Support device for video photographing apparatus

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: in a conventional system, lock mechanisms need to be adjusted independent of each other so that clamping is performed as uniformly as possible between tubular sections having different telescopic legs through actuation of a connection element.SOLUTION: A support device for a video photographic apparatus comprises: at least one telescopic leg (2; 100) including a first tubular section (10), a second tubular section (11), and a third tubular section (12) which are connected in telescopic engagement one after the other; and a locking mechanism configured to lock and to allow the relative sliding between the first tubular section (10), second tubular section (11), and third tubular section (12). Both the first tubular section (10) and the third tubular section (12) are partially housed inside the second tubular section (11), and are configured to slide axially away from or toward the inside of the second tubular section (11) through the longitudinally opposite ends of the second tubular section (11).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In the art of photography, the use of support devices for videography equipment is widely known, with tripods and monopods being particularly widespread and highly valued at both the amateur and professional levels. These devices typically include one or more telescoping legs (three for tripods, one for monopods). Each telescoping leg can be extended to conveniently support the videography equipment at a staging position, and can then be retracted to reduce the overall size of the support device and allow for its convenient transport and storage.

[0003] The telescopic legs used in known support devices include a number of successive tubular sections, each of which is received in axially slidable engagement with the inside of a successive tubular section.

[0004] In this way, each tubular portion can be moved between a stored state in which it is primarily contained inside the successive tubular portion, and an extended state in which only its forward portion protrudes outwardly from the successive tubular portion and is removable outside the subsequent tubular portion.

[0005] It should be noted that by "tubular portion" of the telescoping leg it is intended to mean a single tubular section in which the telescoping leg is generally formed of one tube and the tubular portions are slidably engaged with one another.

[0006] In this sense, the portion of the telescopic leg formed by arranging multiple tubes side-by-side in parallel, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,231,088 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,835, is not considered a "tubular portion."

[0007] The telescoping legs typically include a locking mechanism disposed between a pair of consecutive tubular portions adapted to lock and unlock relative sliding movement between the tubular portions and define a desired relative position between the tubular portions.

[0008] These locking mechanisms can usually be individually actuated to allow independent adjustment of each pair of consecutive tubular portions.

[0009] US Pat. Nos. 6,824,319 and 7,364,125 show examples of support devices including a number of telescopic rods as described above.

[0010] However, the above-mentioned support devices have drawbacks, such as not always being fast enough for staging and storage operations.

[0011] WO 2 016 / 131102 describes a tripod in which each leg of the tripod is provided with a simultaneous locking and unlocking system for the different tubular parts that make up the tubular parts, the tripod comprising a number of telescopic rods arranged inside the tubular parts, mutually constrained in rotation, stressed in rotation by torsion springs and which can be rotated to activate or release respective locking mechanisms arranged between adjacent tubular parts.

[0012] However, this system requires many transmissions of kinetic chains, requires a large number of components, which makes the system complex to manufacture, and, above all, does not provide sufficient stiffness and stability to the legs, and therefore the tripod, in the extended state.

[0013] It should be emphasized that this feature is fundamental in this technical field and distinguishes the quality level of products actually available on the market.

[0014] The applicant's WO 2020 / 003060 describes a tripod in which each leg of the tripod is provided with a simultaneous locking and unlocking system for the different tubular parts that make up the tubular parts, the tripod including a connecting element provided on the exterior of the telescopic legs, which operates to connect the locking devices provided between successive tubular parts and to lock or unlock them with a single movement.

[0015] The applicant has found that the structure described in WO 2 020 / 003060 is very simple and effective in its implementation and maintains independent clamping loads on the different locking mechanisms.

[0016] However, this method requires that each locking mechanism be adjusted independently of the other, so that actuation of the connecting elements results in as uniform a tightening as possible between the different tubular portions of the telescopic legs.

