GB2549119A

GB2549119A - A tripod foot

Info

Publication number: GB2549119A
Application number: GB1605836.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derek Murrow Andrew
Original assignee: Vitec Group PLC
Current assignee: Videndum PLC
Priority date: 2016-04-06
Filing date: 2016-04-06
Publication date: 2017-10-11

Abstract

A foot has a base portion 8 and a handle 14, the handle is pivotally attached to the base portion at a first end 12 and includes a gripping portion 16 at a second end 18, said handle further comprises a centrally deployed securing member, lever 20, pivotally extending away from the gripping portion, the handle being movable between a first position in which the foot is removable from a tripod leg 4 (See fig.2) and a second position in which the securing member is secured within a securing recess in the leg whereby the foot is secured to the leg (See fig.4). Securing member engages with recess 30 when in use and may be located in a securing member receiving aperture of the handle. Also claimed is a tripod support stand for photography. Allows easier attachment and release of the handle from securing the foot to the leg.

Description

AiiEODimr nsMlhainvmtian

The invention relates to a means of removable attachment of a foot to a leg of a support structure. The means is disclosed particularly for use in association with the leg of a tripod.

Backgroun^^

Tripods are widely used as platforms for supporting, in a stable manner, equipment, such as cameras for maintaining the stability of a camera during the camera's use. During such use the tripod may need to be transferred from one surface to another.

As such, tripods and other support equipment should ideally be able to accommodate different surface types to enable the tripod to function on differing terrain on which the equipment is to be used, Although a variety of solutions has been proposed, one solution is for the equipment to be designed to be attachable to different feet which are exchangeable and replaceable.

Amongst current approaches to address this problem is to include alternative foot types which can be attached, when required, onto a leg, for example on a spike at the end of a leg of the tripod, through use of a rubber strap. However, fitment and removal of straps currently In use requires a degree of force to wort against the required resilience of the strap.

Straps used currently can therefore be problematic in requiring a degree of force to be exerted by the user and therefore for the user to be able to properly grip the strap in order to dip the strap onto and off a tripod leg, it is not always possible in various outdoor conditions and outdoor circumstances for a user to have the sufficient strength and grip for the necessary force. This is particularly true when the strap is wet and / or the user’s fingers ire cold and so have little feeling or the user is wearing gloves. This can result in injury to the user particularly in outdoor or adverse weather conditions.

The current invention seeks to address these problems.

In its broadest, independent aspect, the invention provides a foot having a base portion and a handle, the handle being pivotally attached to the base portion at a first end and including a gfipping portion at a second end, said handle further comprising a centrally deployed securing member pivotally attached at a lest end and extending away from the gripping portion, the handle being movable between a first position in which the foot is removable from a leg and a second position in which the securing member is secured within a secur ing recess in a leg whereby the foot is secured to a leg.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because the means of securing the foot to the leg facilitates fitment and removal of a foot to a leg in that the user needs to provide less force during this operation. The mode of operation typically incorporates a lever-type mechanism which considerably reduces the magnitude of the direct force exerted by a user on the securing member. Operation of the securing member and releasing the foot from the leg is made more comfortable for the user as well as safer due to there being less likelihood of losing grip and slipping, Additionally the position of the handle provides a clear indication that the foot is in the secure position.

Preferably, the μ?γunrg recess is substantially vertically orientated and in particular parallel to the main axis of the leg, to maximise the securing force.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides the maximum amount of friction to retain the member in position whilst the handle is upright so that the foot is securely attached to the leg. This configuration means that the force which the user will apply to the handle is at a right angle to the axis of the handle rather than in-line with the handle which reduces The amount of grip required to prevent slippage, and which makes operation of the handle easier and more comfortable.

Further preferably, the securing member is held within the recess by friction between the securing member and the securing recess.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because the frictlonai force is of sufficient strength to hold the foot firmly in place to the leg to prevent the leg from coming loose.

Further preferably, the securing member is pivotally attached within a securing member receiving aperture of the handle.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides symmetry and therefore ease and simplicity of use for the user.

Preferably, the gripping portion is ridged.

