AU2021106892A4 - Tripod - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible tripod assembly for mounting traffic signage and equipment, the tripod assembly comprising: a central column having three or more brackets located along an outer surface of the column, and three leg assemblies such that each leg assembly is positioned between spaced apart side walls in a corresponding bracket and configured to pivot between a collapsed closed position and extended open position within side walls of the bracket. 112 100 110 125 124 120 126 127 137 139 121 FIGURE 1

Description

100 110 125 124 120

126 127 137

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FIGURE 1

TRIPOD TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to a tripod assembly particularly well suited for

use in supporting traffic control equipment.

BACKGROUND

[002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to

be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of

the common general knowledge.

[003] Of major importance today, due to our society's dependence upon motorized

transportation, is the continuing construction, repair, and maintenance of freeways,

highways, and roads. Involved in all such construction, repair, and maintenance are

traffic signs and temporary traffic management equipment for placement on the

roadside ahead of the job site, where motorists can be warned of the presence of road

construction equipment, personnel, or hazardous conditions as they approach the

work site. To provide motorists with such notification or warning, it is necessary that

one or more traffic signs be displayed along the roadside, such signs being located

well in advance of the road construction or repair project.

[004] The use of conventional tripod stands for supporting traffic management

equipment is known. Typically, tripods include at least three pivotally mounted support

legs movable between open and closed positions. The support legs stabilize the tripod

in a vertical position and prevent movement of the traffic management equipment. The tripods often have telescopic legs or a telescopic center post to allow a user to adjust the height of the equipment being mounted on the tripod. The legs of the tripod pivot to the closed position whereby all three legs extend generally adjacent and parallel to one another.

[005] One problem with prior art tripods is the awkward process of pivoting the

support legs to the open position. Support legs must be moved to the open position,

telescopically adjusted to the proper height, and locked in place. Repeated

adjustments may be necessary on uneven ground, or if the user is uncertain that the

legs are properly adjusted. Simplified tripod bases can be opened more easily but

often scrape on the ground or surrounding objects. They also are prone to catch as

they fold open, or to open unevenly or in a position that isn't ready to bear weight,

especially on uneven ground or in tight quarters.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[006] In an aspect, the invention provides a collapsible tripod assembly for mounting

traffic signage and equipment, the tripod assembly comprising: a central column

having three or more brackets located along an outer surface of the column, and three

leg assemblies such that each leg assembly is positioned between spaced apart side

walls in a corresponding bracket and configured to pivot between a collapsed closed

position and extended open position within side walls of the bracket.

[007] In an embodiment, each leg assembly is structured to pivot between a plurality

of discrete extended open positions and the collapsed closed position.

:3

[008] In an embodiment, each of said discrete open positions the leg member is

oriented at a corresponding angular inclination relative to the central column.

[009] In an embodiment, each bracket comprises: a first channel for positioning the

leg assembly in the collapsed close position: a second channel for positioning the leg

assembly in at least one extended open position; and a pivoting arrangement

positioned in between the first and second channel.

[010] In an embodiment, the first channel extends in a direction that is substantially

parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the central column and wherein the second

channel extends in a transverse and preferably downwardly direction relative to the

longitudinal central axis of the central column.

[011] In an embodiment, side walls defining the second channel comprise a plurality

of slots for receiving engagement structures provided on the corresponding leg

assembly to retain a plurality of discrete extended open positions.

[012] In an embodiment, the tripod assembly further comprises a locking

arrangement for locking and retaining the engagement structures in the plurality in

each discrete open position.

[013] In an embodiment, the locking arrangement comprises a biasing member for

applying a resilient bias on the engagement structures and thereby retain said

engagement structure in at least one of said slots.

[014] In an embodiment, each leg assembly comprises a leg member with a hollow

configuration adapted to receive an attachment post for facilitating attachment of the

leg assembly with the bracket.

[015] In an embodiment, the engagement structure is coupled with the attachment

post such that axial movement of the attachment post along the length of the hollow

leg member in a direction away from the bracket results in the engagement structure

becoming uncoupled from one or more of said slots.

[016] In an embodiment, the biasing member is arranged to apply a biasing force to

oppose the axial movement of the attachment post.

