Supporting device for video photographing equipment

Abstract

A support device (1; 100), comprising at least one telescopic leg (2; 100) comprising: a first tubular portion (10), a second tubular portion (11) and a third tubular portion (12) connected one after the other in a telescopically engaging manner; a locking mechanism (20) configured to lock relative sliding between the first tubular portion (10), the second tubular portion (11) and the third tubular portion (12) and to allow relative sliding between the first tubular portion (10), the second tubular portion (11) and the third tubular portion (12), the first tubular portion (10) and the third tubular portion (12) are partially housed inside the second tubular portion (11) and configured to slide axially away from and towards the inside of the second tubular portion (11) through longitudinally opposite ends of the second tubular portion (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a support device for video recording equipment having the features stated in the preamble of the main claim. Background Art

[0002] In the field of photographic technology, support devices for video camera equipment are widely used, with tripods and monopods being particularly popular and widely used at both amateur and professional levels. These devices typically include one or more telescopic legs (tripods have three telescopic legs and monopods have one telescopic leg), each of which can be extended to conveniently support the video camera equipment in a ready position and then retracted to reduce the overall size of the support device and allow for convenient transportation and storage.

[0003] Telescopic legs used in known support devices comprise a plurality of consecutive tubular sections, wherein each tubular section is received in an engaging manner within a continuous tubular section and each tubular section can slide axially.

[0004] In this way, each tubular portion can be moved between a retracted configuration, in which the tubular portion is mainly accommodated within the continuous tubular portion, and an extended configuration, in which the tubular portion is withdrawn from the continuous tubular portion so that the main part of the tubular portion protrudes outside the continuous tubular portion.

[0005] It should be clearly pointed out that the "tubular portion" of the telescopic leg refers to a single tube portion, whereby the telescopic leg as a whole is formed by a single tube consisting of a plurality of tubular portions which are slidingly telescopically engaged with each other.

[0006] In this sense, the portion of the telescopic leg formed by a plurality of tubes placed side by side and parallel to each other, such as described in US Pat. No. 8,231,088 and US Pat. No. 5,887,835, should not be considered a "tubular portion".

[0007] The telescopic legs generally include a locking mechanism disposed between a pair of continuous tubular sections, the locking mechanism being adapted to lock and unlock relative sliding movement between the tubular sections, thereby defining a desired relative position between the tubular sections.

[0008] These locking mechanisms are typically individually actuable to allow independent adjustment of each pair of consecutive tubular sections.

[0009] Examples of support devices comprising a plurality of telescopic poles as described above are shown in US 6824319 and US 7364125.

[0010] However, the above-mentioned support devices have some disadvantages, including that such support devices do not always perform fast enough in preparation and storage operations.

[0011] WO 2016 / 131102 describes a tripod in which each leg is provided with a system for simultaneously locking and unlocking the different tubular parts constituting the leg, the system comprising a plurality of telescopic rods inside the tubular parts, which are rotationally restrained from one another, are rotationally biased by torsion springs, and can be rotatably operated to enable or release corresponding locking mechanisms provided between adjacent tubular parts.

[0012] However, this system requires a kinematic chain with multiple transmissions and requires multiple components, which makes the system complex to manufacture and, most importantly, does not provide sufficient rigidity and stability to the legs, and therefore, to the tripod, when in the extended configuration.

[0013] It should be emphasized that this characteristic is fundamental in this technological field and actually differentiates the quality level of products on the market.

[0014] WO 2020 / 003060 by the same applicant describes a tripod in which each leg is provided with a system for simultaneously locking and unlocking the different tubular parts that make up the leg, the system comprising a connecting element placed on the outside of the telescopic leg, which connects together the locking devices arranged between the consecutive tubular parts, so that the locking devices can be operated to lock or release by a single action.

[0015] The Applicant has observed that the structure proposed in WO 2020 / 003060 is very simple and effective to implement and maintains independent clamping loads in different locking mechanisms.

[0016] However, in this way, each locking mechanism must be adjusted independently of the others in order to ensure that actuation of the connecting element results in as uniform a tightening as possible between the different tubular portions of the telescopic leg.

[0017] Furthermore, the presence of the connecting element increases the overall footprint of the telescopic leg. Summary of the invention

[0018] The problem underlying the present invention is to realize a supporting device for video recording equipment which is designed structurally and functionally to at least partially overcome the limitations listed above with reference to the prior art.

