WO2008013503A1

WO2008013503A1 - Dual-function body support for a tripod

Info

Publication number: WO2008013503A1
Application number: PCT/SG2006/000209
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chan Foo Lai
Original assignee: Chan Foo Lai
Priority date: 2006-07-25
Filing date: 2006-07-25
Publication date: 2008-01-31

Abstract

A Dual-Function Body Support for a Tripod is designed for outdoor photographers to transport their tripod more conveniently, comfortably and quickly in a hands-free manner. The tripod is slung over the back with the weight of the tripod equally distributed on the two shoulders, providing more relief and comfortable for the photographer. The tripod carried in such a way is very stable and would not swing with movement. The device also frees the photographer from the hassle of caring for the cumbersome tripod bag, if used, in the field. When carrying the tripod in front, the device also provides a new and efficient way for stabilizing the tripod-mounted image recording device against the photographer's body for quick action shooting in nature, landscape, macro and particularly in low-light photography in crowded and restricted areas, where and when properly setting up a tripod is not practical or too slow. Enhanced stability could easily be achieved if the outer leg of the body-bracing tripod is extended to the floor level (or any suitable support surface) and then locked tight, forming an enlarged base area for standing, kneeling or sitting photo shooting positions.

Description

DUAL-FUNCTION BODY SUPPORT FOR A TRIPOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a body support for a tripod used for cameras, video cameras and similar recording devices, which allows the user to strap the tripod on the user's back comfortably when transporting the recording device, and when strapped on the wearer's chest, the tripod with the body support acts as a support for improved stability of the tripod- mounted recording devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A tripod is an important accessory for cameras, video cameras and similar recording devices (hereinafter referred to as " recording devices "). In addition to carrying a tripod, users usually carry the recording device and other accessories such as lenses, flash and batteries. Even though tripods have retractable legs, these are not easily and conveniently carried around.

There are many prior art devices related to tripod carrying accessories. At present, a tripod strap or a tripod bag by which a tripod can be slung over one's shoulder is a common accessory for transporting tripod during photographic outings. However, many enthusiastic photographers are reluctant to carry their tripod with them because the existing tripod transporting accessories are not ideal for the purpose. To carry and balance a bulky and heavy tripod over one's shoulder is not a comfortable experience. The hanging tripod slung over one's shoulder is unstable and tends to swing with the slightest movement. A tripod kept in a bag is generally not in a ready position for quick action. Moreover, the extra tripod bag, if brought along, is cumbersome for the photographer to care for in the field. The tripod strap or the tripod bag only functions as a tripod transporting accessory and can not function as a camera support for picture taking.

WO 03/052313 proposes a camera tripod which comprises a fixing tray for receiving the camera and three telescopic legs mounted articulated on the tray and consisting of three elements sliding inside one another. A plate is fixed on one of the elements of the legs and is provided with two straps, enabling the user to carry the tripod like a rucksack. The invention of WO 03/052313 is therefore similar in the other prior art, in that the invention functions only as a tripod transporting accessory. EP 0 588 722 proposes a portable tripod in which the first, second and third telescopic legs are hinged to a head portion and each telescoping leg has a or fixed tubular leg member and at least one telescoping leg member is slidably mounted. The fixed tubular members of the first and second legs are interconnected by telescoping bracing means to form a leg assembly. The two legs provide backpacking means on the leg assembly. Again, the invention of EP 0 588 722 is similar in the other prior art, in that the invention functions only as a tripod transporting accessory.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

What is required by photographers is a tripod which can be strapped on and carried comfortably, considering that the image recording device is substantially heavy. What is also required is a tripod with a support which having been comfortably strapped onto the back of the user, and the said tripod and support can also be slung in front of the user, and the support can be propped against the chest of the user, to stablise the tripod-mounted image recording device such as camera or video camera, for photo taking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dual function body support for a photographic tripod, and more particularly relates to (1) improvement in the way that a tripod, with the body support attached to the tripod, can be transported by photographer more conveniently, comfortably and quickly on the back of the wearer in a hands-free manner; (2) said improved tripod, allows photography in a stable manner with one of the legs of the tripod as a support on the ground and the user leaning on the body support and when proper set-up of the tripod is not practical or takes too much time, particularly for low-light photography in crowded and restricted areas.