[0017] Additionally, the presence of the connecting elements increases the overall footprint of the telescoping leg. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0018] The problem underlying the present invention is to realize a support device for video-taking equipment, structurally and functionally designed to at least partially overcome the limitations mentioned above with reference to the cited prior art. Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a support device which is easy to manufacture, has a small footprint and allows for quick locking and unlocking of the telescopic legs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] This problem is solved and these objects achieved according to the invention by a support device for video-taking equipment which is realised in accordance with the appended claims.

[0020] Accordingly, in a first aspect thereof, the present invention is directed to a support apparatus for videography equipment including at least one telescoping leg movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0021] Preferably, the telescoping leg includes a first tubular portion, a second tubular portion and a third tubular portion connected one to the other for telescopic engagement.

[0022] Preferably, the telescoping leg includes a locking mechanism configured to lock or allow relative sliding movement between the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion, and the third tubular portion.

[0023] Preferably, the first tubular portion is partially received inside the second tubular portion.

[0024] Preferably, the first tubular portion engages the second tubular portion such that the first tubular portion slides axially away from or towards the inside of the second tubular portion via the first end of the second tubular portion.

[0025] Preferably, the third tubular portion is partially received inside the second tubular portion.

[0026] Preferably, the third tubular portion engages the second tubular portion so as to slide axially away from or towards the inside of the second tubular portion via the second end of the second tubular portion.

[0027] Preferably, the second end is longitudinally opposite the first end.

[0028] Due to these characteristics, in the telescopic leg realized according to the solution of the invention, the diameter of the intermediate tubular part, here designated as the second tubular part, is larger than the diameter of the two adjacent tubular parts, namely the first and the third tubular part. In this way, the two adjacent tubular parts (the first and the third tubular part) enter from both ends of the second tubular part and are accommodated so as to slide and engage inside it. Thus, in the retracted state of the telescopic leg, the first tubular part protrudes from the first end of the second tubular part and the third tubular part protrudes from the second end of the second tubular part.

[0029] This special state of the telescopic leg also offers the possibility of providing a particularly effective locking mechanism inside the telescopic leg, which maintains excellent stiffness properties between the various tubular sections, both in bending and in torsion, even when the telescopic leg is in the extended state, and which allows the footprint to be kept small and does not require any components outside the telescopic leg.

[0030] It should be noted that two or more tubular portions are connected to one another so as to be "telescopically engaged" when each pair of adjacent tubular portions is configured so that the tubular portions can slide axially relative to one another inside the other tubular portion to a maximum extended position and to a maximum retracted position.

[0031] In other words, since the telescopic movement of two or more tubular parts is ensured by the presence and mutual engagement of adjacent tubular parts, a sleeve attached to the outside of one or more tubular parts, for example as a gripping element or as a cushioning element or as a connecting element between locking devices, is not considered to be a tubular part of the telescopic leg.

[0032] Also, note that two elements are "rigidly" fixed if no relative movement between the two elements is permitted.

[0033] A first tube (or a portion thereof) has a "diameter" that is smaller than the "diameter" of a second tube if the second tube is axially insertable into the first tube.

[0034] This definition may be interpreted literally where the first and second tubes have circular cross-sections, regardless of the thickness of the second tube, or it may be interpreted more generally where the first and / or second tubes have cross-sections having a shape other than circular.

[0035] In the above-mentioned aspects, the inventive solution may have one or more of the preferred features described below.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first end member is secured to the first end of the second tubular portion.

[0037] Preferably, the first end member is rigidly secured to the second tubular portion.

[0038] Preferably, the first end member is configured to guide the first tubular portion by sliding axially away from or towards the inside of the second tubular portion.

[0039] Preferably, the first end member is tubular and includes a first portion axially outward from the second tubular portion and a second portion overlapping the second tubular portion.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first portion of the first end member has an interior shape that matches the exterior shape of the first tubular portion.

[0041] More preferably, the first portion abuts the first end of the second tubular portion.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first end member engages the first tubular portion at two distinct spaced apart regions along the longitudinal axis of the telescoping leg.

