AU763875B2 - Handle for tripods and the like - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: 'Handle for tripods and the like' The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: Documents received on: 0 .25 AU 2000 Batch No: FHPSYrFX\NATPfX)32n11N)I72910i 9 CE00372598.2 li, HANDLE FOR TRIPODS AND THE LIKE The present invention relates to a handle apparatus for carrying equipment having at least one adjustable leg assembly, such as a tripod or the like. The invention is especially suitable for carrying a tripod having a fluid head attached thereto. The present invention also relates to a combination of a handle apparatus and equipment having at least one adjustable leg assembly.

Tripods are widely used in the photographic, video, television and movie industries. In instances where the tripods carry cameras for filming moving pictures, such as video or television cameras, it is usual to affix a fluid head to the tripod and subsequently mount the camera on the fluid head. The fluid head is an intricate piece of S. equipment that is used to minimise jerkiness and bouncing in the picture. Fluid heads Sare expensive and quite heavy pieces of equipment. Tripods having fluid heads affixed thereto tend to have their centre of gravity located just below the fluid head.

The tripods to which fluid heads are typically attached have an upper platform with three leg assemblies attached thereto. Each of the adjustable leg assemblies comprise an upper leg and a lower leg. Connecting means connect the upper and lower legs. The connecting means is typically connected in a fixed manner to the lower leg.

The connecting means also slidably receives the upper leg. In order to adjust the leg assembly, the lower leg is moved downwardly and the connecting member slides down along the upper leg. A stop member positioned on the end of the upper leg prevents the connecting member from sliding off the upper leg. When the leg assembly is adjusted as desired, a holding means, such as a hand-activated cam, holds the leg assembly as desired.

In known tripods, it is common to provide each leg assembly with a pair of upper legs and a pair of lower legs. The connecting means slidably receives both of the upper legs and is fixedly attached to the lower legs, or vice versa. Other tripods have leg CE00372598.2 2 assemblies including a pair of upper legs and a single lower leg. Yet other tripods include leg assemblies in which one leg telescopically slides within another leg. Other tripods, known as 2-stage tripods, have first, second and third leg units with the first and second leg units being slidable relative to each other and the second and third leg units being slidable relative to each other.

Tripods can be awkward to carry, especially if a fluid head is attached thereto. In particular, the weight of the fluid head makes it difficult to comfortably hold the tripod for movement or transport. To assist in this regard, there have been straps provided that clip to parts of the tripod. However, these have not proved to be satisfactory because 10 connection to the tripod has proved to be problematic. The straps can also be uncomfortable, ergonomically unsound, awkward to use and crumple clothing.

S-It is an object of the present invention to provide a handle apparatus that overcomes or at least ameliorates one or more of the above disadvantages.

o In a first aspect, the present invention provides a handle apparatus for carrying So. 15 equipment including at least one adjustable leg assembly comprising at least a first leg adjustable with respect to a second leg and connection means fixed with respect to the S.second leg and through which the first leg is slidably received, the handle apparatus comprising first receiving means for slidably receiving the first leg, second receiving means for receiving the first or second leg and handle means positioned between the first and second receiving means wherein the first receiving means is sized sufficiently large such that the first leg is slidably received within the first receiving means and the first and second receiving means are positioned on opposed sides of the connecting means, said connecting means being unable to pass through the first and second receiving means.

In one embodiment, the second receiving means receives the first leg and the second receiving means is sized sufficiently large to slidably receive the first leg.

CE00372598.2 3 In another embodiment, the second receiving means receives the second leg. In this embodiment, the second receiving means may slidably receive the second leg.

Alternatively, the second receiving means may tightly grip the second leg.

The equipment preferably comprises a plurality of adjustable leg assemblies.

Preferably, the equipment comprises a tripod having three adjustable leg assemblies.

Preferably, the or each adjustable leg assembly comprises at least a pair of first legs and a pair of second legs, the first legs being adjustable with respect to the second legs, and connection means essentially fixed to the second legs and slidably receiving the first legs. Other leg assemblies are also encompassed by the present invention 10 including a pair of first legs associated with a single second leg, and a single first leg associated with a single second leg and leg assemblies having first, second and third leg units.