[017] In an embodiment, the attachment post comprises a holding member projecting

outwardly from an elongate slot located along an outer wall of the leg member such

that movement of the holding member along the elongate slot of the leg member

effects movement of the attachment post in the axial direction resulting in the

engagement structure becoming uncoupled from the slots of the second channel.

[018] In an embodiment, in the collapsed closed position, the leg assembly extends

in a direction that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the central support

post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[019] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be

discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

Figure 1 is a frontal perspective view of the tripod assembly 100.

Figure 2 is a top view of the tripod assembly 100.

Figure 3 is a second frontal perspective view showing axis A-A.

Figure 4 is a sectional view of the leg assembly 130 along section A-A.

Figure 5A shows a closed or packed position of the tripod assembly 100.

Figures 5B to 5D show three different open positions of the tripod assembly 100.

Figure 6 shows multiple pivoting positions of the leg assemblies 130.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[020] Figures 1 to 6 illustrate a tripod assembly 100 that is suitable for use in

supporting equipment including but not limited to traffic management equipment. The

tripod assembly 100 comprises a collapsible configuration. The tripod assembly 100

comprises a central column 110 with a substantially cylindrical configuration with a

circular cross-section. However, the shape and configuration of the central post 110

is not limiting in any manner. Three brackets 120 are circumferentially arranged along

the outer wall of the central column 110. Each bracket 120 supports a pivotally coupled

leg assembly 130 that is configured to pivot (along pivot point 125) between a

collapsed closed position (best shown in Figure 5A) and a plurality of stable extended

open positions within side walls (shown in Figures 5B to 5D) of the bracket 120.

[021] Advantageously, the bracket 120 is structured to allow each leg assembly 130

to pivot between a plurality of discrete extended open positions and the collapsed

closed position as shown in Figure 6. In each of the discrete open positions the leg

assembly 130 is oriented at a corresponding angular inclination relative to the central

column 110. Figure 6 shows the leg assembly 130 being oriented at different angular

inclinations.

[022] Each bracket 120 comprises a first channel 124 for positioning the leg assembly

in the collapsed closed position: a second channel 126 for positioning the leg assembly

in the plurality of extended open positions. The pivoting arrangement in the form of the

pivot pin 125 is located in between the first and second channels 124 and 126 to allow

the leg assembly to easily pivot between the first channel 124 and the second channel

126. Both the channels 124 and 126 are bound by parallel and spaced apart side walls

127 that are sufficiently spaced apart for accommodating the leg assembly 130. The

first channel 124 extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal

central axis of the central column 110 and the second channel 126 extends in a

transverse and preferably downwardly direction relative to the longitudinal central axis

of the central column 110.

[023] The side walls 127 defining the first and second channels 124 and 126 include

a plurality of slots 123 located along an imaginary arc of an imaginary circle with a

centre point located substantially at the pivoting axis of the leg assembly 130. The

slots 123 are structured to receive engagement structures 121. A locking arrangement

(best illustrated in detail in Figure 4) is also provided for locking and retaining the

engagement structures in the plurality in each discrete open position. In the preferred embodiment, the locking arrangement comprises a biasing member 136 for applying a resilient bias on the engagement structures 121 and thereby retain the engagement structures 121 in at least one of said slots 123. As shown best in Figure 4, each leg assembly 130 includes a leg member 132 with a hollow configuration adapted to receive an attachment post 134 for facilitating attachment of the leg assembly 130 with the bracket 120. The engagement structure 121 is coupled with the attachment post

134 such that axial movement of the attachment post 134 along the length of the

hollow leg member 132 in a direction away from the bracket 120 results in the

engagement structure 121 becoming uncoupled from one or more of said slots 123.

[024] Advantageously, the biasing member 136 at one end is coupled with an upper

portion of the attachment post 134 and at an opposite end is coupled with the pivoting

arrangement 125 such that when the attachment post 134 undergoes the axial

movement away from the bracket, the biasing member 136 resists such movement.