[0043] In this way, the guiding action during sliding of the first tubular part away from or towards the inside of the second tubular part is more precise, and the two tubular parts exhibit excellent rigidity in bending, especially when they are in an elongated state.

[0044] Preferably, the second portion of the first end member includes a projection extending toward the inside of the second tubular portion that is received in a through slot formed in the second tubular portion.

[0045] In this way, the projection can advantageously act as a guide for the sliding movement of the first tubular portion and engage therewith, while at the same time effecting fixation of the first end member to the second tubular portion.

[0046] In some embodiments, the second terminal member is secured to the second end of the second tubular portion.

[0047] Preferably, the second end member is rigidly secured to the second tubular portion.

[0048] Preferably, the second end member is configured to slide axially away from or towards the inside of the second tubular portion to guide the third tubular portion.

[0049] Preferably, the second end member is tubular and includes a first portion axially outward from the second tubular portion and a second portion overlapping the second tubular portion.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first portion of the second end member has an interior shape that matches the exterior shape of the third tubular portion.

[0051] More preferably, the first portion of the second end member abuts the second end of the second tubular portion.

[0052] In some embodiments, the third tubular portion is received inside the first tubular portion when the telescoping legs are in at least the retracted position.

[0053] Thus, the third tubular portion has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first tubular portion.

[0054] In this way, the first tubular portion and the third tubular portion do not interfere with each other when both are housed inside the second tubular portion and are less likely to get in the way of the legs when in the stored state.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first tubular portion and / or the second tubular portion and / or the third tubular portion, and preferably all three tubular portions, have a non-circular cross-section, such as, for example, an oval, an ellipse or a polygon.

[0056] Preferably, the cross section has a major dimension.

[0057] Preferably, the cross section is polygonal, more preferably octagonal.

[0058] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a first brake portion movable between a locked position that locks axial sliding of the first tubular portion relative to the second tubular portion and a released position that does not prevent axial sliding of the first tubular portion relative to the second tubular portion.

[0059] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a second brake portion movable between a locked position that locks axial sliding of the third tubular portion relative to the second tubular portion and a released position that does not prevent axial sliding of the third tubular portion relative to the second tubular portion.

[0060] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes an operating member connected to the first brake portion and the second brake portion.

[0061] Preferably, the operating member is configured to simultaneously move the first brake portion and the second brake portion to their respective locked positions or their respective released positions.

[0062] In this way, by the action of a single operating member, the relative sliding movement of the first, second and third tubular portions can be simultaneously locked and unlocked, allowing the user to easily and quickly perform the steps of extending and retracting the telescopic legs.

[0063] In some embodiments, the operating member is rotatable about an axis of rotation between an open position and a closed position.

[0064] Preferably, the operating member is connected to the first and second brake parts by an eccentric system, whereby a pivoting movement of the operating member between the open and closed positions can correspond to a movement of the first and second brake parts between their respective released and locked positions.

[0065] In this manner, pivotal movement of the operating member exerts a first force on the first brake portion and a second force on the second brake portion, simultaneously moving them towards their respective locked positions.

[0066] Preferably, the second tubular portion has a polygonal cross-section having a major dimension and the axis of rotation of the operating member is substantially parallel to this major dimension.

[0067] In other embodiments, the operating member is movable between the open and closed positions by a movement other than a pivotal movement about an axis of rotation.

[0068] In some embodiments, the operating member is connected to a first brake portion and a second brake portion, such that when the operating member is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the first brake portion can transmit a first reaction force to the operating member and the second brake portion can transmit a second reaction force to the operating member.

[0069] Preferably, at least one component of the second reaction force has a direction parallel to and opposite to that of the component of the first reaction force.

[0070] Preferably, the operating member is attached to the telescopic leg such that the rotation axis is movable along a direction parallel to the components of the first and second reaction forces.

[0071] In this way, the operating member is free to move along that direction until it reaches a position where the reaction forces generated by the movements of the first and second brake portions toward the locked position are balanced.