[0019] In view of this problem, an object of the present invention is to realize a support device which is simple to manufacture, occupies a small area, and allows for quick locking and unlocking of telescopic legs.

[0020] The present invention solves this problem and achieves these objectives by a supporting device for video recording equipment implemented according to the appended claims.

[0021] Thus, in a first aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a support arrangement for video recording equipment, the support arrangement comprising at least one telescopic leg displaceable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration.

[0022] Preferably, the telescopic leg comprises a first tubular portion, a second tubular portion and a third tubular portion, the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion and the third tubular portion being successively connected in a telescopically joint manner.

[0023] Preferably, the telescopic leg comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock relative sliding movement between the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion and the third tubular portion and alternatively allow relative sliding movement between the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion and the third tubular portion.

[0024] Preferably, the first tubular portion is partially housed inside the second tubular portion.

[0025] Preferably, the first tubular portion engages with the second tubular portion so as to slide axially away from and toward the interior of the second tubular portion through the first end of the second tubular portion.

[0026] Preferably, the third tubular portion is partially housed inside the second tubular portion.

[0027] Preferably, the third tubular portion engages with the second tubular portion so as to slide axially away from and toward the interior of the second tubular portion through the second end of the second tubular portion.

[0028] Preferably, the second end is longitudinally opposite to the first end.

[0029] Due to these characteristics, in the telescopic leg realized according to the present solution, the diameter of the middle tubular portion, here called the second tubular portion, is greater than the diameter of the two adjacent tubular portions, namely the first tubular portion and the third tubular portion. In this way, the two adjacent tubular portions, the first tubular portion and the third tubular portion, are accommodated in the second tubular portion in a sliding engagement, so as to be accessible from opposite ends. Thus, in the retracted configuration of the telescopic leg, the first tubular portion protrudes from the first end of the second tubular portion, while the third tubular portion protrudes from the second end of the second tubular portion.

[0030] This particular configuration of the telescopic leg can also provide a particularly effective locking mechanism within it, thereby maintaining good rigidity characteristics between the various tubular sections when bending and twisting, even when the telescopic leg is in the extended configuration, and maintaining a reduced footprint without the need for components external to the telescopic leg.

[0031] It should be understood that two or more tubular portions are connected to each other in a "telescopic joint" when each pair of adjacent tubular portions is configured to allow relative axial sliding of one tubular portion within the other tubular portion up to a maximum extended position and a maximum retracted position.

[0032] In other words, the telescopic movement of two or more tubular parts is ensured by the arrangement and mutual engagement of adjacent tubular parts, so that any sleeve fitted externally to one or more tubular parts (for example as a gripping element or as a damping element or as a connecting element between locking devices) is not regarded as a tubular part of the telescopic leg.

[0033] Furthermore, it should be understood that two elements are "rigidly" fastened together when no relative movement between the two elements is permitted.

[0034] When the second tubular member is axially insertable into the first tubular member, the "diameter" of the first tubular member (or a portion of the first tubular member) is smaller than the "diameter" of the second tubular member.

[0035] When the first tubular member and the second tubular member have a circular cross-section, this definition may be interpreted literally regardless of the thickness of the second tubular member, whereas when the first tubular member and / or the second tubular member have a cross-section with a geometry other than circular, this definition may be interpreted in a more general manner.

[0036] In the above aspects, the present solution may have one or more preferred features described below.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first end piece is secured to the second tubular portion at the first end of the second tubular portion.

[0038] Preferably, the first end piece is rigidly fixed to the second tubular portion.

[0039] Preferably, the first end piece is configured to guide axial sliding of the first tubular portion away from and towards the interior of the second tubular portion.

[0040] Preferably, the first end piece has a tubular shape and comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located axially outside the second tubular portion and the second portion being superposed on the second tubular portion.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first portion of the first end piece has an inner profile that matches the outer profile of the first tubular portion.

[0042] More preferably, the first portion abuts against the first end of the second tubular portion.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first end member engages the first tubular portion in two distinct and spaced-apart regions along the longitudinal axis of the telescoping leg.

[0044] In this way, the guiding action during sliding of the first tubular portion away from and towards the interior of the second tubular portion is more precise and the two tubular portions, in particular when the two tubular portions are in the extended configuration, exhibit excellent rigidity in bending.

[0045] Preferably, the second portion of the first end member comprises a protrusion extending toward the interior of the second tubular portion, and the protrusion is received in a through slot formed on the second tubular portion.

[0046] In this way, the projection may engage and act as a guide for the sliding movement of the first tubular portion and at the same time also facilitate the fixing of the first end piece to the second tubular portion.

[0047] In some embodiments, the second end piece is secured to the second tubular portion at the second end of the second tubular portion.

[0048] Preferably, the second end piece is rigidly fixed to the second tubular portion.

[0049] Preferably, the second end piece is configured to guide axial sliding of the third tubular portion away from and towards the interior of the second tubular portion.

[0050] Preferably, the second end piece has a tubular shape and comprises a first portion located axially outside the second tubular portion and a second portion superimposed on the second tubular portion.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first portion of the second end piece has an inner profile that matches the outer profile of the third tubular portion.

[0052] More preferably, the first portion of the second end piece abuts the second end of the second tubular portion.

[0053] In some embodiments, the third tubular portion is received within the first tubular portion, at least when the telescoping legs are in the retracted configuration.

[0054] Therefore, the diameter of the third tubular portion is smaller than the diameter of the first tubular portion.

[0055] In this way, the first and third tubular portions do not interfere with each other when both are received within the second tubular portion, thereby allowing the legs to be less obstructed in the retracted configuration.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first tubular portion and / or the second tubular portion and / or the third tubular portion, and preferably all three tubular portions, have a non-circular cross-section, such as an oval, elliptical or polygonal cross-section.

[0057] Preferably, the cross-section has a major dimension.

[0058] Preferably, the cross section is polygonal, more preferably octagonal.

[0059] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a first brake member that can move between a locking position and a release position. In the locking position, the first brake member locks the axial sliding of the first tubular portion relative to the second tubular portion. In the release position, the first brake member does not prevent the axial sliding of the first tubular portion relative to the second tubular portion.

[0060] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a second brake member that can move between a locking position and a release position. In the locking position, the second brake member locks the axial sliding of the third tubular portion relative to the second tubular portion, and in the release position, the second brake member does not prevent the axial sliding of the third tubular portion relative to the second tubular portion.

[0061] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes an operating member connected to the first brake and the second brake.

[0062] Preferably, the operating member is configured to simultaneously displace the first brake member and the second brake member to the corresponding locking position or the corresponding releasing position.

[0063] In this way, by acting on a single operating member, the relative sliding between the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion and the third tubular portion can be locked and unlocked simultaneously, thereby facilitating and speeding up the user's steps of extending and retracting the telescopic leg.

[0064] In some embodiments, the operating member is pivotable about the rotational axis between an open position and a closed position.

[0065] Preferably, the operating member is connected to the first and second brakes by means of an eccentric system such that a pivoting movement of the operating member between the open position and the closed position corresponds to a displacement of the first and second brakes between respective release positions and respective locking positions.

[0066] In this way, the pivotal movement of the operating member applies a first force to the first brake and a second force to the second brake, thereby simultaneously displacing the first brake and the second brake toward the respective locking positions.

[0067] Preferably, the second tubular portion has a polygonal cross-section having a major dimension and the axis of rotation of the operating member is substantially parallel to the major dimension.

[0068] In other embodiments, the operating member is displaceable between the open position and the closed position by a movement other than a pivoting movement about the axis of rotation.

[0069] In some embodiments, the operating member is connected to the first brake and the second brake such that: when the operating member pivots from the open position to the closed position, the first brake transmits a first reaction force to the operating member and the second brake transmits a second reaction force to the operating member.

[0070] Preferably, at least one component of the second reaction force has a direction parallel to and opposite to the direction of the component of the first reaction force.

[0071] Preferably, the operating member is mounted on the telescopic leg so that the rotation axis is displaceable in the direction parallel to the component of the first reaction force and the component of the second reaction force.

[0072] In this way, the operating member is freely displaced in the direction until the operating member reaches a position at which reaction forces caused by the displacements of the first and second brakes respectively toward the locking position are balanced.

[0073] In particular, note that the equilibrium position is determined by the same difference between the opposing reaction forces, so the system is actually self-regulating.

[0074] In the equilibrium position, the forces applied by the operating member to the first brake and the second brake are also uniform, so that the forces applied by the first brake to the first tubular portion and the forces applied by the second brake to the second tubular portion are also equal.

[0075] This solution therefore advantageously allows implementing a locking mechanism with a single command on at least three tubular portions of the telescopic leg and at the same time also ensuring an evenly tensioned load between the different tubular portions.

[0076] Preferably, the first reaction force and the second reaction force are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the telescoping leg.

[0077] Preferably, the operating member is mounted on the telescopic leg such that the rotational axis is displaceable in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the telescopic leg.

[0078] Preferably, the first and second brakes are displaced between respective release positions and respective locking positions along a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the telescopic leg by an operating member.

[0079] In some embodiments, the operating member is mounted on the second tubular portion.

[0080] Preferably, the operating member is in an intermediate position between the first brake member and the second brake member.

[0081] Preferably, the operating member is mounted on the first end piece.

[0082] In a corresponding embodiment, the first and second brakes are displaced by the operating member from corresponding release positions toward corresponding locking positions away from the operating member or toward the operating member in the axial direction of the telescopic leg.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first stopper is disposed between the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion. Alternatively, the first stopper may be disposed between the first tubular portion and the first end member.

[0084] Furthermore, preferably, the first brake and the second tubular portion (or, in an alternative solution, the first end component) are shaped such that when the first brake is displaced toward the locking position, the first brake is wedged between the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion (or the first end component), thereby locking the relative sliding of the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second stopper is disposed between the third tubular portion and the second tubular portion. Alternatively, the second stopper may be disposed between the third tubular portion and the second end member.

[0086] Furthermore, preferably, the second brake and the second tubular portion (or, in an alternative solution, the second end component) are shaped such that when the second brake is displaced toward the locked position, the second brake is wedged between the third tubular portion and the second tubular portion (or the second end component), thereby locking the relative sliding of the third tubular portion and the second tubular portion.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first brake is connected to the eccentric system by means of a first transmission element.

[0088] In some embodiments, the second brake is connected to the eccentric system by means of a second transmission element.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first transmission element and the second transmission element are connected to the eccentric system on opposite sides relative to the rotation axis of the operating member.

[0090] In some embodiments, the operating member comprises a lever pivotable about a pin, the lever being rotatable about a rotation axis of the operating member.

[0091] Preferably, the pin is slidably received in a seat, such as a through slot formed in the first end piece or in the second tubular portion.

[0092] In some embodiments, the eccentric system is defined by a cam profile formed on the surface of the pin.

[0093] In some embodiments, the telescoping leg includes a fourth tubular portion connected to the first tubular portion or the third tubular portion in a telescopic engagement.

[0094] Preferably, the fourth tubular portion is partially accommodated inside the third tubular portion and engages with the third tubular portion so as to slide axially away from and toward the interior of the third tubular portion on the side opposite to the second tubular portion.

[0095] Preferably, the telescopic leg comprises a further locking mechanism configured to lock and allow relative sliding movement between the fourth tubular portion and the third tubular portion.

[0096] The further locking mechanism may be of conventional type, such as a ring nut.

[0097] In some embodiments, the support device is a monopod including a single telescoping leg and an attachment element for the video camera equipment.

[0098] Preferably, the attachment element is provided at an end of the first tubular portion opposite to the second tubular portion.

[0099] In some embodiments, the support device is a tripod comprising a crosspiece on which the three telescopic legs implemented according to the present solution are hinged. Preferably, the telescopic legs are hinged to the crosspiece at the end of the first tubular portion opposite to the second tubular portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0100] The features and advantages of the present invention will best be apparent from the detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0101] Figure 1is a schematic front view of a first example of a support device for video camera equipment implemented in accordance with the present invention, the support device including telescoping legs in an extended configuration and a locking mechanism in a released position;

[0102] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a detail of a telescopic leg of a support device of FIG. 1 , showing a first end member (terminal) of the telescopic leg;

[0103] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a schematic diagram of a detail of a device in which the first end component is removed and some components are transparent;

[0104] Figure 4 and 5 is with Figure 2 and 3 a similar view with the locking mechanism in the locked position;

[0105] Figure 6 is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of plane III-III;

[0106] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 An enlarged schematic view of another detail of the telescopic leg of the support device at the second end member of the telescopic leg, wherein the second end member is removed;

[0107] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a detail similar to Figure 6 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second end member is present;

[0108] Fig. 9 is an enlarged schematic view of a variation of the telescoping leg detail of the previous figure, with the locking mechanism in a released position;

[0109] Fig.10 It is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of plane XX;

[0110] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A schematic longitudinal section of a further detail of the telescopic leg at the second end member,

[0111] Fig.12 is a schematic perspective view of a second example of a support device for video recording equipment implemented according to the present invention, the support device including a plurality of telescoping legs in an extended configuration and a locking mechanism in a locked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0112] First reference Figures 1 to 8 , 1 is used to represent a first example of a supporting device for video photography equipment implemented according to the present invention.

[0113] The support device 1 is a monopod comprising a single telescopic leg 2, at the top of which a plate 3 is arranged, which is provided with an attachment element 4, such as a 3 / 8 screw, which is arranged to fix a video camera equipment to the monopod 1, which video camera equipment itself is conventional and not shown in the drawings.

[0114] The telescopic leg 2 comprises a first tubular portion 10, a second tubular portion 11 and a third tubular portion 12, which are successively connected in a telescopically joined manner.

[0115] Specifically, the first tubular portion 10 is partially accommodated so that it can slide axially within the second tubular portion 11 through the first end 11a of the second tubular portion 11, and the third tubular portion 12 is partially accommodated so that it can slide axially within the second tubular portion 11 through the second end 11b of the second tubular portion 11, and the second end 11b is longitudinally opposite to the first end 11a.

[0116] Preferably, the plate 3 is fixed to the first free end 10a of the first tubular portion 10, while a foot 13 is fixed to the free end 12b of the third tubular portion 12, the foot 13 being for example rubber for allowing the monopod 1 to be firmly supported on the ground.

[0117] The three tubular portions 10, 11 and 12 are coaxial with each other, their major longitudinal dimension extends along their common X axis, their cross-section has a polygonal, in particular octagonal, shape and they are elongated along the major dimension.

[0118] The cross-sectional dimensions of the tubular portions 10, 11 and 12 are such that both the first tubular portion 10 and the third tubular portion 12 can be slidably engaged inside the second tubular portion 11. Furthermore, the third tubular portion 12 has a transverse dimension such that the third tubular portion 12 can also be slidably engaged inside the first tubular portion 10.

[0119] Thus, the third tubular portion 12 has a cross section of smaller size, the second tubular portion 11 has a cross section of larger size, and the first tubular portion 10 has a cross section of medium size.

[0120] At the first longitudinal end 11a and the second longitudinal end 11b of the second tubular portion 11, a tubular first end component 14 and a second end component 15 are rigidly fixed respectively, and the first end component 14 and the second end component 15 are configured to guide the first tubular portion 10 and the third tubular portion 12 to axially slide away from the interior of the second tubular portion 11 and axially slide toward the interior of the second tubular portion 11.

[0121] Specifically, the first end component 14 includes a first portion 14a having a narrower internal cross-section and a second portion 14b having an enlarged internal cross-section, the first portion 14a roughly corresponding to the first tubular portion 10, and the second portion 14b defines an internal shoulder 14c abutting against the first end 11a of the second tubular portion 11, so that the first portion 14a protrudes axially from the second tubular portion 11, and the second portion 14b is superimposed on the second tubular portion 11.

[0122] Similarly, the second end member 15 includes a first portion 15a having a narrower internal cross-section and a second portion 15b having an enlarged internal cross-section, the first portion 15a roughly corresponding to the third tubular portion 12, and the second portion 15b defining an internal shoulder 15c abutting against the second end portion 11b of the second tubular portion 11, so that the first portion 15a protrudes axially from the second tubular portion 11 and the second portion 15b is superimposed on the second tubular portion 11.

[0123] A stopper element 12c is engaged at the end 12a of the third tubular portion 12 axially opposite to the foot 13 to close the third tubular portion 12. The stopper element 12c locks the travel of the third tubular portion 12 by abutting against the shoulder 15c, thereby preventing the third tubular portion 12 from coming out of the second tubular portion 11.

[0124] The telescopic leg 2 includes a locking mechanism 20 configured to lock the first tubular portion 10 , the second tubular portion 11 , and the third tubular portion 12 and alternatively allow relative sliding therebetween.

[0125] The locking mechanism 20 includes: a first brake member 21, which is configured to selectively lock the axial sliding of the first tubular portion 10 within the second tubular portion 11; a second brake member 22, which is configured to selectively block the axial sliding of the third tubular portion 12 within the second tubular portion 11; and an operating member 23, which is connected to the first brake member 21 and the second brake member 22 to simultaneously operate, lock or release the first brake member 21 and the second brake member 22.

[0126] Specifically, the first brake member 21 can move between a locking position and a release position along a direction substantially parallel to the axis X. In the locking position, the first brake member 21 prevents the first tubular portion 10 from axially sliding relative to the second tubular portion 11, and in the release position, the first brake member 21 allows the first tubular portion 10 to axially slide relative to the second tubular portion 11.

[0127] The first brake member 21 is accommodated in a cavity 24 formed inside the first portion 14a of the first end component 14, and the first brake member 21 includes a surface 21a inclined relative to the axis X, which rests on a corresponding surface 24a of the first end component 14, so that the axial displacement of the first brake member 21 also causes a corresponding radial displacement of the first brake member 21, thereby pressing against the first tubular portion 10 or moving away from the first tubular portion 10.

[0128] In a completely similar manner, the second brake member 22 can be moved in a direction substantially parallel to the axis X between a locking position in which the second brake member 22 prevents the third tubular portion 12 from sliding axially relative to the second tubular portion 11 and a release position in which the second brake member 22 allows the third tubular portion 12 to slide axially relative to the second tubular portion 11.

[0129] The second brake member 22 is accommodated in a cavity 25 formed inside the first portion 15a of the second end member 15, and the second brake member 22 includes a surface 22a inclined relative to the axis X, which rests on a corresponding surface 25a of the second end member 14, so that an axial displacement of the second brake member 22 also causes a corresponding radial displacement of the second brake member 22, thereby pressing against the first tubular portion 12 or moving away from the first tubular portion 12.

[0130] The operating member 23 includes a lever 26 which can be moved about a rotation axis Y in an open position ( Figures 1 to 3 ) and the closed position ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 The rotation axis Y is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the telescopic leg 2.

[0131] The axis of rotation Y is defined by a pin 27 mounted on the first end piece 14 and housed in a seat 27a adapted to be appropriately elongated in the axial direction X to allow the pin 27 to move freely in this direction.

[0132] The first brake 21 is connected to the operating member 23 via a first transmission element 28 constrained to the pin 27 at a constraining point 28 a which is spaced from the axis Y of rotation.

[0133] Similarly, the second brake 22 is connected to the operating member 23 via a second transmission element 29 constrained to the pin 27 at a constraining point 29 a located symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation Y to the constraining point 28 a .

[0134] The connection of the first and second brakes 21 , 22 to the pin 27 forms an eccentric system which allows the pivoting movement of the lever 26 to be converted into a displacement along the axis X of the first and second brakes 21 , 22 .

[0135] When the lever 26 pivots between the open position and the closed position, the pin 27 displaces the restraining points 28 a and 29 a , thereby pulling the transmission elements 28 and 29 and moving the first and second brakes 21 and 22 closer to the operating member 23 .

[0136] The axial displacement of the first and second stoppers 21 , 22 causes the first and second stoppers 21 , 22 to be simultaneously displaced towards a locking position against the first and third tubular portions 10 , 12 , respectively.

[0137] Therefore, in this first embodiment, the transmission elements 28, 29 act as tie rods, which transmit the first tensioning force and the second tensioning force to the first brake member 21 and the second brake member 22, respectively.

[0138] These tensioning forces correspond to equal and opposite first and second forces exerted on the pin 27 by the first and second brakes 21 , 22 .

[0139] Any imbalance of these forces causes the pin 27 to automatically shift along the seat 27a until a balanced position is found.

[0140] For example, if during the closing pivotal movement of the lever 26, the first brake 21 reaches a locked position against the first tubular portion 10, and the second brake 22 has not yet reached a locked position against the third tubular portion 12, further pivotal movement of the pin 26 will cause the pin 26 to shift along the seating portion 27 toward the first brake 21 and away from the second brake 22, thereby increasing the traction force applied to the second brake 22 until the traction force applied to the second brake 22 is balanced with the traction force applied to the first brake 21.

[0141] As such, in the closed position of the lever 26 , the first and second stoppers 21 , 22 will be in their respective locking positions, applying a substantially uniform tightening load to the respective tubular portions 10 , 12 .

[0142] When the lever 26 is pivoted to the open position, the first and second brake members 21, 22 are displaced to the release position, this movement being suitably assisted by one or more springs interposed between the first and second brake members 21, 22 and provided between the first and second end members 14, 15 respectively.