A tripod with a Dual-Function Body Support is novel, designed to perform the following functions:

Transporting Function

A Tripod fitted with the Dual-Function body support is designed for outdoor photographers to transport their tripod more conveniently, comfortably and quickly in a hands-free manner. Being a bag-less backpack design, the tripod can therefore be set up immediately at shooting location to respond to interesting moment. When decided to move to a new location, the photographer can just retract the legs of the tripod and simply carry the tripod as a backpack. With this invention, since the weight of the tripod is equally distributed on the two shoulders, more relief and comfortable for the photographer is obvious. The tripod being carried in such a way is very stable and would not swing with movement. The device is also hassle-free unlike use of the cumbersome tripod bag, which requires additional care, in the field.

Camera Support for Quick Action Photo Shooting Function

When carrying the tripod in front, the device also provides a new and efficient way for stabilizing the camera (mounted on the tripod) against the photographer's body for quick action shooting in nature, landscape, macro and particularly in low-light photography in crowded and restricted areas, where and when proper set-up of a tripod is not practical or takes too much time. Enhanced stability could easily be achieved if the 'outer leg' of the body-bracing tripod is extended to the ground level (or any suitable support surface) and then locked tight, forming an enlarged base area for standing, kneeling or sitting photo shooting positions. The mode of camera support in such a way is similar to that of a monopod. However, the extended tripod leg slanting out at an angle to the photographer's body could definitely provide better stability for the camera (mounted on the tripod) than that provided by a monopod.

The first object of the invention is to provide a body support for a tripod for mounting of cameras, video cameras and similar image recording devices, the tripod having a centre column and three tripod legs, consisting of an outer tripod leg and a second inner tripod leg and a third inner tripod leg, the tripod having

a body support connected to the second inner tripod leg;

a body support connected to the third inner tripod leg;

wherein the body support offers two functions - it functions as a cushion for the tripod when the tripod is carried on the user's back and it also functions as a support to rest the tripod against the chest of the user for additional stability when the image recording device is mounted on the tripod and held in front by the user during use.

Preferably, the body support consisting of a pad having a front surface and a back surface; the back surface of the pad having a fin-like structure forming the first half of an upper tripod leg grip. Preferably the upper tripod leg grip consists of two elongate semi-circular halves, a first half formed from the fin-like structure of the back surface of the pad, and a second half, which is attached to the first half.

Preferably, the two elongate semi-circular halves of the upper leg grip are assembled together and tightened for attachment to the upper portion of the inner tripod leg.

Preferably, the two elongate semi-circular halves of the upper leg grip are tightened for attachment onto the upper portion of the inner tripod leg by tightening means.

Preferably, the upper leg grip has a connector for connection to a strap, the connector being in any one of the elongate semi-circular halves.

Preferably the two elongate semi-circular halves of the upper leg grip have additionally inner rough surfaces, for better grip of the upper portion of the inner tripod leg when the two halves of the upper leg grip are tightened around each inner tripod leg.

Alternatively the body support may be integrally formed with the pad and the fin-like structure, the pad having a front surface and a back surface; the back surface of the pad extending to form a fin-like structure and ending into a longitudinal cylindrical tube with a longitudinal gap which is diametrically opposite the fin-like structure, and having a connector for connection to a strap.

Preferably, the dual function body support for a tripod have additionally:-

a lower tripod leg grip, the lower tripod leg grip with a connector fitted onto a lower portion of the second tripod leg;

a lower tripod leg grip, the lower tripod leg grip with a connector fitted onto a lower portion of the third inner tripod leg;

a strap connected to the connector of the second upper leg grip and the connector of the lower tripod leg grip of the second inner tripod leg;

a strap connected to the connector of the third upper leg grip and the connector of the lower tripod leg grip of the third inner tripod leg

thereby allowing the user to strap the tripod to the back, such that the front surface of the pad rests on the back of the user thereby allowing the body support and the tripod to be transported comfortably and easily.

Preferably the dual function body support when in use with the camera-mounted tripod, enables the user to sling the tripod to the front, allowing the user to operate the image recording device, with the front surface of the pad resting comfortably on the chest of the user, and at the same time, stabilizing the image recording device.

Alternatively, the front surface of the body support can rest on the chest of the user and one of the tripod legs can rest on an external surface, providing additional stability to the tripod.

Preferably the lower leg grip consists of two semi-circular halves which are assembled together and tightened for attachment to the lower portion of the inner tripod leg.

Preferably, the two semi-circular halves of the lower leg grip are tightened onto the lower portion of the inner tripod leg by tightening means.

Alternatively, the lower leg grip consists of an semi-rigid cylindrical tube with a longitudinal gap along one side, the semi-rigid cylindrical tube being attached to the lower tripod leg by the said cylindrical tube being pressed through the longitudinal gap, and onto the lower portion of the inner tripod leg, enclosing the lower tripod leg, and upon enclosing the lower tripod leg, snapped onto the lower tripod leg.

Advantageously, the lower leg grip have additionally an inner rough surface, for better grip of the lower portion of the tripod leg when the lower leg grip is tightened around the tripod leg.

Preferably the tightening means for the upper leg grip consists of a plurality of screws and nuts.

Alternatively, the tightening means for the upper leg grip consists of a plurality of nuts and bolts. Alternatively the tightening means for the lower leg grip consists of a plurality of screws and nuts.

Preferably, the tightening means for the lower leg grip consists of a plurality of nuts and bolts.

Preferably the front surface of the pad is made of soft comfortable material.

Preferably the connector of the upper leg grip consists of a hook.

Alternatively, the connector of the lower leg grip consists of a hook.

Lastly, it is an object to provide a dual function body support for the tripod for mounting of cameras, video cameras and similar image recording devices, the tripod having a centre column and an outer tripod leg, a second inner tripod leg and a third inner tripod leg, the dual function body support consisting of:-

a first body support integrally built into the second inner tripod leg;

a second body support integrally built into the third inner tripod leg;

wherein the first body support comprising of a pad having a front surface and a back surface; the back surface of the pad joined to the second inner tripod leg by a fin-like structure;

the second body support comprising of a pad having a front surface and a back surface; the back surface of the pad joined to the third inner tripod leg by a fin-like structure;

wherein both the front surface of the pad on the second inner tripod leg and front surface of the pad on the third inner tripod leg functions as a cushion for the tripod when the tripod is carried on the user's back and wherein the front surface of the pad functions as a support to rest the tripod against the chest of the user for additional stability when the image recording device is mounted on the tripod and held in front by the user during use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects attained by its use, reference should now be made to the accompanying drawings. The image recording device referred to in the drawings can be either a camera or video camera. However, such image recording devices can also include movie camera and other image recording devices. The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and together with the description herein, serve to explain the workings and principles of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a tripod with the body supports of the invention, when the tripod is an open position, when in used (camera not shown).

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the tripod with the body supports of the invention, in a closed position, for carrying (camera not shown).

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the body supports and lower leg grips and attachment means, whereby a strap connects the body support to a lower leg grip of the tripod, using the attachment means (screws and nuts not shown).

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the body supports and lower leg grip and attachment means, whereby a strap connects the two leg grips to an inner leg of the tripod, using the attachment means.

Fig. 4 A shows a further embodiment of the body support which consists of a pad with fin- like structure joined to a cylindrical upper tripod leg grip. A narrow longitudinal gap or slit opposite the fin-like structure enables the body support to be forced onto the upper portion of the tripod leg, whereupon the cylindrical upper leg grip opens up slightly, allowing the upper portion of the inner tripod leg to be enclosed. The cylindrical upper leg grip would then snap back into shape, thereby gripping the upper portion of the inner tripod lets. For improved grip, two tightening ring structures and also having a longitudinal gap or slit is similarly forced onto the cylindrical upper tripod leg grip, thereby securing the upper leg grip.

Fig. 5 and 5A shows an user carrying the tripod on his back, with attachment means.

Fig. 6, 7 and 8 shows the same wearer using the body support in a front position with the tripod strapped on his chest and using the body support, as a prop to stablise the tripod , and hence the image recording device.

Fig. 9 shows another embodiment of building the body support of the invention and the respective connection means onto the legs of the tripod.

Fig. 10 shows another possible embodiment of the single body support, being a single body pad with the tripod legs in a closed position.

Fig. 11 shows the embodiment of Fig. 10, being the single body support consisting of a single body pad connected to the centre column of the tripod, the tripod in an open position.

Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of the single body support for a tripod with an integral single body pad on the centre column of the tripod.