[0072] In particular, note that the system is in fact self-regulating, since this equilibrium position is determined by the same difference between the opposing reaction forces.

[0073] In this balanced position, the force that the operating member exerts on the first brake portion and the second brake portion is also uniform, so that the force that the first brake portion exerts on the first tubular portion and the force that the second brake portion exerts on the second tubular portion can also be made equal.

[0074] Advantageously, this solution therefore makes it possible to realise a locking mechanism for at least three tubular parts of a telescopic leg with a single control unit, while at the same time ensuring a homogeneous clamping load between the different tubular parts.

[0075] Preferably, the first reaction force and the second reaction force are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the telescoping leg.

[0076] Preferably, the operating member is attached to the telescopic leg such that the axis of rotation is movable along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the telescopic leg.

[0077] Preferably, the first brake portion and the second brake portion are moved by an operating member between a respective released position and a respective locked position along a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the telescopic leg.

[0078] In some embodiments, the manipulation member is attached to the second tubular portion.

[0079] Preferably, the operating member is in an intermediate position between the first brake portion and the second brake portion.

[0080] Preferably, the operating member is attached to the first end member.

[0081] In each embodiment, the first brake portion and the second brake portion are moved by the operating member along the axial direction of the telescopic leg, away from or towards the operating member, between their respective released and locked positions.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first braking portion is interposed between the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion. Alternatively, the first braking portion may be interposed between the first tubular portion and the first end member.

[0083] Furthermore, preferably the first brake portion and the second tubular portion (or the first end member in an alternative solution) are shaped such that when the first brake portion is moved towards the locked position it is sandwiched between the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion (or the first end member) to lock their relative sliding movement.

[0084] In some embodiments, the second brake portion is interposed between the third tubular portion and the second tubular portion. Alternatively, the second brake portion may be interposed between the third tubular portion and the second end member.

[0085] Furthermore, preferably the second brake portion and the second tubular portion (or in an alternative solution the second end member) are shaped to be sandwiched between the third tubular portion and the second tubular portion (or the second end member) to lock their relative sliding movement when the second brake portion is moved towards the locked position.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first brake part is connected to the eccentric system by a first transmission element.

[0087] In some embodiments, the second brake part is connected to the eccentric system by a second transmission element.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first transmission element and the second transmission element are connected to the eccentric system on opposite sides relative to the rotation axis of the operating member.

[0089] In some embodiments, the operating member includes a lever that is pivotable about a pin that is rotatable about an axis of rotation of the operating member.

[0090] Preferably, the pin is slidably received in a seat, such as a through slot, formed in the first end member or the second tubular portion.

[0091] In some embodiments, the eccentric system is defined by a cam profile formed on a surface of the pin.

[0092] In some embodiments, the telescoping leg includes a fourth tubular portion connected for telescopic engagement with the first tubular portion or the third tubular portion.

[0093] Preferably, the fourth tubular portion is partially received inside the third tubular portion and engages the third tubular portion for axial sliding movement away from or towards the inside of the third tubular portion opposite the second tubular portion.

[0094] Preferably, the telescoping leg includes a further locking mechanism for locking or allowing relative sliding movement between the fourth tubular portion and the third tubular portion.

[0095] The further locking mechanism may be of any conventional type, for example a ring nut.

[0096] In some embodiments, the support apparatus is a monopod that includes a single telescoping leg and a mounting element for the videography equipment.

[0097] Preferably, the attachment element is located at an end of the first tubular portion opposite the second tubular portion.

[0098] In some embodiments, the support device is a tripod comprising a crosspiece with three telescopic legs articulated thereto, realised according to the solution of the invention.

[0099] Preferably, the telescopic leg is articulated to the crosspiece at an end of the first tubular portion opposite the second tubular portion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0100] The characteristics and further advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred non-limiting embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a front elevational schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a support device for video recording equipment implemented in accordance with the present invention, including telescoping legs in an extended state with a locking mechanism in an unlocked position; FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic enlarged detail view of a telescoping leg of the support device of FIG. 1, showing a first end member of the telescoping leg; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a detail of FIG. 2 with the first end member removed, making some components transparent. [Figure 4] 2 and 3, but with the locking mechanism in the locked position. [Diagram 5] 2 and 3, but with the locking mechanism in the locked position. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along plane III-III in FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is an enlarged schematic view of a second end member of the telescopic leg of the support device of FIG. 1 in further detail, with the second end member removed; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, showing the detail of FIG. 7 when the second end member is present; [Figure 9] 9 is an enlarged view showing a schematic diagram of a modification of the details of the telescopic leg of FIGS. 1 to 8, with the locking mechanism in the unlocked position; FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane XX in FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of further detail of a second end member of the telescopic leg of FIG. 9; FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a support device for video recording equipment implemented in accordance with the present invention, including a plurality of telescopic legs in an extended state with a locking mechanism in a locked position; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0101] 1 to 8, a first embodiment of a support device for video shooting equipment realized in accordance with the present invention is indicated by the reference numeral 1.

[0102] The support device 1 is a monopod, comprising a single telescopic leg 2, on the top of which is arranged a plate 3. This plate 3 is provided with a mounting element 4, for example a 3 / 8 screw (conventional, not shown), arranged for fixing videography equipment to the monopod 1.

[0103] The telescopic leg 2 includes a first tubular portion 10, a second tubular portion 11 and a third tubular portion 12 connected one to the other for telescopic engagement.

[0104] In particular, the first tubular portion 10 is partially received inside the second tubular portion 11 so as to slide axially inside the second tubular portion 11 via a first end 11a of the second tubular portion 11, and the third tubular portion 12 is partially received inside the second tubular portion 11 so as to slide axially inside the second tubular portion 11 via a second end 11b of the second tubular portion 11 that is longitudinally opposite the first end 11a.

[0105] Preferably, the plate 3 is fixed to a first free end 10a of the first tubular portion 10 and to the free end 12b of the third tubular portion 12 are fixed feet 13, e.g. made of rubber, convenient for supporting the monopod 1 firmly on the ground.

[0106] The three tubular portions 10, 11, 12 are coaxial with one another, have a major longitudinal dimension extending along a common X-axis, and have a polygonal, in particular an octagonal, cross-section elongated along the major dimension.

[0107] The cross-sectional dimensions of the tubular portions 10, 11, 12 are such that they can slidably engage the inside of the second tubular portion 11 of both the first tubular portion 10 and the third tubular portion 12. Additionally, the third tubular portion 12 has a transverse dimension such that it can also slidably engage the inside of the first tubular portion 10.

[0108] The third tubular portion 12 has a smaller cross-sectional dimension, the second tubular portion 11 has a larger cross-sectional dimension, and the first tubular portion 10 has an intermediate cross-sectional dimension.

[0109] Tubular first and second end members 14, 15 are rigidly secured to first and second longitudinal ends 11a, 11b, respectively, of the second tubular portion 11 and are configured to slide axially away from or towards the inside of the second tubular portion 11 to guide the first and third tubular portions 10, 12.

[0110] In particular, the first end member 14 includes a first portion 14a having a narrow internal cross-section substantially corresponding to the first tubular portion 10, and a second portion 14b having an enlarged internal cross-section defining an internal shoulder 14c that abuts the first end 11a of the second tubular portion 11, such that the first portion 14a projects axially from the second tubular portion 11 and the second portion 14b overlaps the second tubular portion 11.

[0111] Similarly, the second end member 15 includes a first portion 15a having a narrow internal cross-section corresponding substantially to the third tubular portion 12, and a second portion 15b having an enlarged internal cross-section defining an internal shoulder 15c that abuts the second end 11b of the second tubular portion 11, such that the first portion 15a projects axially from the second tubular portion 11 and the second portion 15b overlaps the second tubular portion 11.