As a result, in the absence of any force being applied on the attachment post 134, the

engagement structure 121 remains resiliently pushed and locked into one of the

plurality of slots 123. The attachment post 134 comprises a holding member 137

projecting outwardly from an elongate slot located along an outer wall of the leg

member such that movement of the holding member along the elongate slot 139 (See

Figures 1 and 4) of the leg member 132 which allows a user to grab the holding

member 137 and effect downward movement of the attachment post 134 in the axial

direction by overcoming the biasing force of the biasing member 136 ultimately

resulting in the engagement structure 121 becoming uncoupled from one of the slots

123 of the side walls of the bracket 120. For a user to change the angular orientation

of the leg assembly 130 by either pivoting the leg assembly 130 from one of the open

positions to the closed position or by pivoting the leg assembly 130 from the closed position to one of the open position or to pivot the leg assembly 130 from one open position to another open position, the user would need to grab the holding member

137 and push the holding member along the elongate slot 139 to overcome the biasing

force which then unlocks the leg assembly 130 (since the engagement structure 121

is dislodged from one of the slots 123) and allows the user to pivot the leg assembly

130 to a desired position.

[025] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language

more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and

its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of" is used throughout in an

inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[026] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown

or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting

the invention into effect.

[027] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within

the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in

the art.

Claims (13)

1. A collapsible tripod assembly for mounting traffic signage and equipment, the

tripod assembly comprising: a central column having three or more brackets located

along an outer surface of the column, and three leg assemblies such that each leg

assembly is positioned between spaced apart side walls in a corresponding bracket

and configured to pivot between a collapsed closed position and extended open

position within side walls of the bracket.

2. A collapsible tripod assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein each leg

assembly is structured to pivot between a plurality of discrete extended open positions

and the collapsed closed position.

3. A collapsible tripod assembly in accordance with claim 2 wherein in each of

said discrete open positions the leg member is oriented at a corresponding angular

inclination relative to the central column.

4. A collapsible tripod assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding

claims wherein each bracket comprises:

a first channel for positioning the leg assembly in the collapsed close position:

a second channel for positioning the leg assembly in at least one extended

open position; and

a pivoting arrangement positioned in between the first and second channel.

5. A collapsible tripod assembly in accordance with claim 4 wherein the first

channel extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal central

axis of the central column and wherein the second channel extends in a transverse

and preferably downwardly direction relative to the longitudinal central axis of the

central column.

6. A collapsible tripod assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding

claims 4 or 5 wherein side walls defining the second channel comprise a plurality of

slots for receiving engagement structures provided on the corresponding leg assembly

to retain a plurality of discrete extended open positions.

7. A collapsible tripod assembly in accordance with claim 6 further comprising a

locking arrangement for locking and retaining the engagement structures in the

plurality in each discrete open position.

8. A collapsible tripod assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein the locking

arrangement comprises a biasing member for applying a resilient bias on the

engagement structures and thereby retain said engagement structure in at least one

of said slots.

9. A collapsible tripod assembly in accordance with any one of claims 6 to 8

wherein each leg assembly comprises a leg member with a hollow configuration adapted to receive an attachment post for facilitating attachment of the leg assembly with the bracket.

10. A collapsible tripod assembly in accordance with claim 9 wherein the

engagement structure is coupled with the attachment post such that axial movement

of the attachment post along the length of the hollow leg member in a direction away

from the bracket results in the engagement structure becoming uncoupled from one

or more of said slots.

11. A collapsible tripod assembly in accordance with claim 10 wherein the biasing

member is arranged to apply a biasing force to oppose the axial movement of the

attachment post.

12. A collapsible tripod assembly in accordance with claim 10 or claim 11 wherein

the attachment post comprises a holding member projecting outwardly from an

elongate slot located along an outer wall of the leg member such that movement of

the holding member along the elongate slot of the leg member effects movement of

the attachment post in the axial direction resulting in the engagement structure

becoming uncoupled from the slots of the second channel.

13. A collapsible tripod assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding

claims wherein in the collapsed closed position, the leg assembly extends in a

direction that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the central support post.

2021106892

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FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2 2021106892

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FIGURE 3

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FIGURE 4

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FIGURE 5A FIGURE 5B

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FIGURE 5C FIGURE 5D

FIGURE 6