WO1997017569A1 - Supporting assembly for a sound recording boom - Google Patents

Abstract

A supporting assembly for a sound recording boom (5), including a stay (2) for supporting the boom (5), a member (3) for fitting to the waist of a user (P) to receive the lower portion of the stay (2), and a shoulder belt (6). Said shoulder belt (6) comprises a loop (63) forming a guide sheath for the stay (2) inserted therein, and the upper end of the stay (2) is provided with a cradle (4) for supporting the boom.

Description

 SUPPORT ASSEMBLY OF A SOUND TAKE POLE

The present invention relates to a support assembly for a sound recording pole.

Generally, the sound recorders who work in the cinema or television environment record the words of the people filmed, by positioning a microphone close to the head of these people, but outside the field of action of the camera.

For this, they use a telescopic pole which they support using their two arms, and at the end of which is fixed the microphone.

In the case of long-term sound recording, muscle fatigue can cause tension which is transmitted, in the form of parasitic noise, to the microphone through the pole.

This muscular fatigue can cause chronic diseases, such as tendonitis.

In addition, it is particularly difficult to remain immobile for a long time with the pole at arm's length. The slightest movement can then be the source of a visible shadow in the field of the camera and due to the displacement of the pole, or of an inaccuracy in the location of the microphone.

The sound recorders carry on the shoulder a tape recorder, of which it is important, especially during interviews, to control and adjust the modulation levels. Since the person has both hands busy supporting the pole, it is not possible for him to make such adjustments.

Some operators place the pole resting on their head or wedge its free end under one of their arms. Although this way of proceeding momentarily frees a hand, it is easily understood that this is done at the expense of the quality of the positioning of the pole.

To overcome these drawbacks, means have been proposed for supporting a sound recording pole.

Thus, document US-A-2 366 950 (WRIGHT) discloses a pole support intended for fixed sound recordings. This support comprises a tripod and a mast at the upper end of which are provided means for adjusting and fixing a pole. The adjustment means consist of three rollers arranged in staggered rows and between which it is possible to adjust the position of the pole longitudinally. Once this adjustment has been made, the boom is immobilized by locking it using a knurled button combined with a stirrup-shaped element. These devices are carried by a plate, the inclination of which can be varied relative to the horizontal. Such a system was used in the past due to the high weight of microphones of the time. However, it does not allow the pole to be moved during a sound recording

If you want to move the rotating pole around its axis, it is necessary to unlock it. This maneuver, as well as its installation on the support, can only be carried out with two people, under penalty of seeing the pole fall to the ground

This support therefore does not resolve in πen the drawbacks exposed above, related to the maintenance of a pole at arm's length. In document US-A-5454042 (DREVER) is described a support assembly for a sound pπse pole which comprises a support mast with damping system, an element for receiving the lower part of the mast capable of being fixed to the level of the size of an operator, and a baudπer

The receiving element is, in practice, fixed to the operator's belt and the harness, slung around one of his shoulders, is attached to said belt. Its only function is to distribute it over the whole of the person's chest efforts taken at mast level

The pole, provided telescopic, forms with the mast an integral block. In addition, it is articulated there. Therefore, the installation of said assembly can only be easily carried out if 1 Operator is assisted by another person.

As shown particularly in FIG. 15 of this document, the assembly includes a handle system, pulleys and cables which make it possible to adjust

1'oπentatιι of the microphone To do this, while one hand is busy gripping the free end of the pole to counterweight, the other hand grips the handle to adjust the microphone orientation.

Apart from this situation, this system often requires the use of two hands to maintain the whole. This is particularly the case when the pole is moved forward. In this case, and when a long pole is used, the muscular effort required to prevent the pole from tipping forward can be significant. It is all the greater as the weight of the pulley placed at the end of the pole is added to the weight of the microphone.

The relatively large weights of the damping systems and pulleys, associated with a relative fragility due to the use of cables and pulleys, limit the use of this type of support to work in the studio, or for the cinema. Finally, the length adjustment of the pole can only be carried out after having detached it from the mast, which is relatively tedious The object of the present invention is to provide a pole support assembly, of the same general type as that disclosed in document US-A-5454042, but which does not have the drawbacks thereof.