[0112] The stop element 12c closes the third tubular part 12 at its end 12a axially opposite to the leg 13. The stop element 12c abuts against a shoulder 15c to lock the stroke of the third tubular part 12, thereby preventing the third tubular part 12 from escaping from the second tubular part 11.

[0113] The telescoping leg 2 includes a locking mechanism that locks or allows relative sliding movement between the first tubular portion 10, the second tubular portion 11, and the third tubular portion 12.

[0114] The locking mechanism 20 includes a first brake portion 21 configured to selectively lock axial sliding of the first tubular portion 10 inside the second tubular portion 11, a second brake portion 22 configured to selectively block axial sliding of the third tubular portion 12 inside the second tubular portion 11, and an operating member 23 connected to the first brake portion 21 and the second brake portion 22 and configured to enable the first brake portion and the second brake portion to be simultaneously operated to lock or unlock.

[0115] In particular, the first brake portion 21 is movable along a direction substantially parallel to the axis X between a locked position that prevents axial sliding of the first tubular portion 10 relative to the second tubular portion 11 and a released position that allows axial sliding of the first tubular portion 10 relative to the second tubular portion 11.

[0116] The first braking portion 21 is housed in a chamber 24 formed inside the first portion 14a of the first end member 14 and includes a surface 21a inclined with respect to the axis X, resting on a corresponding surface 24a of the first end member 14. Thereby, axial movement of the first braking portion 21 is accompanied by corresponding radial movement of the first braking portion 21 towards or away from the first tubular portion 10.

[0117] In a completely similar manner, the second brake portion 22 is movable along a direction substantially parallel to the axis X between a locked position which prevents axial sliding of the third tubular portion 12 relative to the second tubular portion 11, and a released position which allows axial sliding of the third tubular portion 12 relative to the second tubular portion 11.

[0118] The second braking portion 22 is housed in a chamber 25 formed inside the first portion 15a of the second end member 15 and includes a surface 22a inclined with respect to the axis X that rests on a corresponding surface 25a of the second end member 14. Thereby, axial movement of the second braking portion 22 is accompanied by corresponding radial movement of the second braking portion 22 towards or away from the first tubular portion 12.

[0119] The operating member 23 includes a lever 26. The lever 26 is rotatable about a rotation axis Y that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the telescopic leg 2 between an open position (shown in FIGS. 1 to 3) and a closed position (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0120] The axis of rotation Y is defined by a pin 27 attached to the first end member 14. The pin 27 is received in a seat 27a that is suitably elongated along the axial direction X so that the pin 27 is free to move along this direction.

[0121] The first brake part 21 is connected to the operating member 23 by a first transfer element 28. The first transfer element 28 is constrained to a pin 27 at a constraint point 28a spaced from the axis of rotation Y.

[0122] Similarly, the second brake part 22 is connected to the operating member 23 by a second transmission element 29. The second transmission element 29 is constrained to the pin 27 at a constraint point 29a that is disposed symmetrically to the constraint point 28a with respect to the rotation axis Y.

[0123] The connection of the first braking part 21 and the second braking part 22 with the pin 27 forms an eccentric system that makes it possible to convert the pivoting movement of the lever 26 into a movement of the first braking part 21 and the second braking part 22 along the axis X.

[0124] When the lever 26 rotates between the open and closed positions, the pin 27 moves the constraint points 28 a and 29 a to pull the transmission elements 28 and 29 , bringing the first brake portion 21 and the second brake portion 22 closer to the operating member 23 .

[0125] The axial movement of the first braking part 21 and the second braking part 22 means that they move simultaneously relative to the first tubular part 10 and the third tubular part 12 towards their respective locked positions.

[0126] Thus, in this first embodiment, the transmission elements 28, 29 function as tie rods transmitting a first tensile force and a second tensile force to the first braking part 21 and the second braking part 22, respectively.

[0127] These pulling forces correspond to equal and opposite first and second reaction forces that the first and second braking portions 21 and 22 exert on the pin 27 .

[0128] If these reaction forces do not balance, the pin 27 will automatically move along the seat 27a until a position of balance is found.

[0129] For example, if, during the closing pivotal movement of the lever 26, the first brake part 21 reaches its locked position relative to the first tubular part 10 while the second brake part 22 has not yet reached its locked position relative to the third tubular part 12, further pivotal movement of the pin 26 will cause the pin 26 to move along the seat 27 towards the first brake part 21 and away from the second brake part 22, so that the tractive force exerted on the second brake part 22 will increase until it is balanced by the tractive force exerted on the first brake part 21.

[0130] Thus, in the closed position of the lever 26, the first braking portion 21 and the second braking portion 22 are in their respective locked positions and exert a substantially homogenous clamping load on the respective tubular portions 10,12.

[0131] When the lever 26 is rotated to the open position, the first brake portion 21 and the second brake portion 22 are moved to the release position, and one or more springs interposed between the first brake portion 21 and the second brake portion 22 and the first end member 14 and the second end member 15, respectively, appropriately assist this movement.

[0132] 9 to 11 show a second embodiment of a telescopic leg 100 realised according to the solution of the present invention.

[0133] Components of the telescopic leg 100 which are equivalent or similar to the telescopic leg 2 of the embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals.

[0134] The telescopic leg 100 differs substantially from the telescopic leg 2 of the above-described embodiment in that the configuration of the eccentric system connecting the lever 26 to the first braking part 21 and the second braking part 22 is different.

[0135] In this case, the pivoting movement of the lever 26 from the open position to the closed position actually pushes the two brake parts 21, 22 along the axis X away from the pin 27.

[0136] Needless to say, in this case, the mutual contact surfaces 21a and 24a of the first braking part 21 and the first end member 14, as well as the mutual contact surfaces 22a and 25a of the second braking part and the second end member 15, are inclined oppositely to the corresponding surfaces of the telescopic leg 2. This causes the first braking part 21 and the second braking part 22 to be pressed against the respective first tubular part 10 and third tubular part 12 when they move axially away from the operating member 23.

[0137] Moreover, in this case the eccentric system is formed by the same surface of the pin 27 which has a cam profile 30, which is better visible in Fig. 10. This cam profile 30 bears on one side directly against the first brake part 21 and on the opposite side directly against a second transmission element 29 formed by a seat across the second tubular section 11. In this case the second transmission element 29 acts as a strut which moves the second brake part 22 towards the locked position.

[0138] A further difference is the different shape of the first end member 14. This first end member 14 includes, at its second portion 14b, a projection 31 which extends towards the inside of the second tubular portion 11 and is received in a through slot 32 formed in the second tubular portion 11.

[0139] In this way, the first end member 14 engages the first tubular portion 10 in two different axially spaced regions and is better able to cope with the thrust action exerted on the first end member 14 by the first brake portion 21.

[0140] A similar solution is likewise provided for the connection of the second end member 15 on the second end 11b of the second tubular portion 11. Here, a projection 34 is provided which extends radially from the second portion 15a towards the inside of the second tubular portion 11.

[0141] The operating mode of the telescopic leg 100 is entirely similar to that of the telescopic leg 2 described with reference to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0142] In a further embodiment variant (not shown) which applies to both the telescopic leg 2 and the telescopic leg 100, the telescopic leg comprises a fourth tubular part partially housed inside the third tubular part 12 so as to slide axially away from or towards the inside of the third tubular part 12 via the second end 12b. In this case, the leg 13 is not provided.

[0143] Relative sliding movement between the fourth tubular portion and the third tubular portion 12 is selectively locked or allowed by a further locking mechanism, which may be conventional.

[0144] FIG. 12 shows a tripod 200 according to a second embodiment of a support device according to the invention.

[0145] Tripod 200 includes a crosspiece 201, the top of which slidably receives a post 202 carrying a mounting plate 203 for videography equipment.

[0146] Also, three telescopic legs 204 are articulated to the crosspiece 201. Each telescopic leg 204 is substantially identical to the telescopic leg 2 or telescopic leg 100 described above, except that it is provided with a plate 3 and a mounting element 4, and except that the shape of the leg 13 is different.