[0143] Figures 9 to 11 A second embodiment of a telescopic leg obtained according to the present solution is shown and indicated overall with 100 .

[0144] Components of the telescopic leg 100 that are the same as or similar to those of the telescopic leg 2 of the previous example are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0145] The telescopic leg 100 differs from the telescopic leg 2 of the previous example mainly in the configuration of the eccentric system connecting the rod 26 to the first brake member 21 and the second brake member 22 .

[0146] In this case, in fact, the pivoting movement of the lever 26 from the open position to the closed position causes the two stops 21 , 22 to be pushed along the axis X away from the pin 27 .

[0147] Of course, in this case, the mutual contact surfaces 21a and 24a of the first brake member 21 and the first end component 14, and the surfaces 22a and 25a of the second brake member and the second end component 15 are inclined in a manner opposite to the corresponding surfaces of the telescopic leg 2, so that: when the first brake member 21 and the second brake member 22 move axially away from the operating member 23, the first brake member 21 and the second brake member 22 are pushed to abut against the corresponding first tubular portion 10 and the third tubular portion 12.

[0148] Furthermore, in this case, the eccentric system is formed by the same surface of the pin 27 having the cam profile 30, Fig.10 The cam profile 30 can be better seen in the drawing, and one side of the cam profile 30 abuts directly against the first brake member 21 and the other side abuts against the second transmission element 29, which is formed by a sheet member passing through the second tubular portion 11 and, in this case, serves as a support to move the second brake member 22 towards the locking position.

[0149] Another difference lies in the different configuration of the first end piece 14 : the first end piece 14 comprises in its second portion 14 b a projection 31 extending towards the inside of the second tubular portion 11 , which projection 31 is received in a through slot 32 formed on the second tubular portion 11 .

[0150] In this way, the first end piece 14 engages with the first tubular portion 10 in two different axially spaced regions and, moreover, allows the pushing action exerted on the first end piece 14 by the first stop 21 to be better detected.

[0151] The same solution is also provided in the coupling of the second end piece 15 on the second end 11 b of the second tubular portion 11 , wherein the projection 34 extends radially from the second portion 15 a towards the interior of the second tubular portion 11 .

[0152] The mode of operation of the actuation of the telescopic leg 100 is completely similar to the mode of operation of the telescopic leg 2 described above with reference to the previous example.

[0153] In yet another embodiment variant applicable to the telescopic leg 2 and the telescopic leg 100, not shown in the accompanying drawings, the telescopic leg comprises a fourth tubular portion partially housed within the third tubular portion 12 so as to slide axially from and towards the interior of the third tubular portion 12 via the second end 12b, in which case the second end 12b is not provided with a foot 13.

[0154] Relative sliding movement between the fourth tubular portion and the third tubular portion 12 may be selectively locked or permitted by another locking mechanism which may be of conventional type.

[0155] Fig.12 A tripod is shown, generally indicated at 200, which depicts a second embodiment of a supporting device according to the invention.

[0156] The tripod 200 comprises a crosspiece 201 in which a column 202 is housed, carrying at its top an attachment plate 203 for video recording equipment and which is able to slide.

[0157] Furthermore, three telescopic legs 204 are hinged to the cross member 201, each telescopic leg 204 being substantially identical to the telescopic leg 2 or the telescopic leg 100 described above, except that a plate 3 and an attachment element 4 are provided and the foot 13 is shaped differently.

[0158] Thus, each telescoping leg 204 includes three tubular portions 210 , 211 , and 212 and a unique self-adjusting locking mechanism that can be actuated by a rod 226 for locking and releasing.

[0159] As locking and releasing of the telescopic legs 204 is ergonomic and simple, the rod 226 is mounted to be pivotable on the outside of the tripod 200 about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the articulation axis of each telescopic leg 204 relative to the crosspiece 201 .

[0160] The present invention thus solves the problems complained of in the prior art cited in the above references, while providing numerous other advantages.

