telescope support stand system of claim 6 , including a plurality of alignment plates within an inner surface of said angled corners of said upper tube.
8. The telescope support stand system of claim 7 , wherein said alignment plates are comprised of a wear resistant and reduced friction material.
9. The telescope support stand system of claim 8 , wherein said alignment plates are formed to snugly engage said lower tube.
10. The telescope support stand system of claim 9 , wherein said alignment plates are comprised of a high density plastic.
11. A telescope support stand system for adjustably supporting a telescope, comprising:
a base;
a lower tube extending vertically from said base;
an upper tube slidably positioned about said lower tube;
a support plate attached to an upper end of said upper tube for mounting said telescope thereto;
an elevating unit for manipulating a vertical position of said upper tube with respect to said lower tube;
an upper plate attached to an upper portion of said lower tube;
a plurality of support bearings within said upper plate; and
a plurality of alignment rods attached to said support plate slidably extending within said support bearings for aligning said support plate and said upper tube.
12. The telescope support stand system of claim 11 , wherein said elevating unit includes a control unit.
13. The telescope support stand system of claim 12 , wherein said elevating unit is comprised of an electric actuator system.
14. The telescope support stand system of claim 12 , wherein said elevating unit is comprised of a pressurized air system.
15. The telescope support stand system of claim 11 , wherein said upper tube and said lower tube have a similar cross section shape.
16. The telescope support stand system of claim 15 , wherein said upper tube and said lower tube have rectangular shape with angled corners.
17. The telescope support stand system of claim 16 , including a plurality of alignment plates within an inner surface of said angled corners of said upper tube.
18. The telescope support stand system of claim 17 , wherein said alignment plates are comprised of a wear resistant and reduced friction material.
19. The telescope support stand system of claim 18 , wherein said alignment plates are formed to snugly engage said lower tube.
20. The telescope support stand system of claim 19 , wherein said alignment plates are comprised of a high density plastic.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/847,153 US20020162921A1 (en) | 2001-05-01 | 2001-05-01 | Telescope support stand system |
US10/360,476 US7048238B2 (en) | 2001-05-01 | 2003-02-05 | Telescope support stand system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/847,153 US20020162921A1 (en) | 2001-05-01 | 2001-05-01 | Telescope support stand system |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/360,476 Continuation-In-Part US7048238B2 (en) | 2001-05-01 | 2003-02-05 | Telescope support stand system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020162921A1 true US20020162921A1 (en) | 2002-11-07 |
Family
ID=25299905
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/847,153 Abandoned US20020162921A1 (en) | 2001-05-01 | 2001-05-01 | Telescope support stand system |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20020162921A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060169852A1 (en) * | 2005-01-18 | 2006-08-03 | Huan-Tsung Lin | Magnetic altitude adjusting mechanism |
US20080088703A1 (en) * | 2006-10-17 | 2008-04-17 | Keith Dollahite | System, method and apparatus for automatically tracking and recording objects |
US20090078167A1 (en) * | 2006-05-01 | 2009-03-26 | Kent Ellegaard | Electrically Adjustable Piece of Furniture |
USD684982S1 (en) * | 2010-08-11 | 2013-06-25 | Colebrook Bosson Saunders (Products) Limited | Display support with indicator window |
US9074721B2 (en) | 2010-06-09 | 2015-07-07 | Alex Lau | Support system |
US9316346B2 (en) | 2010-06-09 | 2016-04-19 | Colebrook Bosson Saunders (Products) Limited | Support system |
US9405173B1 (en) * | 2015-10-01 | 2016-08-02 | Polycom, Inc. | Retractable camera device |
-
2001
- 2001-05-01 US US09/847,153 patent/US20020162921A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060169852A1 (en) * | 2005-01-18 | 2006-08-03 | Huan-Tsung Lin | Magnetic altitude adjusting mechanism |
US7226024B2 (en) * | 2005-01-18 | 2007-06-05 | Nano Precision Corp. | Magnetic altitude adjusting mechanism |
US20090078167A1 (en) * | 2006-05-01 | 2009-03-26 | Kent Ellegaard | Electrically Adjustable Piece of Furniture |
US8522695B2 (en) * | 2006-05-01 | 2013-09-03 | Linak A/S | Electrically adjustable piece of furniture |
US20080088703A1 (en) * | 2006-10-17 | 2008-04-17 | Keith Dollahite | System, method and apparatus for automatically tracking and recording objects |
US9074721B2 (en) | 2010-06-09 | 2015-07-07 | Alex Lau | Support system |
US9316346B2 (en) | 2010-06-09 | 2016-04-19 | Colebrook Bosson Saunders (Products) Limited | Support system |
US9572269B2 (en) | 2010-06-09 | 2017-02-14 | Colebrook Bosson Saunders (Products) Limited | Support system |
USD684982S1 (en) * | 2010-08-11 | 2013-06-25 | Colebrook Bosson Saunders (Products) Limited | Display support with indicator window |
USD1005984S1 (en) | 2010-08-11 | 2023-11-28 | Colebrook Bosson & Saunders (Products) Limited | Indicator window for a display support |
US9405173B1 (en) * | 2015-10-01 | 2016-08-02 | Polycom, Inc. | Retractable camera device |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |