Foot stool with locking device
By designing a limiting and locking structure, the camera tripod can quickly switch between free swing and upright locked states, solving the problem of cumbersome operation in existing technologies and improving work efficiency and convenience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing camera tripods have complex upright locking mechanisms with cumbersome unlocking and locking procedures, making it difficult to quickly switch between free swing and upright locking states, which affects shooting efficiency.
A tripod with a locking device was designed. Through the ingenious combination of the limiting structure and the locking structure, the tripod can be quickly switched between a multi-directional free swing state and an upright locked state by a single operation of the pedal, simplifying the operation steps.
It improves the efficiency of switching between different states of the camera tripod, reduces production and usage costs, and enhances ease of use and stability.
Smart Images
Figure CN223965208U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the technical field of photographic equipment, and in particular to a tripod with a locking device. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of photography, shooting scenarios and needs are incredibly diverse. Whether capturing grand landscapes, delicate close-ups, tracking moving objects, or rotating to create a unique perspective, all these demands place extremely high requirements on photography tripods. To meet these complex needs, most photography tripods on the market are equipped with the ability to swing freely in multiple directions around a support point, enabling photographers to create with flexibility.
[0003] In long-duration static shooting scenarios, the tripod needs to remain upright and fixed. Therefore, a vertical locking device capable of switching between free swing and vertical locking is crucial. Furthermore, when changing shooting direction, the equipment on the tripod head often experiences wobbling and imbalance. Currently, most vertical locking devices on the market are complex in design, with cumbersome unlocking and locking procedures, failing to achieve a one-step operation. This results in low efficiency in applications requiring frequent switching between free swing and vertical locking states. Utility Model Content
[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to optimize the structure of the upright locking device, thereby simplifying the unlocking and locking operation steps and improving work efficiency in application scenarios that frequently switch between free swing and upright locking states.
[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a tripod with a locking device, comprising a frame and a locking device; the top of the frame has a mounting groove, and the side wall of the mounting groove has an L-shaped first limiting groove; the locking device includes a limiting structure and a locking structure, the limiting structure being rotatably disposed within the mounting groove, and the bottom end of the locking structure penetrating the limiting structure and fixed within the mounting groove; a pedal is provided around the limiting structure, the pedal penetrating the first limiting groove and sliding along the vertical and horizontal directions of the first limiting groove; when the tripod is in a locked state, the pedal abuts against one end of the first limiting groove, and the top of the limiting structure abuts against the locking structure; when the tripod is in an unlocked state, the pedal abuts against the other end of the first limiting groove, and the limiting structure is away from the locking structure.
[0006] Preferably, the limiting structure includes a limiting sleeve and a spring, the spring being sleeved inside the limiting sleeve, the limiting sleeve and the spring being sleeved together in the mounting groove, the two ends of the spring respectively abutting against the bottom wall of the limiting sleeve and the mounting groove, the pedal being connected to the side wall of the limiting sleeve, and the top of the limiting sleeve being used to abut against the locking structure.
[0007] Preferably, the locking structure includes a sphere and a rotating sleeve. The bottom end of the sphere passes through the limiting sleeve and is fixed in the mounting groove. The rotating sleeve is rotatably sleeved on the outside of the sphere, and the bottom of the rotating sleeve is used to abut against the top of the limiting sleeve.
[0008] Preferably, the top of the limiting sleeve is provided with a first abutting inclined surface along the outer side wall, and the bottom of the rotating sleeve is provided with a second abutting inclined surface along the inner side wall. When the foot is in the locked state, the first abutting inclined surface abuts against the second abutting inclined surface.
[0009] Preferably, the tripod further includes a feel adjustment structure, which is sleeved on the outside of the sphere, and the rotating sleeve is rotatably sleeved on the outside of the feel adjustment structure.
[0010] Preferably, the feel adjustment structure includes an adjustment ring and a knob. The adjustment ring has an opening. The adjustment ring is sleeved on the outside of the ball, and the rotating sleeve is rotatably sleeved on the outside of the adjustment ring. The knob passes through the rotating sleeve and the opening, and the knob is threadedly connected to the opening.
[0011] Preferably, the limiting sleeve is slidably connected to the mounting groove in the vertical direction. The limiting sleeve also has an L-shaped second limiting groove, and the limiting sleeve has an abutment strip in the middle, which passes through the middle of the frame. The two ends of the spring abut against the bottom of the abutment strip and the bottom wall of the frame, respectively. The pedal is rotatably connected to the frame, and the pedal passes through the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove in sequence. The pedal abuts against the top of the abutment strip to drive the limiting sleeve to slide.
[0012] Preferably, the outer surface of the pedal is provided with a plurality of anti-slip protrusions.
[0013] Preferably, the frame includes a connecting frame and several legs, the locking device is disposed on the connecting frame, and the several legs are rotatably connected to the periphery of the connecting frame at equal distances.
[0014] Compared with the prior art, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:
[0015] When the tripod is locked, the pedal abutment is located at the horizontal end of the first limiting groove, and the top of the limiting structure abuts against the locking structure. When the tripod is unlocked, the pedal abutment is located at the vertical end of the first limiting groove, and the limiting structure moves away from the locking structure. This design allows the tripod to quickly switch between a multi-directional free-swinging state and an upright locked state to meet various shooting needs. Compared to the multi-step operation required by traditional tripod locking devices, this application, through the ingenious design of the limiting and locking structures, allows users to quickly switch tripod usage states with a single operation of stepping on the pedal, greatly improving work efficiency and ease of use. Furthermore, the tripod has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture and maintain, thereby reducing production and operating costs. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the tripod provided in Embodiment 1 of this application.
[0018] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the tripod provided in Embodiment 1 of this application.
[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the tripod provided in Embodiment 1 of this application.
[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the tripod provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.
[0021] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the tripod provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.
[0022] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the tripod provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.
[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Frame; 2. Locking device; 3. Hand feel adjustment structure; 4. Connecting frame; 5. Support leg; 6. Mounting groove; 7. Fixing column; 8. First limiting groove; 9. Connecting column; 10. Limiting structure; 11. Locking structure; 12. Pedal; 13. Limiting sleeve; 14. Spring; 15. Anti-slip protrusion; 16. First abutting slope; 17. Second limiting groove; 18. Abutting strip; 19. Ball; 20. Rotating sleeve; 21. Second abutting slope; 22. Adjusting ring; 23. Knob; 24. Opening. Detailed Implementation
[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0025] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.
[0026] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this application specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application. As used in this application specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0027] It should also be further understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application specification and the appended claims means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.
[0028] Example 1:
[0029] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 In the field of photography, with the diversification of shooting scenarios and needs, the design of photography tripods is constantly evolving. Traditional tripods typically only provide basic support functions, while modern photography places higher demands on tripods, such as multi-directional free swing and upright locking switching. In the prior art, many tripods are complex in design, cumbersome to operate, and difficult to quickly switch states, affecting shooting efficiency. To solve this problem, embodiments of this application provide a tripod with a locking device, which can effectively achieve rapid switching between free swing and upright locking.
[0030] Specifically, the tripod includes a frame 1 and a locking device 2. The top of the frame 1 has an annular mounting groove 6, and a fixing post 7 extends from the middle of the mounting groove 6. An L-shaped first limiting groove 8 is formed through the side wall of the mounting groove 6. The locking device 2 consists of a limiting structure 10 and a locking structure 11. The limiting structure 10 is rotatably connected within the mounting groove 6, and the bottom end of the locking structure 11 passes through the limiting structure 10 and is fixed to the fixing post 7 in the middle of the mounting groove 6. A foot pedal 12 is provided around the limiting structure 10, passing through the first limiting groove 8, and the foot pedal 12 can slide along the vertical and horizontal directions of the first limiting groove 8.
[0031] In this application, the limiting structure 10 refers to a component used to restrict the movement of the tripod, and its interaction with the locking structure 11 enables the locking and unlocking of the tripod. The mounting groove 6 is an annular groove on the top of the frame 1, used to accommodate the limiting structure 10 and the locking structure 11. The first limiting groove 8 is an L-shaped opening in the side wall of the mounting groove 6, allowing the pedal 12 to slide and rotate within it. This application is described with the tripod in an upright, unfolded position. The overall structure is designed to achieve ease and efficiency of operation.
[0032] Here, when the tripod is in the locked state, the pedal 12 abuts against the horizontal end of the first limiting groove 8, at which point the top of the limiting structure 10 abuts against the locking structure 11; when the tripod is in the unlocked state, the pedal 12 abuts against the vertical end of the first limiting groove 8, at which point the limiting structure 10 moves away from the locking structure 11. Through this design, the tripod can quickly switch between a multi-directional free-swinging state and an upright locked state to meet various shooting needs. Compared to the multi-step operation required by the locking device 2 of a traditional tripod, this application, through the ingenious design of the limiting structure 10 and the locking structure 11, allows the user to quickly switch the tripod's usage state with a single operation of stepping on the pedal 12, greatly improving work efficiency and the convenience of tripod use. Furthermore, this tripod has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture and maintain, thereby reducing production and usage costs.
[0033] Please refer to Figure 2 In one specific embodiment, the limiting structure 10 includes a limiting sleeve 13 and a spring 14. The spring 14 is sleeved on the fixing post 7 of the frame 1, and the limiting sleeve 13 is rotatably sleeved on the outside of the spring 14. The two ends of the spring 14 abut against the bottom wall of the limiting sleeve 13 and the mounting groove 6, respectively. The pedal 12 is integrally formed on the periphery of the limiting sleeve 13, and the top of the limiting sleeve 13 is used to abut against and lock the locking structure 11.
[0034] With the cooperation of the limiting sleeve 13 and the spring 14, when the user's foot slides out of the horizontal end of the first limiting groove 8 by stepping on the pedal 12, the spring 14 returns to its original position and drives the limiting sleeve 13 to slide upward in the vertical direction. This, in turn, drives the pedal 12 to slide upward along the vertical end of the first limiting groove 8 until it abuts against the top of the vertical end of the first limiting groove 8. At this time, the top of the limiting sleeve 13 abuts against the locking structure 11, thus achieving a stable lock on the tripod. Here, the spring 14 provides the necessary elasticity, allowing the limiting sleeve 13 to quickly abut against the locking structure 11, while the pedal 12 enhances the convenience of unlocking and locking operations.
[0035] In one specific embodiment, the locking structure includes a sphere 19 and a rotating sleeve 20. The bottom end of the sphere 19 passes through the limiting sleeve 13 and is fixedly connected to the fixing post 7 in the middle of the mounting groove 6. The rotating sleeve 20 is rotatably sleeved on the outside of the sphere 19, and its bottom end abuts against the top of the limiting sleeve 13. In this embodiment, the top of the rotating sleeve 20 is used to mount tripod legs or photographic equipment. The sphere 19 can be made of a high-strength material, such as metal or high-hardness plastic, to ensure that it will not deform during use. The rotating sleeve 20 has a hollow interior design, with its inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the sphere 19, allowing it to rotate smoothly outside the sphere 19.
[0036] Here, the bottom end of the ball 19 passes through the limiting sleeve 13 and is fixed to the fixing post 7, providing a stable support point. The rotating sleeve 20 is fitted around the ball 19 and can rotate freely. At the same time, its bottom can abut against the top of the limiting sleeve 13 to ensure sufficient abutment force in the locked state and prevent the tripod from wobbling. The design of the limiting structure 10 and locking structure 11 in this application is simpler and easier to operate, effectively improving work efficiency and reducing operational errors or instability caused by structural complexity.
[0037] In one specific embodiment, the top of the limiting sleeve 13 has a first abutting inclined surface 16 along its outer side wall, and the bottom of the rotating sleeve 20 has a second abutting inclined surface 21 along its inner side wall. When the leg is in the locked state, the first abutting inclined surface 16 abuts against the second abutting inclined surface 21. Specifically, the inclination angles of the first abutting inclined surface 16 and the second abutting inclined surface 21 can be optimized according to actual needs to achieve the best contact effect and locking force. In another embodiment, the inclined surface can also have a certain self-locking function to further improve the locking effect.
[0038] This application ensures tight contact between the limiting sleeve 13 and the rotating sleeve 20 in the locked state by setting mutually abutting inclined surfaces at the top of the limiting sleeve 13 and the bottom of the rotating sleeve 20. This design not only improves the contact stability between the limiting sleeve 13 and the rotating sleeve 20, but also enhances the overall stability and reliability of the tripod in the locked state. This allows the tripod to maintain stability more efficiently when frequently switching between free swing and upright locked states, meeting the needs of various complex shooting scenarios.
[0039] Please refer to Figure 3 In one specific embodiment, the tripod further includes a feel adjustment structure 3, which is sleeved on the outside of the ball 19, and a rotating sleeve 20 is rotatably sleeved on the outside of the feel adjustment structure 3. By being sleeved on the outside of the ball 19 and cooperating with the rotating sleeve 20, the feel adjustment structure 3 provides the function of adjusting the feel during the use of the tripod.
[0040] Specifically, the feel adjustment structure 3 includes an adjustment ring 22 and a knob 23. The adjustment ring 22 has an opening 24 and is fitted around the ball 19. A rotating sleeve 20 is rotatably fitted around the adjustment ring 22. The knob 23 passes through the rotating sleeve 20 and the opening 24, and is threadedly connected to a nut on the other side of the opening 24. By rotating the knob 23, the tightness of the adjustment ring 22 can be adjusted, thereby changing the feel when the user operates the tripod and improving the user experience. In other embodiments, the feel adjustment structure 3 can also take other forms, such as using different material coatings to provide different feels, or changing the surface texture to achieve feel adjustment.
[0041] Specifically, the threaded connection between the opening 24 of the adjusting ring 22 and the knob 23 can be implemented in various ways. For example, the knob 23 can be designed with a standard thread, and the opening 24 can be designed as a threaded hole that mates with the thread of the knob 23. As a preferred embodiment, the adjusting ring 22 can be made of an elastic material to provide a certain elastic feedback when the knob 23 is adjusted. In addition, the rotating sleeve 20 can be connected to the adjusting ring 22 through a bearing or other low-friction connector to achieve smooth rotational adjustment. Therefore, by setting the tactile adjustment structure 3, this application improves the market competitiveness of the product while meeting user needs.
[0042] In one specific embodiment, the tripod 1 includes a connecting frame 4 and several legs 5. A locking device 2 is disposed on the connecting frame 4, and the legs 5 are rotatably connected to the periphery of the connecting frame 4 at equal distances. For this purpose, a fixing post 7, a connecting post 9, and a mounting groove 6 are respectively disposed on the connecting frame 4. The connecting frame 4 provides a central structure capable of accommodating the locking device 2 and supporting the equidistant connection and rotation of multiple legs 5. In this embodiment, three legs 5 are provided. In other embodiments, four or five legs 5 can be provided according to actual needs. The combination of the connecting frame 4 and the legs 5 provides stable support and flexible rotation function, enabling the entire tripod to achieve quick locking and unlocking operations during use, meeting various shooting needs.
[0043] Example 2:
[0044] Please refer to Figures 4 to 6The main difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the limiting sleeve 13 is slidably connected to the mounting groove 6 in the vertical direction. The limiting sleeve 13 also has an L-shaped second limiting groove 17 corresponding to the position of the first limiting groove 8. A horizontal abutment strip 18 is horizontally arranged in the middle of the limiting sleeve 13, penetrating the middle of the frame 1. The two ends of the spring 14 abut against the bottom of the abutment strip 18 and the bottom wall of the frame 1, respectively. The pedal 12 is rotatably connected to the frame 1. The pedal 12 passes through the first limiting groove 8 and the second limiting groove 17 in sequence, and abuts against the top of the abutment strip 18 to drive the limiting sleeve 13 to slide.
[0045] Furthermore, the frame 1 extends a connecting post 9 in the middle of the mounting groove 6. The connecting post 9 is sleeved on the outside of the fixed post 7, and the spring 14 is sleeved between the fixed post 7 and the connecting post 9. The limiting sleeve 13 is sleeved on the outside of the connecting post 9 and can slide along the vertical direction of the connecting post 9. The bottom end of the ball 19 passes through the limiting sleeve 13 and is fixedly connected to the top of the connecting post 9.
[0046] To address this, a limiting sleeve 13 is fitted onto the outside of the connecting post 9 to ensure that the limiting sleeve 13 can slide vertically, thus providing stable support during locking and unlocking. Simultaneously, the L-shaped second limiting groove 17 works in conjunction with the first limiting groove 8 to ensure the limiting effect of the pedal 12 in different states. The abutment strip 18 in the middle of the limiting sleeve 13 passes through the middle of the frame 1 and provides necessary elastic support through the force of the spring 14, ensuring the reset function of the limiting sleeve 13. The pedal 12 is rotatably connected to the frame 1 and passes through the first limiting groove 8 and the second limiting groove 17 in sequence. By abutting against the top of the abutment strip 18, it achieves sliding control of the limiting sleeve 13, thereby enabling convenient switching between the locked and unlocked states of the tripod.