This increases the ease of use for the user, enabling a better grip of the gripping member,

Preferably, the securing recess has a back wall and a front wall and wherein said front wall is of a height which is shorter than said back wall

This configuration is particularly advantageous because the recess is thereby provided with a leading edge which can act as a lever fulcrum to engage the securing member to aid the insertion and removal of the securing member.

Preferably, the back wall of the securing recess is ridged.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it increases the level of friction which holds the securing member in place within the recess.

Preferably, the securing member is of a hard plastics material

This configuration is particularly advantageous because the securing member provided is thereby robust, durable and also relatively cheap to manufacture.

Preferably, the securing member is ridged.

This conffpratson is particularly advantageous because it increases the level of friction able to hold the securing member in place within the recess.

Preferably, the handle is of a solid rubber material

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it is both a reliable materia! and relatively cheap and straightforward to manufacture.

Preferably, the second end of the securing member is curved.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it increases the usability of the handle due to the curvature matching the curve of the outer face of the recess and allowing the pivoted member to be easily placed on the top of the recess.

Preferably, the front wall of the recess has an outer face which is curved in a convex manner which corresponds to the concave curve of the end of the securing member.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the pivoted member to slide more eaily away from the recess, as the foot is removed.

Preferably, said gripping portion has a substantiaiS|;;:i^iil||ri||{;:.gripping element positioned at the second end of the gripping portion,

This configuration is particularly advantageous because a cylindrical shape allows the gripping element to be more easily gripped and utilised.

Preferably, the handle is pivotally connected to the foot by two opposed pivot mounts.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows for an increase in strength and provides symmetrical distribution of forces within the handle during operation.

Advantageously, the foot includes a leg receiving recess; enabling the end of a leg to be seated within the recess to provide a housing for a leg as the foot is secured thereto.

One embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1 is a perspective view showing a prior art foot and fitment means therefor;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a toot according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the foot of Figure 2 in the secured positior:

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a tripod incorporating feet on each leg, the feet as shown in Figure 2; and

Figure :5 is a dose-up view of a foot attached to a tripod leg in Figure 4, &aaiM.D.£^

Tripods and other support equipment should ideally be able to accommodate different surface types dependant upon the terrain on which the tripod is to be used. For example, when the tripod is to be used on soft pound, then the base of a teg can be equipped with a small spike which can penetrate the ground and impart thereby stability to the tripod.

Such a spike would however, be unsuitable for use on a hard surface such as tiles or floor boards as the frictional force between the end of the spike and the surface would be low, leaving the tripod leg too easily moveable horizontally.

To solve this problem, many different methods have been proposed. The present invention is concerned with one particular solution, namely enabling the tripod and other equipment to be attachable to different feet which are exchangeable and replaceable. Current approaches include alternative foot types being dipped onto the end of the leg of a tripod by way of a robber strap which requires a degree of for® in order to fit and remove the strap. Sufficient strength and grip is not always possible in vfrious outdoor conditions and

Iltdoor circumstanced Figure 1 shows an embodiment of this prior art. The current invention seeks to address these problems.

In the prior art, as shown in Figure 1, there is shown a foot 3 with a fiat base 9 and curved upper surface 11. Mounted on the upper surface 11 is an axel mount 13 to which a handle 15 is pivotally attached at two separate points. The handle 15 is formed of a rubber material and includes a ridged gripping portion 17 and a cylindrical gripping element 19 at the end of the handle 17.

In use, the handle 15 needs to be lifted by the user and forced over a ledge (not shown) to enter a recess within the leg of a tripod (not shown). The user will here pull the handle 15 against the resilience of the material from which the handle 15 is formed, which resilience subsequently acts to retain the foot 3 in place. The same pulling action is required to remove the handle 15 from the secured positon.

