GB2328370A - Document holder - Google Patents

Abstract

A document holder, for example a narrow shelf and rear document support 4 being L-shaped in cross-section, to hold documents for reference during a performance or task, is provided with a socket 6 so that it may be mounted securely upon a normal camera tripod 5 by means of bolt 7, in a manner similar to the mounting of a camera on the camera tripod.

Description

DOCUMENT HOLDER This invention relates to a demountable document holder that attaches to a camera tripod.

Well known examples of document support mechanisms include traditional free-standing music stands, which may be permanent items of furniture or may be portable. The portable versions usually consist of a document holder of L-shaped cross-section tilted backward at a small angle to the vertical to hold the musical score for reading by the performer. That document holder is attached via its tilting mechanism to the top of a slim telescopic column, adjustable for height, that has typically a small tripod leg arrangement at its base. The whole thing may be folded down for convenient transportation.

Some problems typical of the traditional portable music stand arise from the less than stable equilibrium of its design, especially when it is extended to its full height for use by standing persons and also when heavy documents such as bound operatic scores or musical collections are placed upon it. In such cases, the juxtaposition of a relatively large object perched on top of a slender column that has a comparatively small footing means that the whole arrangement can readily approach a state of unstable equilibrium and can be easily overbalanced, with potentially disruptive consequences for a performance event in which it is used.

Other problems typical of the traditional portable music stand arise from its primitive and limited positioning mechanism, including insufficient possibility of height extension to position the musical score at an adequate height for taller singers and difficulties of adjusting positioning swiftly and securely at a change of performer or change in the performer's needs.

According to the present invention there is provided on the document holder a suitable attachment mechanism so that the document holder can be attached to any suitable camera tripod that is fitted with the corresponding attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism provided on the document holder is a inch UNC (6.3 mm equivalent course thread) socket or other size socket to match local tripod standards or a plate or other attachment conforming with the quick release mechanism of a given type of camera tripod.

A camera tripod is typically designed as a three-legged stand, adjustable to various heights through the use of telescoping legs and a short adjustable central column. The central column is topped with a head and base plate to which the camera is attached with a captive threaded knob that fits into a socket on the underside of the camera. The threaded knob may be reversible to accommodate sockets of two sizes, representing the difference for cameras made for European and American markets. There are also available threaded adapters that make it feasible to accommodate other available screw mount sizes. Available also are quick release adapters that make attaching and removing cameras fast and easy. One part of the adapter fits onto the base of the camera, the other part onto the tripod. By means of a small lever, the camera can be mounted onto or dismounted from the tripod in a few seconds.

A camera tripod is designed to give maximum stability for no camera shake or sway even when supporting heavy cameras in inclement environments. It is also designed for rapid, easy and sure positioning and re-positioning of the camera, including height, tilt and panning by means of positioning and locking mechanisms for the tripod head base plate to which the camera is attached. According to the present invention, these characteristics of a camera tripod are also well suited to the positioning and holding requirements of a document support mechanism for use, for example, with musical scores for musical performances.

According to the present invention the document holder is attached securely to a camera tripod by means ofthe normal camera attachment mechanism ofthe tripod head base plate.

This means that the camera tripod to which the document holder is attached gives a strong and stable platform for the document holder, even when bearing heavy documents. A suitable camera tripod provides the positioning means as described above for positioning ofthe document holder to suit all sizes of persons whether standing or seated or otherwise postured and whether speaking, singing, playing a musical instrument or performing any other task that requires convenient repeated references to a given document held at a suitable reading position during the course of that task.

Additionally, the document holder can be dismounted from the camera tripod when not being used, so releasing the tripod for additional use as a normal camera tripod.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: For the purpose of background information, Figure 1 shows in perspective a typical traditional music stand comprising document receptacle 1, telescopic column 2 and tripod feet 3. This arrangement approaches unstable equilibrium when extended to its full height.

By way of contrast, Figure 2 illustrates the intrinsically stable equilibrium of the present invention, where a document holder 4 is attached to a camera tripod 5.

Figure 3 illustrates the use of the socket 6 in the document holder 4 of the present invention for secure attachment to the camera tripod 5. To attach the document holder 4 to the camera tripod 5, the threaded knob 7 of the tripod head 8 is screwed into the socket 6 of the document holder 4. To dismount the document holder 4 from the camera tripod 5, the threaded knob 7 of the tripod head base plate 8 is unscrewed from the socket 6 of the document holder 4. Naturally, the socket 6 is made in or constructed of suitably durable material and positioned so as adequately to support the document holder 4 when in use.

Claims (4)

1. A document holder on or about which is made or otherwise provided a 1/4 inch UNC tapped socket (6.3mm course threaded) or near equivalent (or other size to match local standards) so that the document holder can be securely mounted upon any suitable camera tripod or stand that is fitted with the corresponding standard screwed camera attachment mechanism.

2. A document holder as claimed in Claim 1 whereon the mechanism provided for attaching it to a camera tripod includes a plate or other attachment conforming with the quick release mechanism of a given type of camera tripod, whether a socket is provided on the document holder to secure that plate or other attachment or whether that plate or other attachment is otherwise secured to the document holder without the provision of a socket..

3. A document holder as claimed in any previous claim provided with a camera tripod or other platform that is fitted with a corresponding standard camera attachment mechanism.

4. A demountable document holder substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawing.