A mount for a tripod

Abstract

A mount 1 for a tripod system comprises a connecting arm 2 configured to move between a stowed and deployed position by undergoing both a rotation motion and a translation motion. The rotation motion is achieved by the connecting arm being configured to rotate about a pivot. The translation motion is achieved by the connecting arm including an elongate aperture 21 having a length along which the connecting arm is configured to move relative to the pivot. A locking mechanism 4 secures the connecting arm in the stowed and deployed positions. The connecting arm may be stowed in the base 5 of the mount. The connecting arm functions as a retractable fastener and may comprise a standardised fixture such as a bolt used to connect the mount to another device such as the legs of a tripod. The mount may serve as an adaptor forming part of a modular tripod system.

Description

This disclosure relates to stands for camera equipment. In particular, disclosure is provided of a mount that is suitable for a tripod system. Examples of mounts that are disclosed include base mounts and head mounts. Background Tripods serve as stands that can support, stabilise and elevate camera equipment during use. Integral tripod systems attach the camera equipment directly to the legs of the tripod. Modular tripods include legs and mounts, which are detachable from one another. The use of modular tripods ensures that different parts of the tripod system can be selected by the user, depending on the type of camera equipment that is to be used, and the ways in which the camera equipment is to be used. It's common for modular tripods to include legs, a base mount, and a head mount. A base mount is typically used to attach the legs to the head mount. The base mount includes a male screw which is received by the female receptacle of the legs. Different base mounts can be provided that are customised to the size and shape of the head mount and legs that have been selected. Thus, the base mount may also be referred to as an adapter, because it allows the head mount and legs to be adapted to accommodate one another as part of the modular tripod system. A head mount configured to support the camera equipment may be attached directly to the legs, usually via a male screw of the head mount which is received by a female receptacle of the legs. US3747884 describes a stand for supporting a photographic camera that includes a base and a connecting arm. In this case, the connecting arm is used for holding the camera equipment. In this document, a connecting arm is movably supported within a bearing in the base by a spring washer. The connecting arm can be folded into a recess in the base for storage. The bearing is shown off-centre with respect to the base, with no appreciation being made of the fact that this may make it difficult to balance the weight of the camera equipment US3747884 further describes an alternative arrangement, for which the bearing and the connecting arm are vertically movable within the base for storage. During use, the connecting arm supports the camera equipment. The bearing is shown aligned centrally with respect to the base. The base for this alternative arrangement has a depth that corresponds to the length of the connecting arm, in order to accommodate the connecting arm during storage. No appreciation is made of the fact that this additional depth contributes to the bulkiness of the stand, contributing unnecessary weight at the top of the tripod, which may affect its stability. There is a demand for a portable tripod system that can be efficiently and securely connected to camera equipment Advances are to be made in the way in which mounts are configured, so that they can be conveniently transported and stored. Summary Aspects of the present invention are set out by the claims. Further aspects are also described. As a first aspect, disclosure is provided of a mount for a tripod system. The mount comprises a connecting arm, the connecting arm configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. This is achieved by the connecting arm performing both a rotation motion and a translation motion. The mount can serve as an adapter, with the connecting arm being used to connect the mount as part of a modular system. An inventive concept is to provide a retractable fastener (e.g., a bolt) to the bottom of an adapter device. Thus, the adapter (and anything connected to it) can be connected and disconnected more easily to another device (for example to legs of a tripod), whilst also providing for stowing away of the bolt when the adapter is not in use. Optionally, the connecting arm includes an aperture which receives a pivot, about which the connecting arm is configured to perform the rotational motion. Advantageously, the connecting arm of the mount is easy to deploy by folding it out ready to be attached to the legs of the tripod, and also is convenient to store within the mount, such as in a recess of the surface of the mount. The connecting arm may be stored horizontally, with the rotational motion arranging the connecting arm vertically downwards when in the deployed position. Optionally, the