Embodiments of the Invention

A description of the main and other embodiments of the present invention are given below with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a main embodiment of the invention, which is a body support of the invention, fitted to a tripod 10 which is in an open position, and in use (camera not shown). The tripod 10 can be one which is manufactured and offered for sale, and fitted with the invention or could be manufactured with the invention as part of the tripod 10. Typically, a tripod 10 has three tripod legs 13, 14, 15 (which are retractable) and a centre column 12. The image recording device (which is a camera) is mounted on the tripod head 11.

In the first (main) embodiment discussed, the body support of the invention is attached to a tripod 10 which is sold without the body support. The first embodiment is a pair of body supports 20 which are affixed to the 2^nd inner tripod leg 14 and 3^rd inner tripod leg 15 of the tripod by leg grips 24. Each body support 20 also has connection means 25 for connection to a first end of the strap 40. A second end of the strap 40 is connected to a connector 31 in the lower leg grip 30 attached onto the lower portion of the same tripod leg.

From Fig. 1, it can be seen that a pair of body supports 20 is attached to the upper portion of the 2^nd inner tripod leg 14 and 3^rd inner tripod leg 15 by attachable upper leg grips 24.

The lower portion of the 2^nd inner tripod leg 14 and 3^rd inner tripod leg 15 each has attachable lower leg grips 30. A strap 40 is connected to a connector 25 at one end to the upper leg grip and at the other end of the strap 40, the other end is connected to a connector 31 of the lower leg grip 30, on each of the second and third inner tripod legs 14 15.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the tripod 10 with the body support 20 of the invention, in a closed position, for carrying (camera having been de-mounted). The tripod 10 can be slung over the back of the user and each strap 40 going around the front side of the user. Since there are two straps 40, the tripod 10 is well balanced and will not swing around unlike the carrying devices of the prior art. Additional straps can be added at the front chest of the user to improve stability of the tripod when carried, if necessary.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the parts of the body support 20 and attachment means which are the upper leg grip 24. The body supports 20 also have connection means 25 for connection to a strap 40. A pair of straps 40 are also shown (not connected to both upper and lower leg grips 24, 30).

The body support 20 in the illustration consists of a pad 21 having a front surface 22 which fits comfortably on the back or chest of the user. The back surface of the body support 20 is formed into a first half of an elongate semi-circular upper leg grip 24a via a fin-like structure 23. The second half of the elongate semi-circular upper leg grip 24b is then joined and wrapped around the leg of the tripod 10 and secured by tightening means . When both halves of the elongate semi-circular leg grip 24a, 24b are joined, it forms the upper leg grip 24 which is attached to the upper portion of each of the inner tripod leg 14,15. Both halves of the elongate semi-circular have rough inner surface 26 for better grip with the outer surface of the tripod leg 14,15. When both halves of the elongate semicircular leg grip 24a, 24b are assembled, the body support 20 is then secured to the upper portion of the 2^nd and 3^rd inner tripod leg 14, 15 and held in that position by tightening means. The tightening means may be screws. It is also envisaged that the tightening means may also be joint locks or screw and clips or even nuts and bolts (not shown in Fig 3). A connector 25 may be located on either half of the elongate semi-circular leg grip. The lower leg grip 30 also consists of two halves of a semi-circular leg grip 30a, 30b. One half of the lower leg grip 30 has a connector 31 for connection to a strap 40. Both halves of the lower leg grip 30 a, 30 b are then assembled and wrapped around the lower portion of the 2^nd and 3^rd inner legs of the tripod 14, 15 and secured by tightening means.

When both halves of the lower leg grip 30a, 30b are assembled and secured at the lower portion of the inner leg of the tripod 10, it forms the lower leg grip 30. Again, both halves of the semi-circular lower leg grip 30a, 30b have rough inner surface for better grip with the outer surface leg of the inner leg of the tripod 10.

The lower leg grip 30 is secured in that position by tightening means, which may be screws (not shown in Fig. 3). The tightening means may also be joint locks or screws and clips or even nuts and bolts (also not shown in Fig. 3).

The elongate semi-circular upper leg grip 24 has a connector 25 for connection to a connector 41a at one end of a strap 40. A second end of the strap 40 is connected to another connector 41b at the lower leg grip 30. One end of the strap 40 thus has a connector 41a connected to the connector of the elongate semi-circular leg grip 25 and the other end has a connector 41 b for connection to the connector of the lower leg grip 31.

In the main embodiment, the 2^nd inner leg and 3^rd inner leg 14,15 of the tripod 10 each has an upper leg grip 24 and lower leg grip 30, both connected to each other by the strap 40..

When the elongate semi-circular upper leg grips 24a, 24b are attached to the upper portion of each of the 2^nd and 3^rd inner leg 14, 15 of the tripod, they are secured onto the respective leg of the tripod 10. A pair of lower semi-circular leg grips 30 are secured onto the lower portion of the respective inner leg of the tripod 10. A first end of a strap 40 is then hooked to a connector 25 in the elongate semi-circular upper leg grip and the second end of the strap 40 is likewise hooked to another connector 31 in the lower semi-circular leg grip. It can be seen that each inner tripod leg 14,15 will have a body support 20 which has a strap 40 connected to the body support 20 and the lower leg grip 30.

In a closed position, the legs of the tripod 13, 14, 15 are retracted and closed. Since the tripod 10 has two straps 40a 40b, the tripod 10 can be slung over each shoulder through each strap 40. In this position, the body supports 20 of the tripod 10 presses against the back of the user, resting against the back of the user. Since the tripod 10 can be heavy, the surface of the body support 20 which is made of soft material and formed to fit comfortably against the back of the user, prevents the hard tripod legs 13, 14, 15 from pressing against the user. With the two straps 40a,40b, the tripod 10 is carried in a vertical position and well balanced. Therefore the tripod 10 would not swing from side to side as the user moves along. The body supports 20 which is preferably pressing against the hollow of the back of the user, fits the contour of the back of the wearer, further enhances comfort of carrying and prevents the tripod 10 from swaying from side to side. Finally, the surface of body support 20 being made of soft material, allows the wearer to carry the heavy tripod 10 around in comfort.

Fig. 4 shows how an alternative embodiment of the body support 20. The body support 20 has a front surface 22 and a back surface 22a. The front surface 22 acts as a pad 21 to support the tripod 10 and therefore is formed to fit comfortably on the back or chest of the wearer. The surface of the pad 21 can be made of gel or filled with soft material like cotton or other soft light material. The surface of the pad 21 can also be filled with air.

The back surface 22a of the pad 21 has a structure like a fin 23 or a ridge which is substantially vertical to the back of the pad 21. The back surface 22a of the body support 20 and fin-like structure 23 is integrally formed into a first half of an elongate semi-circular half 24a. A second half of the elongate semi-circular half 24b is joined to the first half of the elongate semi-circular half 24a, to form the upper leg grip 24. Additional tightening means for both upper leg grips 24 and lower leg grips 30 can be provided by tightening rings/clips or screw grips 42.

Fig. 4 A shows a further embodiment of the body support 20 which consists of a pad 21 integrally formed with the fin-like structure 23 joined to a cylindrical upper tripod leg grip. The cylindrical upper tripod leg grip has a longitudinal gap or slit position opposite the fin-like structure. In this embodiment, the cylindrical upper tripod leg grip is made of semi-flexible material. The cylindrical upper leg grip with the narrow longitudinal gap or slit facing the upper portion of the inner tripod leg is then forced onto the upper portion of the inner tripod leg. Since the cylindrical upper leg grip is made of semi-flexible material, the cylindrical upper leg grip would open up slightly, allowing the upper portion of the inner tripod leg to be enclosed. The cylindrical upper leg would then snap back into shape, thereby gripping the upper portion of the inner tripod leg. Since the inner surface of the upper leg grips 24 are rough, the upper leg grip 24 would be able to grip the upper portion of the tripod leg securely without slippage. For improved grip, two tightening rings 42 also circular in cross section and having a vertical gap can be similarly forced onto the upper leg grip 24, thereby securing the upper leg grip 24.

Fig. 5 and Fig. 5A shows how the user carrying the tripod 10 while wearing the tripod 10 of the invention. It can be seen that the user is free to attend to the photo taking without having to bother about taking off the tripod 10.

Fig. 6, 7 and 8 shows the same wearer with the body support 20 in a front position and with the tripod 10 strapped on his chest. The body support 20, is used as a prop against the user's chest, to stablise the image recording device.

When the body support 20 is used in the front position, the tripod 10 is worn on the front of the user. The tripod 10 with image recording device mounted is worn with a strap on each shoulder. In the front position, the tripod 10 rests on the chest of the wearer. Since the tripod 10 can be heavy, the surface of the body support 20 which is made of soft material allows the tripod 10 to rest comfortably against the chest of the user. When the tripod 10 is worn at the front, a image recording device can be fitted onto the tripod head 11 , as in Fig. 6 and Fig. 8. In Fig. 6, the image recording device fitted onto the tripod head 11 and the entire system can be used, without propping the legs of the tripod 10 against anything. However, in Fig. 7, the user is holding his tripod-mounted image recording device but he is using the one of the extended legs of tripod 10 as a prop for better balance, and to give a steady hand, for photo taking. In Fig. 8, the image recording device is fitted onto the tripod head 11 and the user is now leaning on the extended front leg 13 of the tripod 10. The outer tripod leg 13 of the tripod 10 therefore functions as a balance, and also as a prop.

It can be seen that when carrying the tripod 10 in front, the invention functions to stabilize the tripod-mounted image recording device against the photographer's body for quick action shooting in nature, landscape, macro and particularly in low-light photography in crowded and restricted areas, situations where proper setting up a tripod is not practical or too slow. Enhanced stability could easily be achieved if the outer leg of the body-bracing tripod is extended to the floor level (or any suitable support surface) and then locked tight, forming an enlarged base area for standing, kneeling or sitting photo shooting positions.

Fig. 9 shows another possible embodiment of connecting the body supports of the invention onto the legs of the tripod 10. In this embodiment, the body support 20 and fin-like structure 23 are integrally formed and built or manufactured onto the upper portion of the inner tripod legs 14, 15. The connectors 25, 31 are also directly built onto the respective positions of the tripod legs 14,15 as shown.

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of the body support 20, being a single body support 20 with the tripod legs 14, 15 in a closed position. Fig. 11 is the same embodiment of the single body support 20, as that in Fig. 10, being a single body pad 21 connected to the centre column of the tripod 10, the tripod 10 in an open position.

In both Fig. 10 and 11 , the single body support 20 is attached onto the centre column 12 of the tripod 10. However, the connection means for connection to the straps 40 must be fitted onto the upper portion and lower portion of the inner tripod leg 14, 15. A strap 40 is then connected to the connection means so that the user can wear the tripod 10 on his back. The single body support 20 has a larger pad which fits into the hollow of the user's back or the front of the user's chest. With a large pad, the tripod 10 is still fitted with two straps 40 which is then well-balanced and fitting comfortably onto the user's back when carried.

Fig. 12 shows how the single body pad 21 is connected or built into the centre column. The connectors for attachment of the straps 40 are also shown.

The description of the body support, leg grip, connection means and connector has been given for purpose of illustration herein. The embodiments are merely preferred examples and not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It is therefore envisaged similar devices could be used for the same purposes with or without modifications for the invention to work in such environments.

Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

The Dual-Function Body Support for a Tripod is designed for outdoor photographers to carry their tripods more conveniently, comfortably and quickly in a hands-free manner. Being a bag-less backpack design, the tripod with body support can be set up immediately at shooting location to respond to interesting moments. When moving to a new location, the photographer can just withdraw the legs of the tripod and simply carry the tripod as a backpack. The tripod being carried in such a way is very stable and would not swing with movement nor interfere with the walking. The device also frees the photographer from the hassle of caring for a cumbersome tripod bag, if used, in the field.

When carrying the tripod in front, the device also provides a new and efficient way for stabilizing the tripod against the photographer's body for quick action shooting in nature, landscape, macro and particularly in low-light photography in crowded and restricted areas, situations where proper set up of a tripod is not practical or too slow. Enhanced stability could easily be achieved if the 'outer leg' of the body-bracing tripod is extent to the floor level (or any suitable support surface) and then locked tight, forming an enlarged base area for standing, kneeling or sitting photo shooting positions.

Claims

1. A body support for a tripod for cameras, video cameras and similar image recording devices, the tripod having a centre column and three tripod legs, consisting of an outer tripod leg and a second inner tripod leg and a third inner tripod leg, the tripod having

a body support connected to the second inner tripod leg; a body support connected to the third inner tripod leg;

wherein the body support functions as a cushion for the tripod when the tripod is carried on the user's back and wherein the body support also function as a support to rest the tripod against the chest of the user for additional stability when the image recording device is mounted on the tripod and held in front by the user during use.

2. The body support as claimed in Claim 1 , the body support consisting of a pad having a front surface and a back surface; the back surface of the pad having a fin-like structure forming the first half of an upper tripod leg grip.

3. The upper tripod leg grip as claimed in Claim 2 consisting of two elongate semicircular halves, a first half formed from by the fin-like structure of the back surface of the pad, and a second half, which is attached to the first half.

4. The two elongate semi-circular halves of the upper leg grip as claimed in Claim 3 which are assembled together and tightened for attachment to the upper portion of the inner tripod legs.

5. The two elongate semi-circular halves of the upper leg grip as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4, the two halves being tightened for attachment onto the upper portion of the inner tripod leg by tightening means.

6. A connector for the upper leg grip, as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3, for connection to a strap, wherein the connector can be in any one of the elongate semi-circular halves.

7. The two elongate semi-circular halves of the upper leg grip as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4, each half having additionally an inner rough surface, for better grip to the upper portion of the inner tripod leg when the two halves of the upper leg grip are tightened around each inner tripod leg.

8. The body support as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, the body support being integrally formed with the pad and the fin-like structure, the pad having a front surface and a back surface; the back surface of the pad extending to form a fin-like structure and ending into a longitudinal cylindrical tube with a longitudinal gap, said longitudinal gap diametrically opposite the fin-like structure, and said longitudinal cylindrical tube, having a connector for connection to a strap.

9. A dual function body support for a tripod as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, the tripod and body support having additionally: -

a lower tripod leg grip, the lower tripod leg grip with a connector fitted onto a lower portion of the second inner tripod leg;

thereby allowing the user to strap the tripod to the back, such that the front surface of the pad rests on the back of the user allowing the tripod to be carried comfortably and easily.

10. The dual function body support as claimed in Claim 9, when the image recording device is in use, allows the user to carry the tripod to the front, allowing the user to operate the image recording device, with the front surface of the pad resting comfortably on the chest of the user, and at the same time, stabilizing the image recording device.

11. The body support for a tripod in any of the preceding claims 9 and 10, wherein the front surface of the body support rests on the chest of the user and one of the tripod legs rest on an external surface, providing additional stability to the tripod.

12. The lower leg grip as claimed in Claim 9 consisting of two semi-circular halves which are assembled together and tightened for attachment to the lower portion of the inner tripod legs.

13. The two semi-circular halves of the lower leg grip as claimed in Claim 12 which are tightened onto the lower portion of the inner tripod leg by tightening means.

14. The lower leg grip as claimed in Claim 9 consisting of a semi-rigid cylindrical tube with a longitudinal gap along one side, the semi-rigid cylindrical tube being attached to the lower tripod leg by the said cylindrical tube being pressed through the longitudinal gap, and onto the lower portion of the inner tripod leg, enclosing the lower tripod leg, and upon enclosing the lower tripod leg, snapped onto the lower tripod leg.

15. The lower leg grip as claimed in Claim 12 or Claim 14 having additionally an inner rough surface, for better grip of the lower portion of each tripod leg when the lower leg grip is tightened around the tripod leg.

16. The tightening means for the upper leg grip as claimed in Claim 6 consisting of a plurality of screws and nuts.

17. The tightening means for the upper leg grip as claimed in Claim 6 consisting of a plurality of nuts and bolts.

18. The tightening means for the lower leg grip as claimed in Claim 13 consisting of a plurality of screws and nuts.

19. The tightening means for the lower leg grip as claimed in Claim 13 consisting of a plurality of nuts and bolts.

20. The pad as claimed in Claim 2 in which the front surface is made of soft comfortable material.

21. The connector of the upper leg grip as claimed in Claim 5 consisting of a hook.

22. The connector of the lower leg grip as claimed in Claim 9 consisting of a hook.

23. A tripod with a dual function body support as claimed in Claim 1 for mounting of cameras, video cameras and similar image recording devices, the tripod having a centre column and an outer tripod leg, a second inner tripod leg and a third inner tripod leg and the dual function body support, said body support consisting of:-

a first body support integrally built onto the second inner tripod leg;

a second body support integrally built onto the third inner tripod leg;

the first body support comprising of a pad having a front surface and a back surface; the back surface of the pad joined to the second inner tripod leg by a fin-like structure;

wherein both the front surface of the pad on the second inner tripod leg and front surface of the pad on the third inner tripod leg functions as cushions for the tripod when the tripod is carried on the user's back and wherein the front surfaces of the pads function as supports to rest the tripod against the chest of the user for additional stability when the image recording device is mounted on the tripod and held in front by the user during use.