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The handle apparatus is suitably manufactured from a rigid material, most S. preferably a plastics material.

15 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first handle apparatus is positioned on one adjustable leg assembly and a second handle apparatus is positioned on an adjacent adjustable leg assembly whereby the first handle apparatus and the second handle apparatus can be positioned in abutting relationship. In this embodiment, the equipment is carried by handle apparatus mounted on two adjacent leg assemblies, which provides for more stable handling of the equipment.

The first and second receiving means suitably comprise annular means having a central aperture therein, wherein the legs are received in the central aperture.

Alternatively, the first and/or second receiving means may comprise clip means that only partly extend around the circumference of the legs. In this embodiment, the handle apparatus may be snap fitted onto the legs of the equipment, thereby allowing retrofitting to existing equipment. In embodiments where the second receiving means does not have CE00372598.2 4 to slidably receive the second leg, the second receiving means may be replaced by connection means for connection to the second leg. The first and second receiving means may also include clamp means or strap means which can be fastened to or around the respective legs.

The equipment most suitable comprises a tripod for use in carrying camera equipment. The tripod may be fitted with a fluid head.

In embodiments where first and second handle apparatus are positioned on adjacent leg assemblies, it is possible that the first handle apparatus is essentially identical to the second handle apparatus. This results in ease of manufacture in that 10 separate moulds or manufacturing equipment are not required for manufacturing the first and second handle apparatus. Suitably, the first handle apparatus is mounted in inverted S"orientation when compared to the second handle apparatus.

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4 The first and second handle apparatus may suitably include mating means for mating with complementary-shaped means on the other of the first and second handle apparatus to assist in aligning the first and second handle apparatus in use. The mating means may suitably comprise at least one projection and at least one depression formed on the handle means. These mate with complementarily-shaped at least one depression and at least one projection on the other handle apparatus.

The handle apparatus of the present invention is especially useful in carrying tripods, especially those that have fluid heads fitted thereto. By having the handle apparatus mounted to the tripod (or other equipment) such that the first and second receiving means are positioned on opposed sides of the connection means, as the adjustable leg assembly is adjusted the connection means moves up and down in accordance with the adjustment being carried out. This causes the handle apparatus to slide up or down the first leg as the leg assembly is adjusted. Accordingly, the handle apparatus does not adversely affect the operation of the adjustable leg assembly. More over when the leg assembly is adjusted to its closed or shortest position, the handle CE00372598.2 apparatus is positioned close to the top of the tripod or equipment. Again, the handle apparatus does not affect the operation of the adjustable leg assembly. Furthermore, the handle apparatus is then positioned at a point close to the centre of gravity of the equipment which allows for easier and more stable handling of the equipment. This is especially useful when carrying a tripod with a fluid head attached thereto.

In another aspect, the present invention provides, in combination, equipment with at least one adjustable leg assembly and a handle apparatus, the adjustable leg assembly comprising at least a first leg adjustable with respect to a second leg and connection t eee..

means fixed with respect to the second leg and through which the first leg is slidably 10 received, the handle apparatus comprising first receiving means for slidably receiving the first leg, second receiving means for receiving the first or second leg and handle means connected to the first and second receiving means wherein the handle apparatus is go•, ge, mounted to the equipment such that the first leg is slidably received within the first receiving means and the first or second leg is received within the second receiving 15 means and the connection means is located between the first receiving means and the second receiving means.

:In another aspect, the present invention provides a handle apparatus for carrying equipment including at least one adjustable leg assembly comprising at least a first leg and a second leg telescopically slidable within the first leg, with an adjustable holding means positioned on the first leg for selectively holding the second leg in position, the handle apparatus comprising first receiving means for receiving the first leg and second receiving means for receiving the second leg and handle means positioned between the first and second receiving means, and wherein the first and second receiving means are positioned on opposite sides of the adjustable holding means and the adjustable holding means cannot fit through the first receiving means or the second receiving means.

In this embodiment, the first leg may be a lower leg, in which case the adjustable holding means will move towards and away from the top of the tripod (or other CE00372598.2 6 equipment) as the first leg is retracted or extended. The second leg is preferably slidably received within the second receiving means and this allows the handle apparatus to move up and down as the first leg moves up and down. As with the other aspects of this invention, this results in the handle being located near the top of the equipment when the equipment is in the closed condition.

It is further preferred that the first leg is slidably received within the first receiving means.

.i Another aspect of the present invention provides a handle apparatus for carrying equipment, said handle apparatus comprising a handle means, a first receiving means for *ee receiving a leg of the equipment, a second receiving means for receiving a leg of the equipment the first and second receiving means being formed integrally with or connected to the handle means. Preferably, the first and second receiving means lie in respective planes that are substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle S. means.

The first and second receiving means may comprise annular members having apertures therein, clip means, clamping means or strap means. The first and second receiving means may include portions that extend at least partly around the leg(s) of the equipment to thereby receive said legs. The first and second receiving means may also comprise strap-like members.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a handle apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows another handle apparatus similar to that of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the handle apparatus mounted to a tripod in accordance with the present invention with the tripod being in a closed or folded condition; and CE00372598.2 7 Figure 4 shows the tripod of Figure 3 in an open or extended position.

It will be appreciated that the drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention and that the drawings should not be considered to limit the scope of the invention.

Turning now to Figures 1 and 2, the handle apparatus 10 comprises a first receiving means 11 having a central aperture 12 therein and a second receiving means 13 having a central aperture 14 therein. A handle 15 is attached to first receiving means 11 via member 16. Handle 15 is attached to second receiving means 13 via member 17.

The handle of Figure 1 has a reinforcing web structure 20 having a depression 40 and a S10 projection 41 formed therein. The handle apparatus of Figure 2 also includes an outwardly extending projection 18 and an inwardly extending depression 19, both of which are formed on the handle The handle apparatus 10 is preferably made from a plastics material. The handle apparatus 10 is most suitably made of a rigid material.

Turning now to Figure 3, which shows the handle apparatus of Figures 1 or 2 mounted on a tripod, the tripod 21 includes an upper platform 22 having a central mounting aperture 23 for mounting a fluid head thereon. The tripod also includes three adjustable leg assemblies 24, 25, 26. Each of adjustable leg assemblies 24, 25 and 26 are essentially identical and accordingly a full description of only adjustable leg assembly 24 will be provided.

Adjustable leg assembly 24 includes an upper mounting portion 27 that is pivotally connected via pin 28 to upper platform 22 of the tripod. The adjustable leg assembly 24 also includes two first legs 29 and 30. The uppermost parts of first legs 29 and 30 extend into and are fixed to the upper mounting portion 27 of adjustable leg assembly 24.

CE00372598.2 8 The adjustable leg assembly 24 further includes a connection means 31.

Connection means 31 includes two receptacles (not shown) in a lower central portion 32 thereof for receiving the upper most portion of the pair of second legs 33, 34. The second legs 33, 34 are fixed to the connection means 31.

The connection means 31 also includes apertures 35, 36 that extend around receptive first legs 29, 30. In particular, the first legs 29, 30 are slidably received within apertures 35, 36 in connection means 31.

The connection means 31 also includes holding means that is actuated by handle 37. For example, the holding means may comprise a moveable abutment means that can move in and out of contact with first legs 29, 30 to selectively lock the connection means 31 in position with respect to the first legs 29, The tripod configuration shown in figure 3 has a construction and operation that would be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

Tripods, due to their shape and size, are awkward to carry. This problem is exacerbated when a fluid head is connected to a tripod. When a fluid head is connected to tripod 21, the tripod becomes quite heavy and the centre of gravity is located towards i *or just below the upper platform 22 of the tripod. Normally, to transport tripods, the tripod is placed in the closed or folded configuration as shown in figure 3 and it is placed under the arm in order to carry it. However, if a fluid head is attached to the tripod 21, it becomes difficult and awkward to carry.

In order to improve the ease of carrying the tripod 21, handle apparatus 10A is positioned on first leg 30 and a second handle apparatus O10B is position on first leg 38 of an adjacent adjustable leg assembly 26. Handle apparatus 10A and O10B are essentially identical to the handle apparatus shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. In particular, handle apparatus 1OA includes a first receiving means 1 A which receives first leg therethrough. Suitably, first receiving means 1 lA slidably receives first leg CE00372598.2 9 therethrough. Handle apparatus 10A also includes second receiving means 13A through which leg 30 also extends. Second receiving means 13A also slidably receives leg As can be clearly seen from Figure 3, the first receiving means 11A is located below connection means 31 whilst second receiving means 13A is located above connection means 31.

When the apparatus shown in Figure 3 is to be used, it is operated such that the adjustable leg assemblies are extended to the configuration shown in Figure 4. In order to extend the apparatus to that shown in Figure 4, the handle 37 for actuating the holding means is operated to release the holding means and the respective pairs of second legs .go• 10 are moved downwardly. This, of course, causes the respective connecting means 31 to also move downwardly. When this happens, the connecting means 31 comes into contact with first holding means 1 A of handle 1OA and this causes the handle to also move downwardly to the position as shown in Figure 4. Similar, handle 10B, which is mounted to the adjustable leg assembly 26, moves to a similar position. Alternatively, 15 the handle apparatus 10A and O10B may slide down the respective legs as the leg ••go assemblies are lengthened.

When use of the tripod is completed or it is necessary to move the tripod, the adjustable leg assemblies are positioned to the closed position by moving second legs 33, 34 upwardly. This causes connection means 31 to also move upwardly. Connection means 31 contacts second receiving means 13A of handle apparatus 10A and causes handle apparatus 10A to move upwardly to the position shown in figure 3. Handle apparatus O10B is also moved upwardly in a similar fashion.

As can be seen from figure 3, when the tripod is in the fully folded position, handle apparatus 10A and handle apparatus 10B lie substantially adjacent to each other.

They can be pivoted around respective first legs 30, 38 until handle apparatus 10A and handle apparatus O10B come into abutment to form a comfortably shaped handle portion.

This handle portion can be grasped by the operator and used to comfortably and securely CE00372598.2 carry the tripod. It is noted that the combined handle portion is effectively mounted via apparatus 10A and O10B to respective first legs 30, 38. This acts to improve the stability of the carry operation.

For the sake of completeness, the tripod apparatus 21 shown in Figure 4 also includes second stage locking mechanisms 39,40,41 and adjustable feet assemblies 42,43 and 44. These second stage locking mechanisms and feet assemblies are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described further. The leg assemblies 24, 25, 26 also include stop members 42, 43, 44 for preventing the connecting means 31 o from being removed from the respective first legs.

ooo° 10 Most suitably, handle apparatus 10A and handle apparatus O10B comprise two identical handle apparatus, for example, two of the handle apparatus as shown in Figure 1 or two of the apparatus as shown in Figure 2. Handle apparatus 10A is preferably mounted in inverted orientation when compared with handle apparatus 10B, which allows the depressions and projections to mate with corresponding depressions and 15 projections of the other handle apparatus. For example, if handle apparatus 10A and comprise the handle apparatus of Figure 1, the depression 40 formed in the reinforcing web structure 20 on handle 10A mates with the projection 41 formed in the reinforcing web structure 20 of handle Similarly, if the handle apparatus 10A, 10B comprise the handle apparatus shown in Figure 2, the depression 19 formed in handle apparatus 10A will mate with the projection 18 formed in the handle apparatus Both of these embodiments allow the respective handle apparatus 10A, 10B to properly mate together and to ensure that they are in substantial alignment when handle apparatus 10A and 10B are placed in abutting engagement.

CE00372598.2 11 It will also be noted that the first and second receiving means 11, 13 of the handle apparatus 10 are relatively narrow and accordingly do not prevent the proper closing and folding of the tripod as shown in figure 3.