aperture is an elongate aperture having a length along which the connecting arm is configured to perform the translation motion relative to the pivot. Advantageously, the translation motion ensures that the connecting arm moves along its length in order to exit from the recess of the mount. Thus, the connecting arm is tucked tightly within the mount, which ensures that the mount can be conveniently transported and stored away when not in use. Optionally, the connecting arm has a first end region and a second end region arranged at opposite ends of the connecting arm, the first end region having a generally trapezoid cross section to form an angled surface to provide an abutment surface against which another element can abut. Optionally, the connecting arm is configured to move between the stowed position and the deployed position by performing a first rotation, a single translation, and a second rotation. Advantageously, this provides a simple way for the connecting arm to move between a horizontal position in which it is stowed, into a vertical position in which the mount is deployed to be attached as part of the modular system. The first rotation ensures the connecting arm can be removed from the recess of the mount. The translation ensures that most of the connecting arm has been brought out of the recess, ready to be deployed. The second rotation ensures that the connecting arm is in the vertical position ready to be installed in the legs of the tripod system. The connecting arm can be stowed from a deployed position by performing this process in reverse. Optionally, the connecting arm is configured to slide along an axis of the connecting arm. Advantageously, the connecting arm occupies a low volume when in the stowed position, within a recess centrally within the mount. In comparison to a connecting arm that only rotates into position, this mount occupies a central position, and so the mount does not need to be excessively wide in order to accommodate the connecting arm in the stowed position. In comparison to a connecting arm that only translates into position, the mount does not need to be excessively deep in order to accommodate the connecting arm in the stowed position. Thus, a compact mount is provided that is easy to transport and store when not in use. Optionally, a component of a rotation motion may be along an axis of the connecting arm. Optionally, a component of a translation motion may be a telescopic action along an axis of the connecting arm. Optionally, the connecting arm comprises two removably attachable elements arranged substantially co-axially with one another. In other words, one element may be attached to an end of the other element. The length of the connecting arm can thus be varied to a degree, for example via a screw-thread arrangement. Optionally, the mount further comprises a locking mechanism configured to secure the connecting arm when it is in the stowed position, and also to secure the connecting arm when it is in the deployed position. Advantageously, the same locking mechanism is used to secure the connecting arm, regardless of whether the connecting arm is in the stowed position or the deployed position. This dual functionality of the connecting arm reduces the number of components of the mount, which simplifies the manufacture process, and keeps the weight and volume of the mount to a minimum. The connecting arm and locking mechanism may each comprise abutment surfaces adapted to engage with one another in use so that the locking mechanism secures the connecting arm in place when the connecting arm is in the deployed position. The said abutment surface of the connecting arm may be formed by providing the connecting arm with a surface which is angled so that a part of the connecting arm has a trapezoid cross section. This arrangement of an angled surface on the connecting arm can improve stability and rigidity in use. The provision of such a surface of the connecting arm and a correspondingly shaped abutment portion of the locking mechanism can reduce clearance / play. Additionally, force applied to the connecting arm will be less likely to push the locking mechanism out of position inadvertently. The connecting arm may have a cutaway formed ata location of the connecting arm. A cutaway formed in the connecting arm towards one end thereof can provide a clearance surface to aid passage of the locking mechanism relative to the connecting arm in use. A sheet or screen can additionally hold the components in place in use. The connecting arm may comprise a protrusion at one end thereof. A protrusion can provide for additional contact between the connecting arm and the recess to aid stability when the connecting arm is in the deployed position. Stability and rigidity in use is important, so that connected devices such as cameras - which tend to be relatively heavy - do not move inadvertently in use. The prioritisation of stability and rigidity in use has historically led to a bias in the field to provide a fixed bolt - which is replaced by the connecting arm of the present invention. Optionally, the mount further comprises a base within which the connecting arm is stowed when in the stowed position. Advantageously, the connecting arm is stowed within a recess of the base of the mount. As a consequence, the connecting arm can be conveniently packed away when not in use. This enhances the portability of the mount, ensuring that it can easily be transported and stored. Optionally, the base is formed of an inner part which includes the pivot, and an outer part which surrounds the inner part. The inner part and outer part may be removably attached to one another, in use. Attaching the outer part to the inner part provides a larger diameter mount, where a larger diameter may be useful to attaching the mount to a particular device. For example, in this field it is common to provide mounts with a diameter of around 100 mm and mounts with a diameter of around 150 mm. Thus, the present invention can provide a mount that can be used with devices designed with either diameter. Advantageously, the outer part can be customised to the specific tripod system, so that the mount can serve as an adapter that connects a head mount to the legs of the tripod. The same inner part can be used by a variety of different adapters, which reduces manufacture costs. Optionally, the base includes a guide configured to constrain the rotation motion and / or the translation motion of the connecting arm between the stowed position and the deployed position. Advantageously, the connecting arm is guided into position, where it is being stowed or deployed. The use of a guide reduces the reliance upon the pivot and aperture for changing the orientation of the mount. The inclusion of a guide reduces the strain placed on the moving parts, enhancing the longevity of the device. Optionally, the connecting arm comprises a standard fixture. Advantageously, the mount contributes to a modular system. The mount can be used to attach a variety of head mounts to a variety of tripod legs. As a consequence a variety of tripods can be created, providing solutions that can be selected depending on the type of camera equipment, and the way in which the camera equipment is to be used. Optionally, the mount is a base mount. Advantageously, the mount can be used to attach a head mount to a set of legs of the tripod system. Thus, the mount serves as an adapter device, in order to connect a selected head mount with selected tripod legs. Thus, a modular tripod system is provided that is customised to the type of camera equipment that is to be used, and the way in which the camera equipment is to be used. As a second aspect, disclosure is provided of a tripod system comprising a mount according to the first aspect. Advantageously, a modular system is provided that includes a mount that can be easily attached to and detached from the tripod legs. Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: • FIGs. 1A-1B are perspective views of two different examples of tripod systems; • FIGs. 2A-2C are perspective views of a mount for a tripod system, the mount comprising a connecting arm, wherein: o FIG. 2A shows the connecting arm in a stowed position, o FIG. 2B shows the connecting arm between the stowed position and a deployed position, and o FIG. 2C shows the connecting arm in the deployed position; • FIGs. 3A-3C are perspective views of the mount, illustrating a base of the mount that is formed of an inner part and an outer part, wherein: o FIG. 3A shows the connecting arm in the stowed position, o FIG. 3B shows the connecting arm between the stowed position and the deployed position, and o FIG. 3C shows the connecting arm in the deployed position; • FIGs. 4A-4D are cross section views of the mount, illustrating how the connecting arm can be moved between the stowed position and the deployed position, by rotating the connecting arm about a pivot, and by translating of the connecting arm in a direction along an axis of the connecting arm, wherein: o FIG. 4A shows the connecting arm in the stowed position within the base of the mount, o FIG. 4B shows the connecting arm after performing a first rotation about the pivot such that a tip of the connecting arm has emerged outside of the base of the mount, o FIG. 4C shows the connecting arm after performing a single slide along the axis of the connecting arm such that most of the connecting arm has emerged outside of the base of the mount, and o FIG. 4D shows the connecting arm after performing a second rotation about the pivot such that the connecting arm is in the deployed position; and • FIGs. 5A-5E are views of an exemplary connecting arm 2 for use with the present invention; wherein FIGs. 5A-5C show different perspective views of the exemplary connecting arm 2 and FIGs. 5D and 5E show end elevations of the connecting arm 2; and • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGs. 3A-3C, attached to a head mount 110. Detailed Description Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIGs. 1A-1B are perspective views of two different examples of tripod systems 100. Each tripod 100 is a modular system, including a head mount 110, a base mount 120, and legs 130. The modularity of the tripod system 100 means that the components can be assembled for use, and disassembled when not in use for ease of transport and storage. Furthermore, the modularity of the tripod system 100 ensures that different components can be interchanged with one another, in order to customise the tripod system 100 for the type of the camera equipment that is to be supported, and also the way in which the camera equipment is to be used. The components of the tripod system 100 are typically connected using male fixtures and female fixtures of standard sizes, so that they can be easily interchanged as parts of a modular system. The head mount 110 includes a camera mount 111 which can be used to attach camera equipment (not shown). The camera mount 111 may include a male screw which is received by a female receptacle of the camera equipment. The screw of the camera mount 111 may be retracted inside of the head mount 110 when the camera equipment is not attached. The head mount 110 typically includes a flat upper surface 112, upon which the weight of the camera equipment may be supported once it has been installed. Some types of equipment may maintain a position that is elevated above the upper surface 112 once it has been installed onto the camera mount 111. A handle 113 of the head mount 110 can be used to tilt the camera equipment via joint 114 of the head mount. The handle 113 can also be used to pan the camera equipment, perhaps via joint 115 which connects the base mount 120 with the head mount 110. The base mount 120 includes a receptacle which receives a screw of the head mount 110. The base mount 120 includes a screw which is received by a receptacle of the legs 130. As an alternative arrangement, the base mount 120 may be omitted, with the screw of the head mount 110 being attached to the legs 130. Innovation is to be found in the way in which the screws of the base mount 120 and the head mount 110 are arranged, to provide a tripod system 100 that is both modular and portable. The two base mounts 120 shown in FICs. 1A and 1B, respectively, are examples of the mount of the present invention. The example shown in FIG. 1A has an inner and outer mount as described herein. The example shown in FIG. 2A has a mount utilising a flatbase mount. Thus, the present invention can be put into effect using bowl mounts, flatbase mounts and quickfix mounts. The tripod system 100 is designed to be installed with different types of camera equipment, such as a camera, a flash unit, observational equipment, and measuring equipment. The tripod system 100 can accommodate professional equipment such as TV and film cameras. The tripod 100 can support a variety of makes and models of camera, due to the use of a standardised camera mount 111. FIGs. 2-4 provide various views of a mount 1 for the camera equipment (not shown). The mount 1 shown in FIGs. 2-4 corresponds to a base mount 120, which is also known as an adapter, due to its typical function being to connect a head mount 110 with legs 130 of a tripod system 100. However, the principles that are disclosed apply to both head mounts 110 and base mounts 120. Thus, the more general term “mount” is used to refer to the feature that is disclosed by FIGs. 2-5. The mount 1 comprises a connecting arm 2, which has a screw thread that is received by a corresponding receptacle. Where the mount 1 serves as a base mount 120 (as shown in FIGs. 2-4), the connecting arm 2 is received by a receptacle in the legs 130 of the tripod system 100. Where the mount 1 serves as a head mount 110, the connecting arm 2 may be received by a receptable in the base mount 120 of the tripod system 100. As an alternative, a single mount 1 may be provided that connects directly to the legs 130 of the tripod system 100. Thus, for the examples shown in FIGs. 2-4, the connecting arm 2 is used to join together components of the modular tripod system 100. However, disclosure is also provided of a connecting arm 2 that can be used to attach camera equipment to the tripod 100. The connecting arm 2 can be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. • FIGs. 2A, 3A, &4A show the connecting arm 2 in the stowed position. • FIGs. 2B, 3B, 4B, &4C show the connecting arm 2 between the stowed position and a deployed position. • FIGs. 2C, 3C, &4D show the connecting arm 2 in the deployed position. During use, the mount 1 serves as part of the tripod 100 to support, stabilise and elevate the camera equipment. When not in use, the mount 1 can be conveniently packed away, for convenient portability and storage. FIGs. 2-4 illustrate how the underside of the mount 1 is connected to the top of the legs 130, via the connecting arm 2. The mount 1 is typically oriented so that the connecting arm 2 is arranged to extend downward in a substantially vertically direction when it is in the deployed position, and the connecting arm 2 is arranged substantially horizontally when it is in the stowed position. Thus, in FIGs. 2-4, the bolt of the connecting arm 2 is shown upstanding, although in use, the device will be oriented the other way around. In use, the bolt typically protrudes downwards into the legs 130 of the tripod system 100. FIGs. 2A-2C are perspective views of the mount 1, shown from an underside of the mount. In addition to the connecting arm 2, the mount 1 also includes a pivot 3, a locking mechanism 4, and a base 5. During use, the connecting arm 2 is moved relative to the base 5 by rotating and sliding the connecting arm 2 about the pivot 3. The connecting arm 2 can be held in place using the locking mechanism 4 to secure the connecting arm in the stowed position or in the deployed position. The connecting arm 2 has an elongate aperture formed within it, so that the connecting arm 2 can move lengthways relative to a pivot 3. A recess in the base mount 120 (adapter) is shaped so that the connecting arm 2 can move lengthways relative to the pivot 3 during the extension / retraction action. There may be a spring or similar to assist releasing the connecting arm 2 to the protruded state. The connecting arm 2 has a standardised fixture (e.g., a stud, a bolt, or a screw) in order for the mount 1 to serve as part of a modular system of products. The use of standard fixtures ensures compatibility of the mount 1 within a particular brand of modular products. The standard fixture may not even be restricted to a particular brand of modular products, further enhancing compatibility to accommodate a variety of components. The connecting arm 2 typically includes a thread having a standard size, which is received by a receptacle of standard size that is provided in the legs 130 of the tripod system 100. The base 5 of the illustrated underside of the mount 1 is shown having a flat lower surface 51. The base 5 has a circular cross section. Having a flat surface 51 is advantageous for screwing the mount 1 onto the legs 130 of the tripod system 100. Furthermore, the lower surface 51 being flat ensures that the mount 1 can be conveniently stored when not in use. A lower surface 51 of the base 5 includes a recess into which the connecting arm 2 may be stowed when not in use. When the connecting arm 2 is stowed away, it is retained in place within the lower surface 51 of the base 5, which ensures that the mount 1 can be conveniently packed away during transport and storage of the mount 1. The base 5 has curved side walls 52 which extend to an upper rim 53. To attach the head mount 110 to the base mount 120 (which corresponds to mount 1 shown in the drawings), a screw in a lower surface of the head mount 110 is attached to a receptacle in the upper rim 53 of the base mount 120. The upper rim 53 has a larger diameter than the lower surface 51 of the base 5. This ensures that a tip of the connecting arm 2 protrudes out from the side wall 52 of the base 5, when the connecting arm 2 is in the stowed position. This ensures that the mount 1 is compact, ensuring that it is light in weight and portable. Bolt holes 57 are provided on the base 5 to accommodate bolts (not shown) to join the base 5 to an outer part (not shown) if desired. FIGs. 3A-3C are perspective views of the mount 1, shown from an underside of the mount. A base of the mount 1 is formed from an inner part 5 and an outer part 6. The inner part 5 corresponds to the base 5 that is shown in FIGs. 2A-2C. The outer part 6 is not essential, in which case the base 5 corresponds to the arrangement shown in FIGs. 2A-2C. FIGs. 1A &1B illustrate that customised base mounts 120 are used to attach the head mount 110 to the legs 130. The outer part 6 serves to customise the mount 1. Different outer parts 6 are available, thus offering a variety of base mounts 120 having selected shapes and sizes. The different shaped base mounts 120 serve as adapters, for attaching different head mounts 110 to different legs 130. For each of these mounts 1, the same inner part 5 is used, which reduces the cost of mass production of the mounts 1. In the example shown, in FIGs. 2-4, the base (5, 6) has a circular cross section, with the outer part 6 having a circular recess that receives the inner part 5. The base (5, 6) has a flat lower surface that is formed from a flat lower surface 61 of the outer part 6 and the flat lower surface 51 of the inner part 5. Within the lower surface 61 of the outer part 6, the side wall of the outer part 6 projects inwardly, forming a rim 62, which may be used to attach this outer part 6 to another component such as part of a tripod. The rim 62 might be part of a quickfix interface. The side wall 63 is curved, with the outer part 6 having a diameter that exceeds the diameter of the rim 53 of the inner part 5. When the connecting arm 2 is stowed, it is retained in place within the lower surface 61 of the outer part 6 and the lower surface 51 of the inner part 5. When the connecting arm 2 is in the stowed position, the tip of the connecting arm 2 protrudes out from the side wall 52 of the inner part 5, and is retained within the side wall (62, 63) of the outer part 6. The flat surface 61 of the outer part 6 is aligned with the flat surface 51 of the inner part 5, which allows the mount 1 to be easily stored when it is not in use. The connecting arm 2 is folded neatly away within the inner part 5 of the base mount 120. The connecting arm 2 may be stowed within an inner bowl space which is 150 mm in diameter, despite the connecting arm 2 being longer than that when pivoted from the centre point of the base mount 120. The outer part 6 surrounds the inner part 5, in order to customise the shape of the base mount 120, which thus serves as an adapter for connecting a variety of head mounts 110 with a variety of legs 130. The outer part 6 of the mount 1 can be held in place using bolts that are received by bolt holes. The base mount 120 can pan relative to the head mount 110. FIGs. 4A-4D are cross section views of the mount 1, illustrating how the connecting arm 2 can be moved between the stowed position and the deployed position. The base mount 120 is shown connected to the head mount 110, with this example showing fixtures 58 (e.g. bolts which engage with bolt holes) being used to connect them together during use. In this case, the term mount 1 may describe the base mount 120, or the combined base mount 120 and head mount 110. The mount 1 is shown including the pivot 3, about which the connecting arm 2 can rotate in order for the connecting arm 2 to be stowed or deployed. The connecting arm 2 includes an aperture 21 which receives the pivot 3, so that the connecting arm 2 can rotate about the pivot 3 during use. The aperture 21 is an elongate aperture 21, having a linear dimension along which the connecting arm can be moved relative to the pivot 3. When being moved between the stowed position and the deployed position, the connecting arm 2 can slide along the length of the elongate aperture 21. • FIG. 4A shows the connecting arm 2 in the stowed position within the base (5, 6) of the mount 1. • FIG. 4B shows the connecting arm 2 after performing a partial rotation about the pivot 3 such that a tip of the connecting arm 2 has emerged above a lower surface (51, 61) of the base (5, 6) of the mount 1. • FIG. 4C shows the connecting arm 2 after performing a further rotation and a slide along the length of the connecting arm 2 such that most of the connecting arm has emerged above the lower surface (51, 61) of the base (5, 6) of the mount 1. • FIG. 4D shows the connecting arm 2 after performing a yet further rotation about the pivot 3 such that the connecting arm 2 is in the deployed position. When in the deployed position, the mount 1 can be connected to the legs 130 to form the tripod system 100. Thus, the connecting arm 2 can be moved from the stowed position to the deployed position by performing the first rotation about the pivot 3 (from FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B), the slide along the length of the connecting arm 2 (from FIG. 4B to FIG. 4C), and the second rotation about the pivot 3 (from FIG. 4C to FIG. 4D). Similarly, the connecting arm 2 can be moved from the deployed position to the stowed position by performing this process in reverse. This is achieved by performing the second rotation about the pivot 3 (from FIG. 4D to FIG. 4C), the slide along the length of the connecting arm 2 (from FIG. 4C to FIG. 4B), and the first rotation about the pivot 3 (from FIG. 4B to FIG. 4A). This arrangement discloses the moving between the stowed position and the deployed position being performed in three separate steps (a rotation, a translation, a rotation). This is achieved by the base 5 of the mount 1 being shaped so as to guide the motion of the connecting arm 2. A guide 50 within the recess of the base 5 serves to block the first rotation once the connecting arm 2 has emerged from the lower surface (51, 61) of the base, and further serves to guide the translation of the connecting arm 2 in sliding along an axis of the connecting arm 2. As an alternative arrangement, it's possible for the moving between the stowed position and the deployed position to be performed a single step that includes the rotating and translating being performed in a single motion. A possible way to achieve this is for the elongate aperture 21 to be provided as a guide that is curved in shape, rather than the linear-shaped aperture 21 that is shown in FICs. 4A-4D. For this alternative arrangement, the recess of the base 5 can be shaped to include a guide 50 having a continuous curved shape. In more general terms, it's possible for the moving between the stowed position and the deployed position to be performed in a selected number of steps that includes both rotation motion and translation motion. The purpose of the rotation motion is so that the connecting arm 2 can be moved between a vertical orientation in the deployed position and a horizonal orientation in the stowed position. The purpose of the translation motion is so that the connecting arm 2 occupies a central position when deployed which enhances stability, and also so that the connecting arm 2 occupies a central position when stowed which ensures that the storage of the connecting arm 2 is compact when the mount 1 is not in use. FIGs. 4A-4D illustrate that the inner base part 5 has a smaller diameter and the outer base part 6 has a larger diameter. The bolt of the connecting arm 2 is longer than the diameter of the inner base part. The inner base part 5 can fit inside the outer base part 6. These two base parts (5, 6) are for use with tripod systems 100 with different fittings which tend to use two different standards. Thus, the mount 1 can thus be used with both of these different standards, which enhances the versatility of the mount 1. When moving the connecting arm 2 between the stowed position and the deployed position, this involves the connecting arm 2 performing both rotation motion and translation motion. As a consequence, an optimal solution is achieved of a portable tripod system 100 that forms a secure connection between its modular components. When deployed, the connecting arm 2 has an optimum height at the centre of the base mount 120, so that the base mount 120 can form a secure and stable connection with the corresponding receptacle of the legs 130. An advantage of stowing the connecting arm 2 horizontally rather than vertically is that a recess of low depth can be used to stow the connecting arm 2. An advantage of including a translation motion in order to stow the connecting arm 2 horizontally is to provide a base mount that is low in width. This reduced width means that the stowing of the connecting arm 2 can be achieved using an inner part 5 that is low in depth and low in width. The outer part 6 being customised to the tripod system 100 ensures that the base mount 120 serves as an adapter for connecting the head mount 110 to the legs 130. Turning to FIGs. 5A-5E, an exemplary connecting arm 2 is shown. The connecting arm 2 is a generally elongate element having a relatively consistent thickness / diameter along its length whilst not being uniform along its length. The connecting arm 2 has a first end region 20 and a second end region 22 arranged at opposite ends of the connecting arm 2. The first end region 20 in the exemplary embodiment has a generally trapezoid cross section with departures from a strictly trapezoid cross section which are described in further detail below. Within the first end region 20 of the connecting arm 2 is formed an elongate aperture 21 into which a pivot (not shown in these drawings) can be located. The second end region 22 has a substantially circular cross section. In between the first end region 20 and the second end region 22 the connecting arm 2 is provided with a screw thread on its surface. As can be seen in FIGs. 5A-5E, the first end region 20 has a generally trapezoid cross section shape. Two surfaces 29, 30 of the first end region 20 are non-parallel to one another, and thus form the said trapezoid cross section. Sides 24, 25 adjoining the two said surfaces 29, 30 and opposite one another are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to surface 29. Thus, surface 30 can be said to be angled in the sense that it diverges from a square cross section. The surface 30 thus provides an abutment surface against which another element can abut. Especially, the surface 30 can provide an abutment surface for the locking mechanism (not shown in this drawing). Clearance / play between the connecting arm 2 and the locking mechanism is reduced by having the angled surface 30. This can provide for a more reliable engagement between the connecting arm 2 and the locking mechanism in use. The locking mechanism can be provided with a correspondingly angled abutment surface. In combination, these arrangements reduce the risk of the locking mechanism moving or failing under a force made on the connecting arm 2 in use. Indents 23 are formed in the two said opposite sides 24, 25 of the first end region 20, where the elongate aperture 21 is formed. In part of the first end region 20 nearest to the second end region 22, the first end region 20 has a tapered portion 26, tapering away from the first end region 20 towards the second end region 22. At the end of the first end region 20, a protrusion 27 extends from the rest of the first end region 20. The protrusion 27 thus forms a step or lip at the end of the first end region 20. Into the opposite surface 30 from the protrusion 27 a cutaway 28 is formed which forms a tapered profile of the first end region 20. In other words, the cutaway 28 provides a narrowing of the first end region 20. The cutaway 28 provides a clearance face to ease the passage of the locking mechanism in transit. The additional surface provided by the cutaway 28 is substantially planar. FIG. 6 shows the same exemplary embodiment as shown and described in relation to FIGs. 3A-3C, attached to a head mount 110. The mount 1 has an inner part 5 and outer part 6, the inner 5 part 5 having a recess into which a connecting arm 2 can be stored when not deployed. When deployed (as shown in FIG. 6) the connecting arm 2 protrudes from the mount 1 and is held in place by locking mechanism 4. The mount 1 can be attached to a head mount 110. In normal use, the mount 1 will be oriented so that the connecting arm 2 is pointing downwards (i.e. the other way around than shown in FIG. 6) for connection to another piece of equipment. Although 10 the disclosed subject matter has been described using specific terminology relating to apparatus features and / or method features, it is to be understood that the claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the examples disclosed. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. The advantages disclosed may relate to several of the examples that are 15 disclosed.

Claims

24Claims1. A mount (1) for a tripod system (100), the mount (1) comprising a connecting arm (2), the connecting arm (2) configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position, 5 by performing both a rotation motion and a translation motion, wherein the connecting arm(2) is configured to slide along an axis of the connecting arm (2).

2. The mount (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting arm (2) includes an aperture (21) which receives a pivot (3), about which the connecting arm (2) is configured to perform 10 the rotational motion.

3. The mount (1) according to claim 2, wherein the aperture is an elongate aperture (21) having a length along which the connecting arm (2) is configured to perform the translation motion relative to the pivot (3).

154. The mount (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting arm (2) is configured to move between the stowed position and the deployed position by performing a first rotation, a single translation, and a second rotation.20 5. The mount (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting arm (2) has afirst end region (20) and a second end region (22) arranged at opposite ends of the connecting arm (2), the first end region (20) having a generally trapezoid cross section to form an angled surface (30) to provide an abutment surface against which another element can abut.25 6. The mount (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a lockingmechanism (4) configured to secure the connecting arm (2) when it is in the stowed position, and also to secure the connecting arm (2) when it is in the deployed position.14 11 247. The mount (1) according to claim 6, wherein the connecting arm (2) and locking mechanism (4) each comprise abutment surfaces adapted to engage with one another in use so that the locking mechanism (4) secures the connecting arm (2) in place when the connecting arm (2) is in the deployed position.

58. The mount (1) according to any preceding claim, in which a component of a rotation motion may be along an axis of the connecting arm (2).

9. The mount (1) according to any preceding claim, in which a component of a translation 10 motion may be a telescopic action along an axis of the connecting arm (2).

10. The mount (1) according to any preceding claim, in which the connecting arm (2) comprises two removably attachable elements arranged substantially co-axially with one another.1511. The mount (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a base (5, 6) within which the connecting arm is stowed when in the stowed position.

12. The mount (1) according to claim 11, wherein the base is formed of an inner part (5) 20 which includes the pivot (3), and an outer part (6) which surrounds the inner part.

13. The mount (1) according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the base (5) includes a guide (50) configured to constrain the rotation motion and / or the translation motion of the connecting arm (2) between the stowed position and the deployed position.2514. The mount (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting arm (2) comprises a standard fixture.

15. The mount (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the mount (1) is a base mount (120).

16. A tripod system (100) comprising a mount (1) according to any preceding claim.5Application No:     GB2405199.7Examiner:Catriona WhiteClaims searched: 1-17Date of search: 9 October 2024Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-2, 4, 7-8, 12-14, 17 US 4733259 A (NG) see column 5 line 25 - column 6 line 34 and figures 1-5 and 11, particularly connecting arm 24 configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position by performing a rotation and translation motion. A - US 3747884 A (STEISSLINGER K et al.) see figures 1 and 2, particularly connecting arm 14 configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position by performing a rotation motion. A - US 2007 / 0278366 Al (MCGILL) see figures 1 and 2, particularly connecting arm 14 configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position by performing a rotation motion. A - US 3737130 A (SHIRAISHI Y) see figure 3, particularly fixing screw 56 that forms the attachment point of a camera and is configured to slide along the slit 55.Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if combined with one or more other documents of same category. P Document published on or after the declared priority date but before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:International Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From F16M 0011 / 04 01 / 01 / 2006 F16M 0011 / 32 01 / 01 / 2006 G03B 0017 / 56 01 / 01 / 2021

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