In other words, the object of the present invention is to propose a pole support assembly which can be put in place very quickly by the operator himself without having recourse to external assistance and which allows him to ensure the positioning, adjusting and holding the pole with one hand, even when the support mast must occupy an oblique position, aiming to tilt the pole forward and down. It also aims to provide an easy-to-use, light and space-saving system

It is therefore an assembly which comprises a support mast for said pole, an element for receiving the lower part of the mast capable of being fixed at the waist of an operator, as well as a baudπer. It is characterized by the fact that said baudπer comprises a sheath forming loop, inside which the mast is slid and by the fact that the upper end of the mast is provided with a support cradle for the pole.

By the term "cradle" is meant a part on which the sound pole can be freely placed and from which it can be easily removed, without resorting to any retaining means which it would be necessary to unlock, move or disconnect

In this way, the support mast is retained and guided in two places, respectively at its lower part on the receiving element and by the harness of the harness. It is therefore no longer necessary to retain the pole using with both hands, since the mast then constitutes a stable support for it

In addition, the pole being simply supported on the cradle, it is very easy to adjust its fulcrum on said cradle

Furthermore, according to other advantageous but non-limiting characteristics. - Said cradle consists of a étπer in the general shape of "U", between the wings of which extend support means of the pole;

- Said means consist of a hoop-shaped element;

- said hoop-shaped element is articulated on the wings of said étπer,

- Said hoop-shaped element is provided with at least two idle rollers in rotation and with parallel axes, the spacing between the generators closest to these rollers being less than the diameter of the pole, so that it can be placed resting on these rollers, at the level of the space which separates them; - Said rollers include a damping coating;

- said bracket is provided for rotationally mobile about the longitudinal axis of the mast,

- Said baudπer comprises at least one elastically deformable part; - Said baudπer includes a damping pad.

- Said element for receiving the lower part of the mast has the general shape of a clamp capable of being placed, from top to bottom, on the belt of an operator;

- Said receiving element comprises a stud capable of being engaged inside the hollow end of the mast, which ensures its longitudinal retention while playing the role of a ball joint.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment. This description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a diagram showing a sound pπse operator who carries the assembly of the present invention and which supports a pole using one hand;

- Figures 2 and 3 are front and top views of the cradle which forms part of said assembly, a pole being shown partially in Figure 3, in place on said cradle; - Figure 4 is a perspective view of the receiving element of the lower part of the pole for supporting the pole;

- Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the baudπer, with its pad and its mast retaining loop;

- Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the assembly of the invention, supporting a pole.

The pole support assembly according to the present invention essentially comprises a mast 2, an element 3 for receiving the lower part of the mast 2, a baudπer 6, as well as a support cradle 4 for the pole

A microphone 7 is shown at the end of the pole 5 and is connected by a wire 70 to a tape recorder 8.

The support mast 2 consists of a cylindπque rod made for example of metal or plastic. In the embodiment of Figure 6, this mast is formed of three telescopic hollow sections 20, 21 and 22 between which are mounted stop pieces 23 of known type, quarter turn. In this way, it is possible to adjust the length of the mast 2 as desired.

Of course, in another embodiment, the mast can be provided in a single section of predetermined length This mast is provided hollow at least at its lower part to allow it to be engaged, as will be seen later in the description, in a receiving element 3

The upper end of the mast 2 carries a cradle 4 for supporting the pole, more particularly visible in Figures 2 and 3

This cradle is essentially formed by a étπer 40 in the general shape of "U" and an articulated arch 41.

The étπer consists of a flat metal rod, which has a flat base 400 and two wings 401. The free ends 402 of the wings extend substantially perpendicular to the base 400, while the remaining part is slightly curved. This shape makes it look like the etner to the frame of an ancient lyre.

At the two ends 402 of the wings 401 are provided small openings 403, the general axis YY 'of which is parallel to the plane which contains the base 400. In addition, the base 400 comprises, in its intermediate part, an opening 404 for the establishment of the threaded part 431 of a fastening element 430 at the upper end of the mast. Note that this element has grooves preventing its rotation about the longitudinal axis of said mast, after installation on the latter. In another embodiment, the fastening element 430 can be glued to the mast.