[0161] Of course, in order to meet specific and accidental application needs, those skilled in the art will be able to make further modifications and variations to the above invention. In any case, these modifications and variations belong to the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A support device (1; 200) for video recording equipment, the support device (1; 200) comprising at least one telescopic leg (2; 100), the telescopic leg comprises: - a first tubular portion (10), a second tubular portion (11) and a third tubular portion (12), the first tubular portion (10), the second tubular portion (11) and the third tubular portion (12) being connected successively in a telescopic joint, - a locking mechanism (20), the locking mechanism (20) being configured to lock the relative sliding between the first tubular portion (10), the second tubular portion (11) and the third tubular portion (12), and to allow the relative sliding between the first tubular portion (10), the second tubular portion (11) and the third tubular portion (12), in: - the first tubular portion (10) is partially housed inside the second tubular portion (11) and engages with the second tubular portion (11) so as to slide axially away from and towards the interior of the second tubular portion (11) through a first end of the second tubular portion (11); and - The third tubular portion (12) is partially accommodated inside the second tubular portion (11) and is engaged with the second tubular portion (11), thereby sliding axially away from the interior of the second tubular portion (11) and axially sliding toward the interior of the second tubular portion (11) through the second end of the second tubular portion (11), and the second end is positioned opposite to the first end (11) in the longitudinal direction.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: When the telescopic leg (2; 100) is in the retracted configuration, the third tubular portion (12) is housed inside the first tubular portion (10).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first tubular portion (10), the second tubular portion (11) and the third tubular portion (12) have non-circular cross-sections.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The locking mechanism comprises: - a first brake (21), the first brake (21) being movable between a locking position and a release position, in which, in the locking position of the first brake (21), the first brake locks the axial sliding of the first tubular portion (10) relative to the second tubular portion (11), and in the release position of the first brake (21), the first brake does not prevent the axial sliding of the first tubular portion (10) relative to the second tubular portion (11), - a second brake (22), the second brake (22) being movable between a locking position and a release position, in which the second brake (22) locks the axial sliding of the third tubular portion (12) relative to the second tubular portion (11), and in which the second brake (22) does not prevent the axial sliding of the third tubular portion (12) relative to the second tubular portion (11); and - an operating member (23) connected to the first brake member (21) and the second brake member (22) to simultaneously shift the first brake member (21) and the second brake member (22) to a corresponding locking position or a corresponding releasing position.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The operating member (23) is capable of pivoting around a rotation axis (Y) between an open position and a closed position, and the operating member (23) is connected to the first brake member (21) and the second brake member (22) by means of an eccentric system (27, 28a, 29a; 30), so that the pivoting movement of the operating member (23) between the open position and the closed position corresponds to the displacement of the first brake member (21) and the second brake member (22) between the corresponding release position and the corresponding locking position.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The operating member (23) is connected to the first brake member (21) and the second brake member (22) so that: when the operating member (23) is pivoted from the open position toward the closed position: - the first brake member (21) transmits a first reaction force to the operating member (23), - the second brake member (22) transmits a second reaction force to the operating member (23), - at least one component of said second reaction force has a direction parallel and opposite to the direction of a component of said first reaction force, and the operating member (23) is mounted on the telescopic leg (2; 100), The rotation axis (Y) is enabled to be displaced in a direction parallel to the component of the first reaction force and the component of the second reaction force.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The first reaction force and the second reaction force are generally parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the telescoping leg.

8. The device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The operating member (23) is mounted on the telescopic leg so that the rotation axis (Y) can be displaced in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the telescopic leg (2; 100).

9. The device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein: The operating member (23) is mounted on the second tubular portion (11).

10. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein: The first brake member (21) or the second brake member (22) is connected to the eccentric system by means of a first transmission element (28) or a second transmission element (29), respectively.

11. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein: The first brake member (21) and the second brake member (22) are connected to the eccentric system by means of a first transmission element (28) and a second transmission element (29), respectively, and the first transmission element (28) and the second transmission element (29) are constrained to the eccentric system on opposite sides (28a, 29a) relative to the rotation axis (Y).

12. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein: The operating member (23) comprises a lever (26) pivotable about a pin (27), the lever (26) being rotatable about the rotation axis (Y), the pin (27) being slidably received in a seat (27a) formed in the second tubular portion (11), or the pin (27) being slidably received in a component rigidly fixed to the second tubular portion (11).

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The eccentric system comprises a cam profile (30) of the pin (27).

14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The telescopic leg includes a fourth tubular portion, which is partially accommodated in the interior of the third tubular portion (12) and is engaged with the third tubular portion (12), so as to slide axially away from the interior of the third tubular portion (12) and axially toward the interior of the third tubular portion (12) on the side opposite to the second tubular portion (11).

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