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Abstract

Most cameras have a tripod mounting hole in the bottom with a standard screw thread. All current tripods mount use a threaded fastener that screws into this hole and tightens the camera to a tripod or other auxiliary devices. Often, the tripod will mount a small intermediary part that can remain with the camera, but which allows the camera to be quickly removed from the tripod. This disclosure obviates the need for the intermediary part. Here are some of the main features and embodiments: 'Expanding Rubber Bung': A flexible elastomeric part or other material, that when tightened, expands in girth. 'Pivoting metal Christmas tree': Similar to the above concept, except that a hard material pivots out, to clamp the sides of the hole, once it has been easily inserted in its collapsed state. The following are some of the applications and examples of the current disclosure: cameras, video recorders, civil engineering equipment for leveling measurement or surveying, laser equipment for tracking, leveling calibration, or marking, optical equipment, astronomical equipment, telescopes, binoculars, lab equipment, or calibration equipment are some examples of tripod usage or similar setups, e.g. setups with more legs, different shapes, stands, supports, or foldable/mobile setups. Many other variations and extensions are also discussed in the specification and figures.

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First Claim