Referring therefore to the remaining figures, and initially to Figure 2, here is shown an embodiment of the invention whereby a foot 2 is attached to a leg 4 by a securing assembly 6. The foot here Is shown In the releasable, non-secured state. The foot has a flat base 8 to provide good contact with the surface on wirch the tripod stands and an outwardly curved upper part 10. Mounted on the upper surface 10 of the foot 2 is an axel mount 12 to which a handle 14· is pivotally attached. The handle 14 is attached to the foot 2 at two separate points on opposed sides of the leg 4. The handle 14 Incorporates a ridged gripping portion 16 with a cylindrical gripping element 18 at the end. it is envisaged that the handle is made of any suitable solid rubber material, as in the prior art, A pivotable securing member (or tang) 20 is attached by means of a pivot mount to the handle 14. Preferably the securing member 20 is attached to the Handle 14 within a central recess 22 within the handle 14, to give the maximum support and to provide symmetry which is of advantage in force distribution and provides an even application of force and even wear on the handle and other components. It is envisaged that the securing member 20 is made of a suitable hard plastics material. The free end 24 of the securing member 20 rests, when not. in use, on an outer face 26 of the front wall 28 of a substantially vesica. y orientated recess 30 upon the leg 4.

In a preferred embodiment the recess 30 has a back wail 32 having a greater height than the front wall 28. Preferably the free end 24 of the securing member 20 is inwardly arched. The arch matches the outwardly curved face of the outer face 26 of the front wall 28 of the recess 30 and aids removal of the securing member to release the foot 2.

In use, when the handle 14 is in the position shown in Figure 2, the foot 2 is not firmly secured to the leg 4, which is merely resting upon an axle mount 12, between the pivot points and the leg 4 can therefore be easily moved away from the foot 2 and vice versa.

The end of the leg 4 is profiled to conform to the axle mount 12 and has an arched conformation to fit about in contiguous relationship with said axle mount 12. in order to secure the foot 2 firmly to the leg 4, the securing member 20 is raised such that the lower surface of the securing member 20 rests on the upper edge 34 of the front wall 28 of the securing recess 30. The handle 14 is then moved in the upwards direction as indicated by the arrow A, which lifts the securing member (or tang) 20 and in particular the pivoted end 24 of the securing member, similarly upwards.

In carrying out this action, the contact, between the securing member 20 and the edge 34 of the front wall 28 acts as a fulcrum for the motion of the handle 14 and the mechanical advantage gained thereby assists the user in moving the securing member 20 from the rest position to the securing position. Motion of the securing member 20 continues until the securing position is reached in which the handle 14 is substantially vertically orientated and perpendicular to its initial position. This position is shown in Figure 3.

Although this movement from the initial position of the handle 14 to where the securing member 20 is fully inserted within the recess 30, does require a degree of upwards force by the user, the level of force is reduced over that required in the prior art by the engagement of the outer wall 28 of the recess 30 with the securing member 20 which thus acts as a lever aiding the user in the upwards motion. A turning force is therefore engaged rather than the stretch force required by the prior art. This mode of operation is also not reliant on maintaining elasticity of the handle 14.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the foot 2 is in the secure state of attachment to the leg 4. The securing member 20 can be seen to be inserted fully into the recess 30 and handle 14 can be seen extending upwardly dearly to provide a clear indication that the foot 4 and leg 2 are attached securely.

When in the securing position the securing member 20 is held in position, against accidental movement, primarily by frictional forces which act to oppose movement of the securing member 20 along the recess to the release position. This is aided by ridges in the lack w# 32 of the recess 30. in order for the securing member 20 to exit the recess, then as the securing member 20 moves, the end of the securing member 20 engages the rear surface 32 of the recess 20. The frictional force thereby generated due to the movement is enhanced by the pivoting engagement between the securing:member 20 and the upper edge 34 of the front wall 28 which acts to force the end of the securing member 20 against the rear surface 32, so increasing tie frictional force resisting movement.

In order to release the foot 2 from the leg 4 therefore, the user grips the handle 14 and moves this in the opposite direction to the direction A used to secure the foot 2 to the leg 4. The lever action of the handle 14 acting about the aforementioned fulcrum enables the securing member 20 to be removed from the recess 30, with relative ease, best only when required.

Preferably, the recess 30 is formed through provision of an upwardly extending front wall 28 and upwardly extending back wall 32. The front will 28 has a height Which is shorter than the back wall 32 and has a curved outer face. Both the inner faces of the front wall and back wall of the recess 30 are substantially fiat, joining together at a eonvexly curved base. In an emboliment, the back wall 82 may have grooves or ridges to increase the level of friction, in use, for the foot 2 to be deployed back to an non-secured state, the handle 14 is moved in the downwards direction by the user which acts to pull the securing member 20 upwards out of the recess 30 and then released back to the position in Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows an example of the invention in use, whereby feet 2 are secured to the legs 4 of a tripod 40.