[0147] Thus, each telescoping leg 204 includes three tubular sections 210 , 211 , 212 and a unique self-adjusting locking mechanism that can be locked and released by a lever 226 .

[0148] For ergonomics and convenience of locking and unlocking the telescopic legs 204 , the lever 226 is mounted on the outside of the tripod 200 so as to pivot about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the articulation axis of the respective telescopic leg 204 relative to the crosspiece 201 .

[0149] Thus, the present invention overcomes the problems discussed above with reference to the prior art, whilst offering several advantages.

[0150] Naturally, those skilled in the art will be able to make further modifications and variations to the invention described above in order to meet specific and fortuitous applications, which in any case will fall within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A support device (1; 200) for video recording equipment, comprising at least one telescopic leg (2; 100) movable between an extended state and a retracted state, said telescopic leg comprising: a first tubular portion (10), a second tubular portion (11), and a third tubular portion (12) connected one to the other so as to be telescopically engaged; a locking mechanism configured to lock or allow relative sliding movement between the first tubular portion (10), the second tubular portion (11), and the third tubular portion (12); Including, the first tubular portion (10) is partially received inside the second tubular portion (11) and engages the second tubular portion (11) so as to slide axially away from or towards the inside of the second tubular portion (11) via a first end of the second tubular portion (11); the third tubular portion (12) is partially received inside the second tubular portion (11) and engages the second tubular portion (11) so as to slide axially away from or towards the inside of the second tubular portion (11) via a second end of the second tubular portion (11), the second end being located longitudinally opposite the first end (11); Support device.

2. 2. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the third tubular portion (12) is housed inside the first tubular portion (10) when the telescopic legs (2; 100) are in the retracted position.

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

4. The locking mechanism includes: a first brake portion (21) movable between a locking position for locking the axial sliding movement of the first tubular portion (10) relative to the second tubular portion (11) and a release position for not hindering the axial sliding movement of the first tubular portion (10) relative to the second tubular portion (11); a second brake portion (22) movable between a locking position for locking the third tubular portion (12) against axial sliding relative to the second tubular portion (11) and a release position for not hindering the third tubular portion (12) against axial sliding relative to the second tubular portion (11); an operating member (23) connected to the first brake portion (21) and the second brake portion (22) and configured to simultaneously move the first brake portion (21) and the second brake portion (22) to their respective locked positions or their respective released positions; The supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

5. 5. The support device according to claim 4, wherein the operating member (23) is rotatable about a rotation axis (Y) between an open position and a closed position and is connected to the first brake part (21) and the second brake part (22) by an eccentric system (27, 28a, 29a; 30), whereby a pivoting movement of the operating member (23) between the open position and the closed position corresponds to a movement of the first brake part (21) and the second brake part (22) between the respective release position and the respective locking position.

6. The operating member (23) is connected to the first brake portion (21) and the second brake portion (22), so that when the operating member (23) is rotated from the open position toward the closed position, The first brake portion (21) transmits a first reaction force to the operating member (23), The second brake portion (22) transmits a second reaction force to the operating member (23), at least one component of the second reaction force has a direction parallel to and opposite to that of the first reaction force component; the operating member (23) is attached to the telescopic leg (2; 100) such that the rotation axis (Y) is movable along the direction parallel to the components of the first reaction force and the second reaction force; 6. The support device of claim 5.

7. 7. The support device of claim 6, wherein the first and second reaction forces are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the telescoping leg.

8. 8. A support device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the operating member (23) is attached to the telescopic leg (2; 100) such that the rotation axis (Y) is movable along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the telescopic leg (2; 100).

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

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

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

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

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

14. The support device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the telescopic leg includes a fourth tubular portion that is partially received inside the third tubular portion (12) and engages the third tubular portion (12) for axial sliding movement away from or towards the inside of the third tubular portion (12) opposite the second tubular portion (11).

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