Photographing support

Abstract

The invention discloses a camera support. The camera support comprises a supporting leg, a hanging piece and an elastic locking assembly. Each supporting leg is provided with two opposite side walls, a containing space is formed between the side walls, and the side walls are provided with guide grooves, first positioning grooves and second positioning grooves, the first end of the hanging piece is provided with a connecting part, the connecting part is located in the containing space and provided with a guide convex part matched with the guide groove, and the hanging piece can horizontally move in the radial direction and can rotate around the connecting part. And the elastic locking assembly is arranged in the connecting part, is clamped and locked with the first positioning groove when the hanging piece translates to the storage position, and is clamped and locked with the second positioning groove when the hanging piece translates to the suspension position, and a clamping gap is formed. According to the invention, a rotary hook function can be realized, and a pen clip type clamping structure can be formed to facilitate carrying.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photographic equipment technology, and in particular to a photographic stand. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread use of portable photography equipment, mini tripods have become an essential accessory for everyday shooting. To adapt to complex shooting environments, such as when there is no flat surface to place the tripod, some existing high-end tripods (such as the "Mantis" tripod on the market) have integrated a foldable mounting bracket on one of their legs.

[0003] Existing hooks are typically pivotally connected to a groove on the side wall of the support leg via a fixed pivot. Under normal use, the hook is stored in the groove; when it needs to be hung (e.g., above a computer screen or on a wire mesh), the user rotates the hook outward at a certain angle (e.g., 140 degrees) around the fixed pivot to form a hook.

[0004] However, in the process of realizing this invention, the applicant discovered that the prior art has the following defects and unmet needs:

[0005] 1. Limitations of Portability: Existing attachments can only rotate around a fixed axis, and cannot change the radial distance between the axis and the feet. This means that the attachment cannot, like a pen clip, form a parallel gap with the feet suitable for clamping onto clothing pockets or backpack straps. The bracket must be carried inside a bag, failing to achieve the "ready-to-use" portability.

[0006] 2. The contradiction between structural stability and user experience: Simply designing the hinge to be sliding to achieve the clamping function often results in a loose structure. Existing sliding structures struggle to maintain rigid locking in both the "fully retracted" and "pull-out" positions. Common single-sided spring clips or screw locking structures are prone to hinge misalignment, increased gaps, or locking failure after repeated pulling and rotating over long periods.

[0007] 3. Risk of accidental operation: Existing hooks often lack a clear sense of segmentation when rotating and are easily rotated out due to accidental touch, affecting the grip.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a photography stand that can achieve both a rotating hook function and a stable pen holder function through structural transformation, while also having a precise and durable internal mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The main objective of this invention is to provide a photography bracket that addresses the technical problems of existing brackets, such as limited functionality, inability to be carried around, and unstable locking after displacement.

[0010] A photography stand, comprising:

[0011] The support leg has an axially extending receiving space, and the support leg is provided with a guide structure, as well as a first positioning groove, a second positioning groove and a third positioning groove that cooperate with the guide structure;

[0012] A mounting bracket has a mounting bracket body and a connecting portion, the connecting portion being movably received within the receiving space and having a guide portion that mates with the guide structure; the mounting bracket is configured to be radially translatable relative to the support leg and rotatable relative to the support leg about the guide portion; and

[0013] An elastic locking component moves integrally with the connecting part. The elastic locking component has at least one locking end, which is used to selectively engage with the first positioning groove, the second positioning groove, or the third positioning groove when the hook is moved into place.

[0014] The elastic locking component and the guide structure are configured such that: when the hook is in the retracted position, the locking end engages with the first positioning groove to restrict the hook from radially translating and keeping it within the receiving space; when the hook is translated to the suspended position, the locking end engages with the second positioning groove to restrict translation, and the guide portion engages with the end of the guide structure to restrict the hook from rotating around the guide portion, thereby maintaining a stable clamping gap between the hook body and the outer surface of the support leg; when the hook rotates inward from the retracted position to the unfolded position, the locking end engages with the third positioning groove to restrict the hook from rotating and keeping the hook in an inwardly angled state.

[0015] In one embodiment, the receiving space has two oppositely arranged sidewalls, and the guiding structure includes guide grooves respectively disposed on the two sidewalls, the guide grooves extending radially; the guiding portion is a guide protrusion disposed on both sides of the connecting portion, the guide protrusion slidingly engaging with the guide groove.

[0016] In one embodiment, the guide protrusion is located at a corner of the connecting portion near the first end of the hook body and away from the outer surface of the hook body.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first positioning groove and the second positioning groove are radially spaced on the sidewall; the third positioning groove is disposed on the sidewall and is circumferentially offset relative to the first positioning groove.

[0018] In one embodiment, the third positioning groove is connected to the guide groove.

[0019] In one embodiment, the support leg includes a support leg body and a pressure plate fixed to the inner side of the support leg body; the support leg body is provided with a strip groove extending axially and penetrating radially, and the two opposite side walls of the strip groove are respectively provided with a first groove; the pressure plate covers the inner opening of the strip groove, and the pressure plate is provided with a second groove opposite to the position of the first groove; the first groove and the second groove are interconnected and together form the third positioning groove.

[0020] In one embodiment, the elastic locking assembly is disposed within the connecting portion; the elastic locking assembly includes a first slider, a second slider, and an elastic element located between the first slider and the second slider; the outer ends of the first slider and the second slider respectively form the locking end, and the first slider and the second slider are configured to extend and retract radially outward relative to the connecting portion under the drive of the elastic element.

[0021] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of the first positioning groove, the second positioning groove, and the third positioning groove are non-circular; the locking end has a non-circular cross-section that matches the first positioning groove, the second positioning groove, and the third positioning groove, so as to restrict the hanging member from rotating relative to the support leg in the locked state.

[0022] In one embodiment, the connecting portion protrudes from the first end of the hook body toward the inside of the support leg; the second end of the hook body is provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding outward, the first protrusion being located on the inner side of the hook body and the second protrusion being located on the outer side of the hook body.

[0023] In one embodiment, the camera bracket further includes a central tube assembly and a mounting base slidably fitted onto the central tube assembly, with the upper ends of the legs pivotally mounted on the mounting base; the central tube assembly is provided with a limiting structure, and the connecting portion is located near the lower end of the legs; the limiting structure is configured to restrict the position of the bottom end of the central tube assembly when the hook is in the retracted position and the legs are closed, so that the connecting portion is located below the bottom end of the central tube assembly, thereby spatially offsetting the connecting portion from the central tube assembly to avoid interference.

[0024] The photographic support provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] 1. Breaking through the single-function limitations of traditional hooks, this invention achieves portable carrying like a "pen clip." Existing hooks typically only rotate around a fixed axis, making them unsuitable for close-fitting carrying with clothing. This invention innovatively features a combined radial translation and rotational motion structure. In the suspended position, the hook is not simply suspended, but rather forms a clamping gap of a specific width with the outer surface of the legs through radial translation. This structural innovation allows the camera tripod to be securely clipped to clothing pockets, backpack straps, or belts like a pen, solving the technical problem of traditional mini tripods having to be stored in a bag and not readily available, greatly improving the portability and mobility of photographic equipment.

[0026] 2. It features a dynamic interference avoidance mechanism, achieving a balance between zero-gap storage and smooth rotation. In existing technologies, the pivot position of the hanger is fixed. To avoid interference between the corner of the hanger and the inner wall of the support leg during rotation, a large clearance must be reserved between them. This results in excessive gaps and a loose structure after the bracket is stored. In this invention, the guide protrusion and guide groove form a floating pivot structure. During the rotation of the hanger relative to the support leg, the guide protrusion is configured to adaptively slide radially within the guide groove as the rotation angle changes. This "sliding and rotation coupling" motion characteristic dynamically compensates for the space required for the corner of the hanger to rotate, automatically eliminating geometric interference during rotation. The beneficial effect is that this design allows the storage gap between the hanger and the support leg to be set to a minimum (or even zero gap) from the initial design stage, eliminating the need for a fixed clearance space. This ensures smooth, unobstructed rotation while achieving an extremely tight and compact appearance in the stored state.

[0027] 3. The double-sided symmetrical internal locking structure significantly improves the mechanical stability of the cantilever structure. Addressing the technical pain point of existing sliding hooks being prone to loosening and skewing, this invention integrates a double-slider elastic locking assembly within the inner cavity of the connecting part. The first and second sliders extend synchronously from both sides of the connecting part and engage with the positioning grooves on the side walls, forming double-sided symmetrical support points. Compared to a single-sided locking structure, this design effectively counteracts the lateral torque generated when the cantilever is under force, evenly distributing the load and ensuring that the hook remains axially stable, without loosening or skewing, even after long-term use. Furthermore, the non-circular cross-section locking end, in conjunction with the shape of the positioning groove, creates a circumferential limit at a physical level. This not only ensures that the hook will not automatically rotate and fall off due to a shift in the center of gravity in "clamping mode," but also effectively prevents accidental rotation by the user when holding the legs, improving safety during use.

[0028] 4. Miniaturized packaging and long-life protection of complex mechanisms are achieved. This invention cleverly utilizes the internal space of the connecting part, by creating a mounting slot and adding a cover plate, completely encapsulating the precision elastic locking component within the cavity. Without increasing the overall size of the support legs, it achieves complex functions of "translation + rotation + locking." When stored, the mounting parts are completely submerged in the receiving space, maintaining the clean and streamlined appearance of the bracket. Furthermore, the enclosed design effectively prevents dust, sand, and moisture from corroding the internal springs and slide rails, making it particularly suitable for outdoor photography environments, significantly extending the service life of the mechanism, and solving the problem of jamming in open sliding structures.

[0029] 5. Optimized space-avoidance design ensures the overall folding performance of the tripod. Addressing the issue of interference between the legs with inward-protruding structures and the center tube, this invention employs a limiting structure on the center tube assembly to precisely control the spatial relationship between the bottom of the center tube and the connecting part. This design ensures that when all three legs are fully closed, the connecting part is located below and offset from the bottom of the center tube, preserving the robust function of the mounting bracket without sacrificing the tripod's core folding and storage volume, demonstrating a meticulous structural layout concept.

[0030] 6. Clear operating logic and tactile feedback. This invention uses an elastic element to drive the slider in and out of the positioning groove. The locking end automatically springs into the groove the instant the hook reaches the storage or suspended position, producing a crisp "click" sound and a distinct tactile feedback. This design provides clear tactile and auditory feedback for human-computer interaction, allowing users to know the locking status without visual confirmation, thus improving the blind operation and convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a photographic bracket in one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state of the hanging member in a suspended position;

[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the camera bracket's legs, mounting brackets, and elastic locking assembly.

[0033] Figure 3 A 3D view of the main body of the mounting bracket;

[0034] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Front view of the camera stand shown;

[0035] Figure 5 For along Figure 3 Sectional view of line AA in the middle;

[0036] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the camera support when it is in the rotated and unfolded position.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the guide protrusion and the guide groove when the camera bracket is in the rotated and unfolded position.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0039] 100. Central tube assembly; 110. Limiting structure;

[0040] 200. Mounting base;

[0041] 300, Support leg; 310, Side wall; 320, Accommodation space; 330, Support leg body; 331, Strip groove; 332, First groove; 340, Pressure plate; 341, Second groove; 350, Guide groove; 360, First positioning groove; 370, Second positioning groove; 380, Third positioning groove;

[0042] 400. Hanger; 410. Hanger body; 420. Connecting part; 421. Inner cavity; 422. Mounting groove; 423. Cover plate; 430. Guide protrusion; 440. First protrusion; 450. Second protrusion;

[0043] 500, Elastic locking assembly; 510, First slider; 511, Locking end; 520, Second slider; 521, Locking end; 530, Elastic element;

[0044] 600. Lifting component. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific details described below are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention can be implemented in many other embodiments different from those described herein. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0046] In this document, when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The directional terms such as "front," "back," "up," and "down" are defined based on the positions of the components in the accompanying drawings and their relative positions, and are merely for clarity and convenience in expressing the technical solution. It should be understood that the use of these directional terms should not limit the scope of protection claimed in this invention.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0048] See Figure 1 and Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, the camera bracket includes a central tube assembly 100, a mounting base 200, and legs 300. The mounting base 200 is slidably fitted onto the central tube assembly 100, and the upper end of each leg 300 is pivotally mounted on the mounting base 200. In this embodiment, the camera bracket is a mini tripod with three legs 300, at least one of which has a movable mounting bracket 400.

[0049] The center tube assembly 100 is the main support component of the photography bracket, typically made of aluminum alloy, carbon fiber, or engineering plastics, possessing sufficient rigidity and lightweight characteristics. The upper end of the center tube assembly 100 can be connected to a gimbal, mobile phone holder, or other photography equipment mounting structure to support shooting equipment such as cameras and mobile phones. The center tube assembly 100 is equipped with a limiting structure 110, which limits the sliding range of the center tube assembly 100 relative to the mounting base 200; its specific function will be described in detail later.

[0050] The mounting base 200 is fitted around the outer periphery of the central tube assembly 100 and can slide along the axial direction of the central tube assembly 100. The mounting base 200 has multiple pivot points for connecting the upper ends of each support leg 300. Each support leg 300 can pivot relative to the mounting base 200, thereby enabling the bracket to be unfolded and retracted. In the retracted state, the three support legs 300 can fold towards the central tube assembly 100, reducing the overall size for easy carrying; in the unfolded state, the three support legs 300 spread outwards and support the ground or other flat surfaces, providing stable support for the shooting equipment.

[0051] The structure of the support legs

[0052] See Figure 2 and Figure 5 The support leg 300 has an axially extending receiving space 320. The "axial" refers to the length direction of the support leg 300. The receiving space 320 is used to accommodate the connecting portion 420 of the hook 400.

[0053] In this embodiment, the receiving space 320 has two opposing sidewalls 310, forming the receiving space 320 between the two sidewalls 310. The support leg 300 includes a support leg body 330 and a pressure plate 340 fixed to the inner side of the support leg body 330. The support leg body 330 is provided with a strip groove 331 extending axially and penetrating radially. The "radial" refers to the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the support leg 300. The strip groove 331 extends a certain distance along the length direction of the support leg body 330, and its length is determined according to the size and travel of the hanger 400. The strip groove 331 penetrates the support leg body 330 radially, that is, it extends from the outer side to the inner side of the support leg body 330.

[0054] The support leg 300 is provided with a guide structure, which includes guide grooves 350 respectively disposed on two side walls 310. The guide grooves 350 extend radially along the support leg 300, with their inner ends penetrating to the inner side surface of the support leg body 330 and their outer ends located in the outer area of ​​the side wall 310. The cross-sectional shape of the guide grooves 350 can be circular, square, or other suitable shapes to adapt to the shape of the guide portion. The function of the guide grooves 350 is to guide the hanger 400 to translate radially, define the translation path of the hanger 400, and ensure that the hanger 400 can translate along a predetermined straight path, avoiding deviation or jamming during movement. Since the inner end of the guide groove 350 penetrates to the inner side surface of the support leg body 330, when the hanger 400 is in the retracted position, the guide protrusion 430 can be located at the inner end of the guide groove 350, so that the connecting portion 420 is as deep as possible into the receiving space 320, achieving complete storage of the hanger 400.

[0055] See Figure 2 and Figure 5 The support leg 300 is provided with a first positioning groove 360, a second positioning groove 370, and a third positioning groove 380 that cooperate with the guide structure. The three positioning grooves correspond to the three working positions of the hanger 400: the storage position, the suspended position, and the unfolded position.

[0056] The first positioning groove 360 ​​and the second positioning groove 370 are radially spaced on the side wall 310. Specifically, the first positioning groove 360 ​​is located near the inner end of the guide groove 350, that is, the end close to the axis of the support leg 300, corresponding to the storage position of the hanger 400; the second positioning groove 370 is located at the outer end of the guide groove 350, that is, the end away from the axis of the support leg 300, corresponding to the suspended position of the hanger 400. The distance between the first positioning groove 360 ​​and the second positioning groove 370 determines the travel distance of the hanger 400 from the storage position to the suspended position, and also determines the size of the clamping gap.

[0057] The third positioning groove 380 is disposed on the side wall 310 and is offset circumferentially relative to the first positioning groove 360. The "circumferential" refers to the direction of rotation about the axis of the guide portion. The third positioning groove 380 corresponds to the unfolded position of the hanger 400. In this embodiment, the third positioning groove 380 is connected to the guide groove 350, so that the hanger 400 can be directly rotated from the storage position to the unfolded position.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of the first positioning groove 360, the second positioning groove 370, and the third positioning groove 380 are all non-circular, such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, elliptical, D-shaped, or other polygonal cross-sections. This non-circular cross-sectional design ensures that when the locking end of the elastic locking component 500 engages with the positioning groove, a circumferential limit is formed between the locking end and the groove wall, thereby restricting the rotation of the hanger 400 relative to the support leg 300 in the locked state. This ensures that the hanger 400 remains stable in the locked position and prevents rotation due to accidental contact or vibration.

[0059] Specifically, the strip groove 331 has two opposite sidewalls, each with a first groove 332. A pressure plate 340 covers the inner opening of the strip groove 331 and is fixed to the support body 330 by screws, clips, welding, or adhesive. The pressure plate 340 has a second groove 341 opposite to the first groove 332. The position, shape, and size of the second groove 341 match the first groove 332, so that when the pressure plate 340 is installed in place, the first groove 332 and the second groove 341 communicate with each other, together forming a third positioning groove 380.

[0060] This structural design, consisting of a support body 330 and a pressure plate 340, has the following advantages: First, it facilitates the installation of the hanger 400. The connecting part 420 of the hanger 400 can be placed into the strip groove 331, the guide protrusion 430 aligned with the guide groove 350, and then the pressure plate 340 can be placed on top to complete the assembly. Second, it facilitates later maintenance and replacement. If the hanger 400 needs to be disassembled, only the pressure plate 340 needs to be removed. Third, the pressure plate 340 can seal the inner opening of the strip groove 331 to prevent dust and foreign objects from entering the receiving space 320. In addition, the connection design of the first groove 332 and the second groove 341 allows the formation of the third positioning groove 380 to be completed simultaneously with the installation of the pressure plate 340, simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0061] Structure of the hanger

[0062] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The mounting bracket 400 has a mounting bracket body 410 and a connecting part 420.

[0063] The main body 410 of the connector is the primary functional part of the connector 400, used to achieve the functions of hooking and clamping. The shape of the main body 410 can be designed as a curved hook, a straight clamp, or other shapes suitable for hooking and clamping. The length of the main body 410 can be designed according to usage requirements, for example, the length from the connecting part 420 to the free end is 20 to 40 mm.

[0064] The connecting portion 420 protrudes inward from the first end of the hanger body 410 toward the foot 300. In other words, the connecting portion 420 forms a generally perpendicular or angled connection with the hanger body 410, and the connecting portion 420 extends inward from the end of the hanger body 410 and extends into the receiving space 320 of the foot 300. The connecting portion 420 is movably received in the receiving space 320, and its movable connection with the foot 300 is achieved through the cooperation of the guide portion and the guide structure.

[0065] The connecting portion 420 is provided with a guide portion that mates with the guide structure. In this embodiment, the guide portion is a guide protrusion 430 disposed on both sides of the connecting portion 420, and the guide protrusion 430 slides in engagement with the guide groove 350. The guide protrusion 430 is located at a corner of the connecting portion 420 near the first end of the hanger body 410 and away from the outer surface of the hanger body 410. Specifically, the guide protrusion 430 is located at a corner of the connecting portion 420, which is both close to the hanger body 410 (i.e., near the connection between the connecting portion 420 and the hanger body 410) and away from the outer surface of the hanger body 410 (i.e., located at the outer edge of the connecting portion 420). This corner arrangement allows the guide protrusion 430 to reliably extend into the guide groove 350 without interfering with other structures of the hanger body 410 or the support leg 300.

[0066] The guide protrusion 430 can be designed as a protruding pin, post, or block. In a preferred embodiment, the guide protrusion 430 is a pivot extending outward from both sides of the connecting portion 420, with its two ends respectively extending into guide grooves 350 on the two sidewalls 310, and can slide freely radially within the guide grooves 350. The pivot is preferably made of a metal material (such as stainless steel or brass) to ensure sufficient strength and wear resistance.

[0067] The hook 400 is configured to translate radially relative to the foot 300. When the user pulls the hook 400 radially outward, the guide protrusion 430 slides from the inner end to the outer end within the guide groove 350, causing the entire hook 400 to translate radially outward; when the user pushes the hook 400 radially inward, the guide protrusion 430 slides from the outer end to the inner end within the guide groove 350, causing the entire hook 400 to translate radially inward.

[0068] The hook 400 is also configured to rotate about the guide relative to the foot 300. When the hook 400 is in the retracted position and the locking end is disengaged from the first positioning groove 360, the hook 400 can rotate about the axis of the guide protrusion 430 (or the pivot), causing the hook body 410 to flip relative to the foot 300 at a certain angle, thereby realizing the unfolding function of the hook.

[0069] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment, the second end of the hanger body 410 (i.e. the end away from the connecting part 420, also called the free end) is provided with an outwardly protruding first protrusion 440 and a second protrusion 450.

[0070] The first protrusion 440 is located on the inner side of the main body 410 of the hanger, that is, the side facing the foot 300. The first protrusion 440 protrudes inward, and when the hanger 400 is in a suspended position and forms a clamping gap with the foot 300, the first protrusion 440 can lock onto one edge of the clamped object, increasing the stability of the clamping. For example, when a user clamps the bracket to the edge of a clothing pocket, the first protrusion 440 can lock onto the inside of the pocket fabric to prevent the bracket from slipping out of the pocket. The first protrusion 440 can be designed as a single boss, multiple spaced protrusions, serrated protrusions, or anti-slip textures, etc.

[0071] The second protrusion 450 is located on the outer side of the main body 410 of the hanger, that is, on the side facing away from the support leg 300. The second protrusion 450 protrudes outward, and when the hanger 400 is flipped open and unfolded to be used as a suspension hook, the second protrusion 450 can lock onto the edge of the object being hung, increasing the stability of the hanger. For example, when a user hangs the stand above a computer screen, the second protrusion 450 can lock onto the rear edge of the screen to prevent the stand from slipping forward. The second protrusion 450 can also be designed as a boss, a dot, a serration, or an anti-slip texture.

[0072] The combined design of the first protrusion 440 and the second protrusion 450 enables the hook 400 to provide reliable locking force and anti-slip capability whether it is used as a pen clip or as a suspension hook, adapting to a variety of usage scenarios.

[0073] See Figure 2 and Figure 5 The connecting part 420 is a hollow structure with an inner cavity 421. The elastic locking component 500 is disposed in the inner cavity 421 of the connecting part 420 and moves integrally with the connecting part 420.

[0074] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 420 is provided with an inwardly opening mounting groove 422 to form an inner cavity 421. The opening of the mounting groove 422 faces the inner side of the support leg 300, that is, towards the center of the receiving space 320 or towards the length direction of the support leg 300. The shape of the mounting groove 422 is adapted to the outer shape of the elastic locking assembly 500 to accommodate and guide the components of the elastic locking assembly 500. The inner wall of the mounting groove 422 may be provided with a guide rail or guide surface to guide the radial sliding movement of the first slider 510 and the second slider 520.

[0075] A cover plate 423 is provided at the opening of the mounting groove 422 to seal the inner cavity 421. The cover plate 423 can be fixed to the connecting part 420 by means of snap-fit ​​connection, screw connection, interference fit, ultrasonic welding or bonding. The cover plate 423 serves the following functions: First, the cover plate 423 encapsulates the elastic locking component 500 in the inner cavity 421, protecting the internal components from the intrusion of dust, moisture and foreign objects, and extending their service life; second, the cover plate 423 restricts the displacement range of the elastic locking component 500 to prevent the component from falling out; third, the cover plate 423 makes the installation and maintenance of the elastic locking component 500 more convenient. When it is necessary to replace the elastic element 530 or perform maintenance, only the cover plate 423 needs to be removed to access the internal components.

[0076] Structure of the elastic locking component

[0077] See Figure 2 and Figure 5 The elastic locking component 500 is disposed within the connecting portion 420 and moves integrally with the connecting portion 420. The elastic locking component 500 includes a first slider 510, a second slider 520, and an elastic member 530 located between the first slider 510 and the second slider 520.

[0078] The first slider 510 and the second slider 520 are arranged opposite to each other, corresponding to the two side walls 310 of the support 300, respectively. The structures of the first slider 510 and the second slider 520 are basically symmetrical, each including a sliding part and a locking end. The sliding part slides in cooperation with the wall surface of the inner cavity 421 of the connecting part 420, and is used to guide the slider to extend and retract radially (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the side wall 310 of the support 300). The sliding part can be designed as a cylindrical, square column, or irregular column with a guide rail, which cooperates with the corresponding guide structure of the inner cavity 421 to achieve sliding guidance.

[0079] The elastic element 530 is located between the first slider 510 and the second slider 520, and is used to provide an outward elastic thrust to the two sliders. In this embodiment, the elastic element 530 is a compression spring, with its two ends abutting against the inner end faces of the first slider 510 and the second slider 520, respectively. The specifications of the spring (including wire diameter, outer diameter, free length, and stiffness) are designed according to the required locking force and operating feel. The stiffness of the spring should be moderate: if the stiffness is too low, the locking force will be insufficient, and the hook 400 will easily unlock accidentally when force is applied; if the stiffness is too high, the operation will be difficult, and the user will need to apply a large pulling force to unlock and move the hook 400.

[0080] In other embodiments, the elastic element 530 may also be an elastic rubber block, a silicone block, a disc spring, a wave spring, or other components with elastic return function. Compared with metal springs, elastic rubber blocks have the advantages of better noise reduction and less rust resistance; disc springs have the advantage of providing greater elastic force within a smaller axial space.

[0081] The first slider 510 and the second slider 520 are configured to extend and retract radially outward relative to the connecting portion 420 under the drive of the elastic member 530. In its natural state (i.e., without external force constraint), the elastic member 530 is in a naturally extended state or a slightly compressed state, pushing the first slider 510 and the second slider 520 to both sides, so that the locking ends 511 and 521 of the two sliders protrude from the outer surfaces of both sides of the connecting portion 420. The side wall of the connecting portion 420 is provided with a through hole or opening for the locking end to extend through, and the locking end extends through the through hole and engages with the positioning groove on the side wall 310.

[0082] Locking ends 511 and 521 are formed at the outer ends of the first slider 510 and the second slider 520, respectively. The elastic locking assembly 500 has at least one locking end for selectively engaging with the first positioning groove 360, the second positioning groove 370 or the third positioning groove 380 when the hook 400 is moved into place.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the locking ends 511 and 521 have non-circular cross-sections that are adapted to the first positioning groove 360, the second positioning groove 370, and the third positioning groove 380. For example, when each positioning groove has a square cross-section, the locking ends 511 and 521 are also designed with corresponding square cross-sections. The cross-sectional dimensions of the locking ends 511 and 521 are slightly smaller than the cross-sectional dimensions of the positioning grooves to ensure smooth engagement and a reliable fit. This non-circular cross-section fit restricts the hanging member 400 from rotating relative to the support leg 300 in the locked state because the flat sides of the locking ends 511 and 521 abut against the flat groove walls of the positioning grooves, forming a circumferential limit and preventing rotation around the axis.

[0084] See Figures 1 to 7The elastic locking component 500 and the guide structure are configured to achieve the following three operating states:

[0085] Locking in the storage position: When the hook-up 400 is in the storage position, the guide protrusion 430 is located near the inner end of the guide groove 350. At this time, the locking ends 511 and 521 extend outward under the elastic force of the elastic member 530 and lock into the first positioning groove 360. The engagement of the locking ends 511 and 521 with the first positioning groove 360 ​​restricts the radial translation of the hook-up 400, keeping it within the receiving space 320. Because the non-circular cross-sections of the locking ends 511 and 521 precisely match the non-circular cross-sections of the first positioning groove 360, the flat sides of the locking ends 511 and 521 abut against the groove wall to form a circumferential limit, while simultaneously restricting the hook-up 400 from rotating around the guide protrusion 430.

[0086] At this point, the mounting bracket 400 is fully housed within the receiving space 320 of the leg 300. The outer surface of the mounting bracket 400 is substantially flush with or slightly concave to the outer surface of the leg 300, and does not protrude beyond the outline of the leg 300. This retracted state ensures that the mounting bracket 400 does not affect the cleanliness of the bracket's appearance or the feel of the grip when the bracket is in normal use (such as as a tripod supporting shooting equipment). Simultaneously, due to the anti-rotation engagement between the locking end and the first positioning groove 360, the mounting bracket 400 cannot rotate freely in the retracted position, avoiding the risk of accidental rotation caused by the user gripping the leg or accidentally touching it.

[0087] Locking of the suspended position (see) Figure 4 , 5 When the user needs to use the clamping function of the hook 400, the hook 400 is pulled outward from its storage position. Under the action of the pulling force, the locking ends 511 and 521 are forced to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 530 and retract inward and disengage from the first positioning groove 360. Thereafter, the hook 400 slides outward along the guide groove 350, and the guide protrusion 430 moves from the inner end to the outer end within the guide groove 350.

[0088] When the hanger 400 is moved to the suspended position, the guide protrusion 430 reaches the outer end (i.e., the end point) of the guide groove 350. At this time, the locking ends 511 and 521 automatically pop outward under the elastic force of the elastic member 530 and lock into the second positioning groove 370 to restrict the hanger 400 from continuing to move. At the same time, the guide protrusion 430 cooperates with the end point of the guide structure to form a physical stop, restricting the hanger 400 from rotating around the guide protrusion 430. This double limiting design ensures that a stable clamping gap is maintained between the hanger body 410 and the outer surface of the support leg 300.

[0089] At this point, the mounting bracket 400 protrudes from the outer surface of the foot 300, and a clamping gap of a certain width is formed between the free end of the mounting bracket body 410 and the outer surface of the foot 300. In the suspended position, the combination of the mounting bracket 400 and the foot 300 forms a structure similar to a pen clip. Users can clip the bracket to the edge of clothing pockets, backpack shoulder straps, belts, the edge of laptop bags, or other objects of suitable thickness to achieve portable mounting. Compared with the traditional method of carrying the bracket in a bag, this pen clip-style carrying method is more convenient and faster, achieving "ready to use" portability.

[0090] Expand position locking (see) Figure 6 and Figure 7 In certain usage scenarios, users need to use the mounting bracket 400 as a hanging hook to hang the bracket above a computer screen, on the edge of a bookshelf, on wire mesh, on a railing, or on other supports for suspended shooting. In this case, the mounting bracket 400 needs to be rotated inward from its stored position to its unfolded position.

[0091] When the hook-on 400 rotates inward from its stored position, the locking ends 511 and 521 first disengage from the first positioning groove 360. Then, the hook-on 400 rotates around the guide protrusion 430, while the guide protrusion 430 moves away from the support leg along the guide groove 350. Simultaneously, the locking ends 511 and 521 move circumferentially. When the hook-on 400 rotates to a preset angle (e.g., an inward angle of 90 degrees or other angles), the locking ends 511 and 521 automatically spring into the third positioning groove 380 under the elastic force of the elastic member 530, locking and engaging with the third positioning groove 380 to restrict the hook-on 400 from continuing to rotate, keeping the hook-on 400 in an inward angled state.

[0092] See Figure 7 When the hook-on component 400 is in the unfolded position, the main body 410 of the hook-on component is rotated inward at a certain angle relative to the support leg 300, forming an inwardly extending hook-like structure. At this time, the free end of the main body 410 of the hook-on component points towards the inside of the support leg 300, and can be hooked onto supports such as above a computer screen, railings, or wire mesh. During hooking, the first protrusion 440 or the second protrusion 450 of the hook-on component 400 engages with the edge of the support, increasing the stability of the hooking and preventing the support from slipping.

[0093] In one embodiment, the camera bracket further includes a lifting member 600, which is fixed to the hanging member 400 to facilitate pulling the hanging member 400 from the storage position to the suspended position. In this embodiment, the lifting member 600 is a buckle.

[0094] See Figure 1 and Figure 4The photographic support of the present invention also includes a central tube assembly 100 and a mounting base 200. The mounting base 200 is slidably sleeved on the central tube assembly 100, and the upper end of the support leg 300 is pivotally mounted on the mounting base 200.

[0095] The connecting part 420 is located near the lower end of the support leg 300, that is, at the end away from the mounting base 200. This arrangement ensures that the connecting part 420 is at a certain distance from the pivot axis of the support leg 300, thus preventing the connecting part 420 from interfering with the mounting base 200 during the pivoting of the support leg 300.

[0096] The middle tube assembly 100 is provided with a limiting structure 110. The limiting structure 110 may be a protrusion, a slot, a limiting pin, or other structure that can limit the sliding range of the mounting base 200, provided on the outer surface of the middle tube assembly 100. The limiting structure 110 is configured to limit the bottom position of the middle tube assembly 100 when the hanger 400 is in the retracted position and the support leg 300 is closed, so that the connecting part 420 is located below the bottom end of the middle tube assembly 100, thereby spatially offsetting the connecting part 420 from the middle tube assembly 100 to avoid interference.

[0097] Specifically, when the bracket is in the retracted state, the three legs 300 fold towards the central tube assembly 100 and are approximately parallel to the central tube assembly 100. At this time, the mounting base 200 slides downward along the central tube assembly 100 so that the legs 300 can be close to the central tube assembly 100. The limiting structure 110 limits the lowest position of the mounting base 200, thereby preventing the bottom end of the central tube assembly 100 from falling to the same height as the connecting portion 420. Since the connecting portion 420 is located at the lower end of the legs 300, and the limiting structure 110 ensures that the bottom end of the central tube assembly 100 is above the connecting portion 420, the connecting portion 420 and the central tube assembly 100 are spatially offset, and there is no physical interference between them.

[0098] This space-avoidance design ensures that even with the inwardly protruding connecting part 420 on the support leg 300, the bracket can still be folded and retracted normally, without the connecting part 420 colliding with or jamming the central tube assembly 100. At the same time, this design also ensures the concealment of the hanging part 400 when stored, making the entire bracket neat in appearance and easy to carry when folded.

[0099] The operation of the photographic support of the present invention is as follows:

[0100] The operation of the photographic support of the present invention is as follows:

[0101] Pulling out from the storage position to the suspended position: In the initial state, the hook 400 is in the storage position and is completely housed in the receiving space 320 of the support leg 300. The locking ends 511 and 521 are engaged in the first positioning grooves 360 on the side walls 310 on both sides. The hook 400 is locked and cannot be moved or rotated.

[0102] The user holds the foot 300 and grips the edge of the hook 400 with the thumb and forefinger of one hand, applying a pulling force outward along the radial direction of the foot 300. Under the action of the pulling force, the hook 400 as a whole tends to move outward, and the locking ends 511 and 521 are forced to retract inward against the elastic force of the elastic element 530. After the locking ends 511 and 521 are completely disengaged from the first positioning groove 360, the hook 400 can slide freely outward along the guide groove 350.

[0103] The user continues to pull the hook 400 outward, and the guide protrusion 430 slides from the inner end to the outer end within the guide groove 350. When the guide protrusion 430 reaches the outer end of the guide groove 350, the locking ends 511 and 521 automatically spring into the second positioning groove 370 under the elastic force of the elastic member 530, and engage with the second positioning groove 370 to lock. A "click" sound is made when locking, and the user can feel a distinct stop, confirming that the hook 400 has been locked to the suspended position.

[0104] At this time, the hook 400 protrudes from the outer surface of the foot 300, forming a clamping gap with the foot 300, which can be used to clamp objects such as the edge of clothing pockets or backpack webbing.

[0105] Pushing the hanger 400 back from its suspended position: When the user needs to retract the hanger 400, press the free end of the hanger 400 with your finger and apply a pushing force inward along the radial direction of the support leg 300.

[0106] The thrust forces the locking ends 511 and 521 to retract inward against the elastic force of the elastic element 530, disengaging them from the second positioning groove 370. Subsequently, the hook member 400 slides inward along the guide groove 350, and the guide protrusion 430 moves from the outer end to the inner end. When the guide protrusion 430 reaches the inner end of the guide groove 350, the locking ends 511 and 521 automatically spring into the first positioning groove 360, completing the locking of the storage position.

[0107] Rotate from the storage position to the unfolded position (see...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the mounting bracket 400 is in the storage position, if the user needs to use the mounting bracket 400 as a hanging hook, the user can perform a rotation and unfolding operation.

[0108] The user applies an inward rotational force to the hook-and-mount 400, causing the locking ends 511 and 521 to disengage from the first positioning groove 360. Since the third positioning groove 380 is connected to the guide groove 350, the hook-and-mount 400 can rotate inward around the guide protrusion 430. When the hook-and-mount 400 rotates to a preset angle, the locking ends 511 and 521 automatically spring into the third positioning groove 380, engaging and locking with it, thus keeping the hook-and-mount 400 in an inward angled state.

[0109] After being rotated and unfolded, the free end of the main body 410 of the hanging component points inward toward the support leg 300, forming a hook-like structure that can be hung on the top of a computer screen, railings, wire mesh, or other supports.

[0110] Returning to the stowed position from the unfolded position: After use, the user removes the bracket from the support and applies a reverse rotational force to the hook 400, causing the locking ends 511 and 521 to disengage from the third positioning groove 380. The hook 400 rotates back around the guide protrusion 430 to a position parallel to the support leg 300, and the locking ends 511 and 521 automatically spring into the first positioning groove 360, completing the locking of the stowed position.

[0111] In summary, the camera bracket of the present invention, by providing a hanging member 400 with both translational and rotational movement capabilities on the support leg 300, and by achieving automatic locking of the storage position and the suspended position through the elastic locking component 500, has the following beneficial effects:

[0112] 1. Versatile Functionality, Adaptable to Various Usage Scenarios: The mounting bracket 400 features both translational and rotational degrees of freedom, enabling multiple usage modes. In its stowed position, the mounting bracket 400 is completely concealed, not interfering with the normal use of the tripod. In its suspended position, the mounting bracket 400 and the support leg 300 form a pen clip-like holding structure, allowing for easy attachment to clothing pockets or backpack straps. In its rotated, unfolded position, the mounting bracket 400 becomes a hanging hook, which can be hung on a computer screen or railing for suspended shooting. This multi-functional design meets the user's needs in different scenarios, greatly improving the practicality and portability of the photography tripod.

[0113] 2. Reliable locking and robust structure: The elastic locking assembly 500 adopts a double-sided symmetrical slider structure. The first slider 510 and the second slider 520 extend from both sides of the connecting part 420 and engage with the positioning grooves on the side walls 310. This double-sided locking design has higher stability than the single-sided locking structure, can evenly distribute the load, and prevent the guide protrusion 430 from tilting or shaking in the locked state. The central elastic element 530 provides uniform elastic thrust to the two sliders, ensuring consistent locking force on both sides. The precise fit between the non-circular cross-section locking end and the positioning groove effectively restricts the rotation of the hook 400 in the locked state, avoids misoperation, and improves safety.

[0114] 3. Easy to operate and provides a good user experience: The tactile and auditory feedback when locking provides clear tactile and auditory feedback to confirm that the operation has been completed. The overall operation process is simple and intuitive, and even first-time users can quickly get started.

[0115] 4. Compact structure and neat appearance: When stored, the mounting bracket 400 is completely housed within the receiving space 320 of the foot 300. The connecting part 420 and the central tube assembly 100 are spatially offset by the limiting structure 110, preventing interference and not increasing the overall volume of the stand when folded. The stand maintains a clean and streamlined appearance, and the mounting bracket 400 does not affect the user's grip. This concealed storage design is both aesthetically pleasing and practical, conforming to the modern trend of compact and exquisite design for portable devices.

[0116] 5. Simple assembly and easy maintenance: The support leg 300 adopts a structure combining the support leg body 330 and the pressure plate 340. The guide groove 350 is formed by the connection of the first groove 332 and the second groove 341. This structure facilitates the installation of the hanger 400; simply place the connecting part 420 into the strip groove 331 and then cover it with the pressure plate 340. It also facilitates later maintenance; if the hanger 400 needs to be disassembled, simply remove the pressure plate 340. The cover plate 423 design of the connecting part 420 also makes the installation and replacement of the elastic locking component 500 more convenient.

[0117] 6. High durability and reliability: The elastic locking component 500 is encapsulated within the inner cavity 421 of the connecting part 420 and protected by a cover plate 423, preventing the intrusion of dust, moisture, and foreign objects, thus extending the service life of the internal components. The symmetrical slider structure on both sides can evenly distribute the operating load and wear, reducing performance degradation caused by excessive wear on one side. The spring, as an elastic element, has the characteristics of long fatigue life and stable elastic force, ensuring that it can maintain good locking performance even after long-term repeated pulling operations.

[0118] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A photographic stand, characterized in that, include: The support leg has an axially extending receiving space, and the support leg is provided with a guide structure, as well as a first positioning groove, a second positioning groove and a third positioning groove that cooperate with the guide structure; A hook-on component has a hook-on component body and a connecting portion, the connecting portion being movably received within the receiving space and having a guide portion that mates with the guide structure; the hook-on component is configured to be radially translatable relative to the support leg and rotatable relative to the support leg about the guide portion. as well as An elastic locking component moves integrally with the connecting part. The elastic locking component has at least one locking end, which is used to selectively engage with the first positioning groove, the second positioning groove, or the third positioning groove when the hook is moved into place. The elastic locking component and the guide structure are configured such that: when the hook is in the retracted position, the locking end engages with the first positioning groove to restrict the hook from radially translating and keeping it within the receiving space; when the hook is translated to the suspended position, the locking end engages with the second positioning groove to restrict translation, and the guide portion engages with the end of the guide structure to restrict the hook from rotating around the guide portion, thereby maintaining a stable clamping gap between the hook body and the outer surface of the support leg; when the hook rotates inward from the retracted position to the unfolded position, the locking end engages with the third positioning groove to restrict the hook from rotating and keeping the hook in an inwardly angled state.

2. The photographic support according to claim 1, characterized in that, The accommodating space has two oppositely arranged sidewalls, and the guiding structure includes guide grooves respectively disposed on the two sidewalls, the guide grooves extending radially; the guiding part is a guide protrusion disposed on both sides of the connecting part, the guide protrusion slidingly engaging with the guide groove.

3. The photographic support according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide protrusion is located at the corner of the connecting part, near the first end of the main body of the hook and away from the outer surface of the main body of the hook.

4. The photographic support according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first positioning groove and the second positioning groove are radially spaced on the side wall; the third positioning groove is disposed on the side wall and is circumferentially offset relative to the first positioning groove.

5. The photographic bracket according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third positioning groove is connected to the guide groove.

6. The photographic support according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support leg includes a support leg body and a pressure plate fixed to the inner side of the support leg body; the support leg body is provided with a strip groove extending axially and penetrating radially, and a first groove is provided on each of the two opposite side walls of the strip groove; the pressure plate covers the inner opening of the strip groove, and a second groove is provided on the pressure plate opposite to the position of the first groove; the first groove and the second groove are interconnected and together form the third positioning groove.

7. The photographic stand according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic locking assembly is disposed within the connecting portion; the elastic locking assembly includes a first slider, a second slider, and an elastic element located between the first slider and the second slider; the outer ends of the first slider and the second slider respectively form the locking end, and the first slider and the second slider are configured to extend and retract radially outward relative to the connecting portion under the drive of the elastic element.

8. The photographic support according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first positioning groove, the second positioning groove, and the third positioning groove have non-circular cross-sectional shapes; the locking end has a non-circular cross-section that matches the first positioning groove, the second positioning groove, and the third positioning groove, so as to restrict the hanging member from rotating relative to the support leg in the locked state.

9. The photographic stand according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting part protrudes from the first end of the main body of the hook-up piece toward the inside of the support leg; the second end of the main body of the hook-up piece is provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding outward, the first protrusion being located on the inner side of the main body of the hook-up piece, and the second protrusion being located on the outer side of the main body of the hook-up piece.

10. The photographic support according to claims 1-9, characterized in that, The camera bracket also includes a central tube assembly and a mounting base slidably fitted onto the central tube assembly. The upper ends of the legs are pivotally mounted on the mounting base. The central tube assembly is provided with a limiting structure, and the connecting portion is located near the lower end of the legs. The limiting structure is configured to restrict the position of the bottom end of the central tube assembly when the hook is in the retracted position and the legs are closed, so that the connecting portion is located below the bottom end of the central tube assembly, thereby spatially offsetting the connecting portion from the central tube assembly to avoid interference.

Images