Tripod-Mounted Telescoping Camera Rig with Nested Track System and Counterweights

 

PUBLIC DISCLOSURE & TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

Title:

Tripod-Mounted Telescoping Camera Rig with Nested Track System and Counterweights

Inventor:

Samir Eltom

Date of Disclosure:

[Insert today’s date]

🔹 ABSTRACT:

This invention is a modular, tripod-mounted camera rig that allows extended horizontal movement of a mounted camera through a telescoping nested track system. The system consists of three linear tracks (Track C nested inside Track B, which is inside Track A), each equipped with upper and lower wheel sets for guided movement. Track A is mounted on a tripod, while Tracks B and C telescope laterally to produce up to 5 meters of camera movement. Each end of Track A features designated attachment points for counterweights (2.5–5 pounds) to stabilize the rig during operation. The system functions without floor rails, enabling compact and portable tracking shots for cinematic filmmaking.

🔹 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

1. Structure:

• Track A (Outer Track):

• Rigid frame, approximately 1.2 meters in width.
• Constructed from aluminum, carbon fiber, or reinforced composite.
• Mounted on a tripod or support stand.
• Internally supports the guided motion of Track B, using upper and lower wheel bearings or rollers.
• Equipped with counterweight attachment arms or hooks at both left and right ends, capable of holding weights from 2.5 to 5 pounds.

• Track B (Middle Track):

• Slightly narrower than Track A.
• Slides laterally inside Track A using a dual set of bearing wheels (top and bottom), enabling smooth guided motion.
• Internally houses Track C.

• Track C (Inner Track):

• Narrowest rail, lightweight and rigid.
• Mounts the camera directly on its top surface.
• Slides within Track B using similar upper and lower wheels, achieving fine movement control.
• Total combined lateral travel of Tracks B and C allows up to 5 meters of camera movement left to right.

2. Function:

• The operator can move the camera left or right by:
  
• Sliding Track C inside Track B for short-range motion.
• Sliding Track B inside Track A for mid-range extension.
• 
  
• No floor rails or dolly wheels are needed.
• Counterweights stabilize the system when the camera is extended to the far ends.

3. Optional Features:

• Locking clamps or magnetic stops at maximum extension points.
• Spirit level bubble and angle gauge built into Track A.
• Modular track extensions for customizable length.
• Motorized modules for automated sliding.
• Foldable tripod or mounting base.

🔹 CLAIMS (Suggested for Filing)

1. A camera rig comprising three nested linear tracks wherein:
   
• A narrowest track (Track C) slides within a middle track (Track B);
• The middle track (Track B) slides within an outer track (Track A);
• The outer track (Track A) is mounted on a tripod or fixed stand;
• The total lateral movement of the camera exceeds four meters without use of floor rails;
• Wherein the outer track includes designated attachment points for counterweights between 2.5 and 5 pounds.
2. 
   
3. The rig of claim 1, wherein each track moves via upper and lower wheel bearings or guided rollers.
4. The rig of claim 1, wherein the camera is mounted directly on the inner track (Track C).
5. The rig of claim 1, wherein the structure is collapsible and modular.
6. The rig of claim 1, wherein stabilizing legs or arms may be added to prevent tipping.
7. The rig of claim 1, wherein the counterweight attachments comprise rigid or pivoting arms, sleeves, or integrated hangers for sandbags or metal weights.