[0047] In this embodiment, when the tripod is locked, the pedal 12 abuts against the vertical ends of the first limiting groove 8 and the second limiting groove 17. At this time, the top of the limiting sleeve 13 abuts against the bottom of the rotating sleeve 20, and the rotating sleeve 20 cannot rotate freely. When it is necessary to unlock the tripod, the user steps on the pedal 12, and the pedal 12 rotates downward to drive the abutting strip 18 and the limiting sleeve 13 to compress the spring 14 and slide downward until the pedal 12 abuts against the horizontal ends of the first limiting groove 8 and the second limiting groove 17. At this time, the limiting structure 10 moves away from the locking structure 11, thereby unlocking the tripod. When the tripod needs to be locked, when the user steps on the pedal 12 and slides out of the horizontal end of the first limiting groove 8 and the second limiting groove 17, the spring 14 resets and drives the abutment strip 18 and the limiting sleeve 13 to slide upward along the connecting post 9, thereby driving the pedal 12 to rotate upward and slide upward along the vertical end of the first limiting groove 8 and the second limiting groove 17 until it abuts against the top of the vertical end. At this time, the top of the limiting sleeve 13 presses against the bottom of the rotating sleeve 20, and the tripod is locked.
[0048] In addition, the outer surface of the pedal 12 is provided with several anti-slip protrusions 15. By increasing the anti-slip protrusions 15, greater friction can be provided, effectively preventing the pedal 12 from slipping during use, thus improving the operational stability and safety of the tripod. Especially in wet or slippery environments, it can effectively reduce the risk of slipping, improving user safety and comfort.
[0049] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A footrest having a locking device, characterised in that: The frame body and the locking device are provided. The top of the frame body is provided with a mounting groove, and a first limiting groove in L shape is formed in the side wall of the mounting groove. The locking device comprises a limiting structure and a locking structure, the limiting structure is rotatably arranged in the mounting groove, and the bottom end of the locking structure penetrates the limiting structure and is fixed in the mounting groove. The limiting structure is provided with a pedal around the side, the pedal penetrates the first limiting groove and can slide in the first limiting groove along the vertical and horizontal directions. When the foot support is in the locked state, the pedal abuts against one end of the first limiting groove, and the top of the limiting structure abuts against the locking structure; when the foot support is in the unlocked state, the pedal abuts against the other end of the first limiting groove, and the limiting structure is away from the locking structure.
2. A footrest according to claim 1, wherein The limiting structure comprises a limiting sleeve and a spring, the spring is sleeved in the limiting sleeve, the limiting sleeve and the spring are sleeved in the mounting groove, the two ends of the spring abut against the limiting sleeve and the bottom wall of the mounting groove respectively, the pedal is connected to the side wall of the limiting sleeve, and the top of the limiting sleeve is used for abutting against the locking structure.
3. A footrest according to claim 2, wherein, The locking structure comprises a ball and a rotating sleeve, the bottom end of the ball penetrates the limiting sleeve and is fixed in the mounting groove, the rotating sleeve is rotatably sleeved outside the ball, and the bottom of the rotating sleeve is used for abutting against the top of the limiting sleeve.
4. A footrest according to claim 3, wherein The top of the limiting sleeve is provided with a first abutting inclined surface along the outer side wall, the bottom of the rotating sleeve is provided with a second abutting inclined surface along the inner side wall, and when the foot support is in the locked state, the first abutting inclined surface abuts against the second abutting inclined surface.
5. A footrest according to claim 3, wherein The foot support further comprises a hand feeling adjusting structure, the hand feeling adjusting structure is sleeved outside the ball, and the rotating sleeve is rotatably sleeved outside the hand feeling adjusting structure.
6. A footrest according to claim 5, wherein, The hand feeling adjusting structure comprises an adjusting ring and a knob, the adjusting ring has an opening part, the adjusting ring is sleeved outside the ball, the rotating sleeve is rotatably sleeved outside the adjusting ring, the knob penetrates the rotating sleeve and the opening part, and the knob is in threaded connection with the opening part.
7. A foot prop having a locking device according to claim 2, wherein The limiting sleeve is slidably connected to the mounting groove in the vertical direction, the limiting sleeve is provided with a second limiting groove in L shape, and the limiting sleeve is provided with an abutting strip in the middle part, the abutting strip penetrates the middle part of the frame body, and the two ends of the spring abut against the bottom of the abutting strip and the bottom wall of the frame body respectively; the pedal is rotatably connected to the frame body, the pedal penetrates the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove in sequence, and the pedal abuts against the top of the abutting strip to drive the limiting sleeve to slide.
8. The foot prop having a locking device according to claim 1, wherein The outer surface of the pedal is provided with a plurality of anti-skid protrusions.
9. The foot prop having a locking device according to claim 1, wherein The frame body comprises a connecting frame and a plurality of supporting legs, the locking device is arranged on the connecting frame, and the plurality of supporting legs are rotatably connected to the side of the connecting frame at equal distances.