The arch 41 is a flat part, which has a general shape of an arc of a circle, of concavity turned towards the outside, that is to say towards the top of FIG. 2 It is made of a material allowing avoid any noise-generating friction between it and dampening it. This is why it is preferably made of plastic. The arch comprises at its free ends 410 a small axis 411 rotatably mounted in the holes 403 of the étπer 40. Two thirds of its length are provided two parts bulges 412 in which are formed openings 413. They ensure the passage and retention of axes 422. They are provided fixed relative to the arch and comprise at their ends rollers 42 mounted idle in rotation. The same axis 422 carries two rollers 42 arranged on either side of the arch. We are therefore dealing with two pairs of rollers 42 with a parallel axis of rotation ZZ 'generally perpendicular to the pivot axis YY' of the arch 41 and to the longitudinal axis XX 'of the pole support mast. In another embodiment, the axes are in one piece with the arch.

The rollers are for example made up of a plastic core 420 whose periphery is equipped with a coating of polyurethane foam or of another elastic and shock absorbing material. Preferably, a non-slip material is also used. Means allowing rotation of the rollers without significant friction can be used (ball bearings, grease, etc.).

Finally, small stop plugs 423 prevent the rollers from separating from the axes 422. It will be noted that the spacing between the generators closest to two neighboring rollers 42 is provided for less than the diameter of the sound recording pole. . In this way, and as shown in Figure 3, the pole can be simply placed in balance between the rollers and supported by them. We will return to this aspect later in this description. In another embodiment not shown, the arch 41 and the associated rollers 42 can be replaced by an elastically deformable piece such as a support strap, which is fixed to the free ends of the stirrup.

The receiving element 3 of the lower part of the mast 2 is more particularly shown in FIG. 4. It is for example a part made for example from molded plastic.

It comprises a generally flat rear plate 30 but the lower end of which is bent forward, and a front rod 31 which extends generally parallel and at a distance from the plate 30. They are joined at their upper part by a joining part 37 so that the assembly constitutes a clamp in the shape of an inverted "U".

A small lug 300 protrudes towards the front of the plate 30, in its curved lower part.

The lower end of the rod 31 continues with a generally horizontal solid base 34 which carries a small cylindrical rod 35 with, at its upper end, a stud 36 of generally spherical shape. The diameter of the rod 35 is provided for less than that of the stud.

As shown in Figure 4, the element 3 can be placed on the belt C of an operator by an up and down movement symbolized by the arrow f.

The element is then located with the plate 30 disposed at the rear of the belt while the rod 35 with its associated stud 36 is directly accessible, at the front of this belt.

Unless the plate 30 and rod 31 are deliberately separated from one another, the lug 300 forms a stop which opposes the removal of the element 3 from the belt, when this element comes to be moved, towards the top, in the opposite direction of the arrow f. There can therefore be no untimely separation.

As already said above, at least the lower part of the mast 2 is hollow and its end is closed by a plug 24 provided with a central opening 240. This the stopper is for example made of plastic and the diameter of the opening 240 is provided slightly less than the diameter of the stud 36.

In doing so, it is possible to force-engage the lower end of the mast 2 in the direction of the arrow f on the stud 36 until the latter penetrates inside the mast. Once this operation has been carried out, the stud ensures the longitudinal retention of the mast and acts as a ball joint, which means that the mast can occupy a large number of different directions relative to the receiving element 3 (double arrow a, figure 6). Furthermore, this assembly allows the mast 2 to rotate about its longitudinal axis XX '. Finally, the assembly according to the invention comprises a harness 6 which consists of a strap 60 intended to be placed, as shown in Figure 1, as a strap around a shoulder.

This strap, preferably adjustable in length to adapt to different morphologies, is for example made from a weaving of synthetic fibers. In a particularly preferred manner, it comprises at least one elastically deformable section, as is symbolized by the double arrow g in FIG. 5.

This strap has a first loop 61 which traps a cushion 62 for damping, the function of which will be explained below.

It also includes a second loop 63 forming a guide sleeve, which provides a space E in order to be able to slide the mast 2 previously described therein.

It is preferably also provided elastically deformable.