Figure 5 shows one of the feet 2 engaged in foe secure position to the leg 4 of a tripod 40.

In an optional embodiment, the gripping portion 16 consists of a horizontally attached gripping element 18 which is cylindrical In shape, however in alternative embodiments this gripping portion is suitably sized and shaped to enable a user to grip, For instance in an alternative embodiment there are finger indentations or an arched cylinder.

In alternative embodiments the handle 14 can be attached to the foot ?.. at just one pivot point In a further alternative embodiment the gripping element 18 can include grooves, indentations or any suitable gripping material or texture. In a further alternative embodiment the gripping element 18 can be any suitable design to enhance the gripping ability.

The description also envisages that the foot 2 described may be used in combination with different foot designs to accommodate different surface types.

Additionally, the foot 2 described can be used on any leg 4 which requires exchangeable and removable feet including, but not limited to, tripods, monopods, easels, parasols and garden furniture. in additional alternative embodiments, the leg 4 of the tripod is not necessarily sitting upon an axel mount 12 on the foot 2 but the foot includes a leg receiving recess enabling a leg to rest in the receiving recess allowing the foot to provide a housing for a leg as the foot is secured thereto. A foot can therefore be usable for different legs. A further alternative embodiment is envisaged wherein the recess 30 is horizontally orientated. in addition, alternative embodiments are envisaged whereby the entire securing assembly: 6 and recess 30 is separable from both the foot 2 and the leg 4 of a tripod 40,

Alternatively, the recess 30 may be an attached pari of the foot but is separable from the leg 4 of the tripod 40.

Modifications can be made to the described and illustrated embodiments whilst remaining within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A foot laving a base portion and a handle, tie handle being a votaliy attached to the base portion at a first end and including a gripping portion at a second end, said handle further comprising a centrally deployed securing member pivotally attached at a first end and extending away from the gripping portion, the handle being movable between a first position in which the foot is removable from a leg and a second position in which the securing member is secured within a securing recess in a leg whereby the foot is secured to a leg,
2. A foot according to claim 1 wherein the securing recess is substantially vertically orientated,
3. A foot according to claim 2 wherein the foot is parallel to the main ax s of the leg, to maximise the securing force,
4. A foot according to any of the preceding claims wherein the securing member is held within the recess by friction between the securing member and the securing recess.
5. A foot according to any of the preceding claims wherein the securing member is pivotally attached within a securing member receiving aperture of the handle,
6. A foot according to any of the preceding claims wherein said gripping portion is ridged.
7. A foot according to any of the preceding claims wherein the securing recess has a back wail and a front wall and wherein said front wall is of a height which is shorter than said back walk B. A foot according to ciim 7 wherein the back wall of the securing recess is ridged.
9. A foot according to any of the preceding claims wherein the securing member is of a hard plastic material.
10. A foot according to any of the preceding claims wherein the securing member is ridged.
11. A foot according to any of the preceding claims wherein the handle is of a solid rubber material.
12. A foot according to any of the preceding claims wherein the second end of the securir^ member is curved.
13. A foot according to any of claims 7-12 wherein the front wail of the recess has an outer fap which is curved in a convex manner which corresponds to the concave curve of the end of the securing member.
14. A foot according to any of the preceding claims wherein said gripping portion has a substantially cylindrical gripping element positioned at the second end of the gripping portion.
15. A foot according to any of the preceding claims wherein the handle is pivotally connected to the foot by two opposed pivot mounts.
16. A foot according to any of the preceding claims wherein the foot includes a receiving recess, enabling the end of a leg to be seated within the recess to provide a housing for a leg as the foot is secured thereto,
17. - A foot substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings,
18. A leg with a foot, said foot, being in accordance with any of the preceding claims
19. A leg substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings
20. An apparatus as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
21. A tripod support stand incorporating a foot according to claim 1.