The apparatus of the present invention provides a simple and secure apparatus for comfortably carrying a tripod. The apparatus is relatively inexpensive to produce and does not interfere with normal operation of the tripod.

As a further variation, the lowermost of the first and second receiving means may be slidably mounted over one of the second legs of the respective adjustable leg assemblies. Indeed, it may not even be necessary that the receiving means be able to S• 10 slidably receive the second leg.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

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Claims (20)

1. A handle apparatus for carrying equipment including at least one adjustable leg assembly comprising at least a first leg adjustable with respect to a second leg and connection means fixed with respect to the second leg and through which the first leg is slidably received, the handle apparatus comprising first receiving means for slidably receiving the first leg, second receiving means for receiving the first or second leg and handle means positioned between the first and second receiving means wherein the first receiving means is sized sufficiently large such that the first leg is slidably received within the first receiving means and the first and second receiving means are positioned on opposed sides of the connecting means, said connecting means being unable to pass through the first and second receiving means.

S2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second receiving means receives the first leg and the second receiving means is sized sufficiently large to slidably receive the first leg.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second receiving means receives the second leg.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the second receiving means slidably receives the second leg.

5. In combination, equipment with at least one adjustable leg assembly and a handle apparatus, the adjustable leg assembly comprising at least a first leg adjustable with respect to a second leg and connection means fixed with respect to the second leg and through which the first leg is slidably received, the handle apparatus comprising first receiving means for slidably receiving the first leg, second receiving means for receiving the first or second leg and handle means connected to the first and second receiving means wherein the handle apparatus is mounted to the equipment such that the first leg is slidably received within the first receiving means and the first or second leg is received within the second receiving means and the connection means is located between the first receiving means and the second receiving means. CE00372598.2 13

6. A combination as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second receiving means receives the first leg and the second receiving means is sized sufficiently large to slidably receive the first leg.

7. A combination as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second receiving means receives the second leg.

8. A combination as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second receiving means slidably receives the second leg.

9. A combination as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9 wherein the equipment has o °o a plurality of adjustable leg assemblies and a first handle apparatus is positioned on one leg 10 assembly and a second handle apparatus is positioned on an adjacent leg assembly whereby the first handle apparatus and the second handle apparatus can be positioned in abutting relationship.

A combination as claimed in claim 9 wherein the first handle apparatus includes at least one depression for receiving a complementary shaped projection on the second handle S 15 apparatus.

11. A combination as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein the second handle apparatus includes at least on depression for receiving a complementary shaped projection on the first handle apparatus.

12. A combination as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the first handle apparatus is essentially identical to the second handle apparatus and the first handle apparatus is mounted in an inverted orientation to the second handle apparatus.

13. A handle apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the first and second receiving means comprise annular means having a central aperture therein, wherein the legs are received in the central aperture.

14. A handle apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the first and/or second receiving means may comprise clip means that only partly extend around the periphery of the legs.

S 004418298v1 14 A handle apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the first and second receiving means comprise clamp means or strap means which can be fastened to or around the legs.

16. A handle apparatus for carrying equipment including at least one adjustable leg assembly comprising at least a first leg and a second leg telescopically slidable within the first leg, with an adjustable holding means positioned on the first leg for selectively holding the second leg in position, the handle apparatus comprising first receiving means for receiving the first leg and second receiving means for receiving the second leg and handle means positioned between the first and second receiving means, and wherein the first and second receiving means are position on opposite sides of the adjustable holding means and the adjustable holding means cannot fit through the first receiving means or the second receiving means.

17. A handle apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein the first leg is a lower leg and the second leg is slidably received within the second receiving means whereby the handle apparatus moves upwardly and downwardly as the first leg moves respectively upwardly and 15 downwardly.

18. A handle apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. In combination, a handle apparatus and equipment with at least one adjustable S leg assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

?20 20. A combination as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 12 wherein the equipment comprises a tripod. S21. A combination as claimed in claim 23 wherein the tripod is fitted with a fluid head.