Referring to Figure 1, the assembly according to the present invention is put in place as follows.

The operator begins by installing the element 3 for receiving the lower part of the mast 2 by snapping it up and down on his belt C. If he is right-handed he will place it on his right side while he is left-handed, he will place it on his left side. This operation is quickly carried out since it consists simply in sliding the element 3 at the level of the belt. The lug 300 then forms a ramp which facilitates this positioning. In a second step, he grabs the harness and puts it over the shoulder so that the shock absorber pad 62 comes to rest against his chest. He will of course have taken care to position the harness on the same side as element 3.

He then takes hold of the mast 2 which he threads into the loop 63 and which he positions on the stud 36 of the element 3. He is then ready to set up the sound catch pole 5 on the cradle 4. It should be noted that these operations can be carried out by the operator himself. even without resorting to outside help, and in a minimum time, of the order of a few seconds.

The positioning of the pole is done simply by grasping it with the two hands and making it rest on the rollers 42 of the stirrup 40. It comes to position correctly and automatically between the rollers. This self-centering always keeps the center of gravity of the pole exactly above the axis of the tube, whatever the movement of the pole.

According to the positioning and the orientation which one wishes to give to the microphone 7, it is possible to rotate the pole respectively around the axes X X ', YY', and ZZ '(see FIG. 6).

These movements are authorized without any friction due to the damping coating of the rollers. In addition, one can for example put the pole on its support during a sound recording or remove it, without causing a shock, which gives great flexibility of work. The support also allows the sound recorder to stay in the same working position for a long period of time by standing still or moving, and without causing any fatigue or any boom noise.

The adjustment of the support point of the pole on the cradle is easy and can be modified, in particular to adapt the counterweight produced by the operator's arm according to the weight of the microphone and the length of the pole. It is a very light assembly, the installation of which is flexible and rapid, which allows it to be carried everywhere with you, in particular by plane, in the mountains or on a boat. It is therefore as well suited for cinema as for lighter video shoots.

The pad 62 which equips the harness has the function of protecting the torso of the operator when the mast 2 is in abutment against him.

It should be noted that the buckle 63 of the harness and the element 3 make it possible to hold the mast in place and to ensure its guiding in a substantially vertical position, without the pole being yet positioned therein, so that the sound engineer can set it up comfortably, taking all of his time. When the pole is positioned, the elasticity of the strap 60 and the pad 62 then allows movement from front to back, without having to use the second hand, which gives it great comfort of use.

Claims

1. Support assembly for a pole of sound pπse, which comprises a mast (2) for supporting said pole (5), an element (3) for receiving the lower part of the mast (2) able to be fixed at the size of an operator (P), as well as a baudπer (6), characterized by the fact that said baudπer (6) comprises a loop (63) inside which the mast is slid ( 2) and forming a guide sleeve, and by the fact that the upper end of the mast (2) is provided with a cradle (4) for supporting the pole 2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said cradle (4) consists of an inner part (40) in the general shape of "U", between the wings (401) from which support means (41, 42) extend ) of the pole 3. Assembly according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said means consist of a hoop-shaped element (41) 4. Assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that said hoop-shaped element (41) is articulated on the wings (401) of said hoop (40) 5. Assembly according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the said arch-shaped element (41) is provided with at least two idle rollers (42) and with parallel axes, the spacing between the generatnces closer to these rollers (42) being mféπeur to the diameter of said pole (5), so that it can be placed in abutment on these rollers (42), at the space which separates them 6. Assembly according to Claim 5, characterized in that the said rollers (42) comprise a shock-absorbing coating (421) 7. Assembly according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said step (40) is provided for rotationally mobile about the longitudinal axis of the mast (2) 8. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said baudπer (6) comprises at least one elastically deformable part 9. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said baudπer (6 ) has a shock absorbing pad (62) 1 0. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said receiving element (3) of the lower part of the mast (2) has the general shape of a clamp capable of being put in place, from top to bottom, on the operator's belt (C) (P) 1 1. Assembly according to Claim 10, characterized in that the said receiving element (3) comprises a stud (36) capable of being engaged inside the hollow end of the mast (2), which ensures its longitudinal retention, while playing the role of a ball joint