Tripods are indispensable for taking long-exposure shots; however, they are relatively bulky to carry around and may require several minutes to set up and adjust before taking a picture. The MonsterPod does not have telescopic legs, clamps, or straps that other standard tripods may use for set up. Instead, MonsterPod uses a patent pending viscoelastic morphing polymer, which can attach itself to a long list of materials, including, but not limited to, metal, wood, plastic, veneer, marble, Formica, cement, steel, brick, glass, tile, enamel, sheet rock, and topographic objects.
MonsterPod is reported to be able to hold a camera motionless in a horizontal, vertical, or upside down position. Standard tripods may be adjusted to hold a camera at any angle; however, a tripod itself cannot be mounted onto various surface types, and needs to be balanced and secure for proper use. The MonsterPod website indicates that this unit can be mounted onto a table, chair, wall, window, ceiling, rail, fire hydrant, light-post, parking meter, handrail, rock, or even a tree. With irregularly shaped objects, the Pod adheres to those surfaces by molding the viscoelastic base with your fingers until it conforms to the required shape. In addition, the base can be molded into a handle for a better grip on the compact camera.
MonsterPod is an elastic solid in the form of a viscoelastic polymer, contained within a neoprene membrane. The Pod is said to be non-toxic to children and pets and also free from solvents and harmful chemicals. It is made from three main elements: a viscoelastic morphing polymer base, a neoprene outer membrane and an internal semi-ridged metal and plastic base, and has a retail price of $29.99.
Pod’s polymer will not dry or harden over time, and while it may absorb dirt, sand, bark, or grime from surfaces it adheres to, it reportedly can be cleaned with a brush for thorough washing. Developed to provide a temporary mounting device for compact digital cameras, the Pod is designed to hold a camera, weighting 10 ounces or less, long enough to set the automated timer and take a picture. After several minutes, the Pod will begin to stretch from its location. According to the manufacturer “the MonsterPod only forms a “temporary” bond with other surfaces. Normally, it will provide one minute to one hour of stabilization, depending on the type of surface and degree of angle.” The Pod can be easily removed with a gentle tug and can be immediately molded to another surface for re-use.
TFOT covered another tripod story about the Quick-Pod, an extendable handheld tripod, as well as the development and use of new polymers such as those covered in “Polymer Electric Storage” and “New Strong Light and Stretchy Materials.”
