Compact high aspect ratio camera tripod

Abstract

To provide a compact high-aspect ratio camera tripod.SOLUTION: A tripod 100 comprises a hub defining a set of leg mounts 144; a set of legs 160 configured to telescopically extend from the hub and coupled to the set of leg mounts; a center column 150 comprising a spherical end part; and a head 110 pivotally coupled to the spherical end part. The head comprises: a base section; a camera platform 130 arranged over the base section; a set of flanges 114 extending below the base section and extending around the spherical end part; a hat arranged over the spherical end part; and a pivot control ring 124 arranged around the base section, configured to press the hat against the spherical end part to fix the head in response to rotation around the base section in a first direction, and configured to retract the hat from the spherical end part to unlock the head in response to rotation around the base section in a second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 847,174, filed May 13, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 965,597, filed January 24, 2020, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 501,118, filed May 13, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of photography, and more particularly to a new and useful tightly packed high aspect ratio camera tripod in the field of photography. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a tripod. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a tripod. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a tripod. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a tripod. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a tripod. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a hanging hook and a mobile mount. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams of a mobile mount. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams of leg clamps. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams of the leg assembly. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the hub. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a tripod. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a camera locking hub. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The following description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention.

[0006] 1. Tripod As shown in FIGS. 1-5 , tripod 100 comprises a hub 140 defining a central bore 142 and a set of leg mounts 144 arranged in a radial pattern around central bore 142; a set of legs 160, each leg 160 in the set of legs 160 pivotally coupled to one leg mount 144 in the set of leg mounts 144 and configured to extend telescopically from hub 140; and a central column 150 configured to translate within central bore 142 of hub 140 and including spherical ends 156 configured to fit snugly between leg mounts 144. The tripod further includes a head 110 pivotally coupled to the spherical end 156, the head 110 including a base section 112, a camera platform 130 disposed on the base section 112 and defining a rail 134 and a locking tab 132 and configured to temporarily receive a camera adapter coupled to a camera, and a flange 114 disposed in a radial pattern and extending below the base section 112 opposite the camera platform 130, extending around a portion of the spherical end 156 and configured to fit between the leg mounts 144. a hat 116 disposed within the base section 112 over the spherical end 156; and a pivot control ring 124 disposed around the base section 112 and configured to press the hat 116 against the spherical end 156 to fix the orientation of the head 110 on the spherical end 156 in response to rotation about the base section 112 in a first direction, and to retract the hat 116 from the spherical end 156 to unlock the head 110 from the spherical end 156 in response to rotation about the base section 112 in a second direction.

[0007] In one variation, the tripod further includes a camera locking ring 126 that is positioned proximal to and concentric with the pivot control ring 124 and configured to move the camera locking tab 132 toward the rail 134 to temporarily lock the camera adapter between the camera locking tab 132 and the rail 134.

[0008] The tripod 100 includes a set of legs 160. Each leg 160 of the tripod 100 can include a series of telescoping leg segments 162, with each leg segment in the leg—other than the first, largest leg segment—configured to fit snugly within an adjacent, larger leg segment of a larger cross-section. Additionally, the distal end of each leg segment in the leg—other than the last, smallest leg segment—can include a clamp assembly configured to selectively clamp an adjacent, smaller leg segment 162, thereby allowing the smaller leg segment 162 to retract within the adjacent, larger leg segment 162. Each leg connects to the hub 140 via a leg mount 144 that includes a multi-stage leg position stop.

[0009] In one variation, tripod 100 includes a spherical end 156 and a head 110 pivotally coupled to spherical end 156, head 110 including a base section 112, a camera platform 130 disposed on base section 112 and configured to temporarily receive a camera adapter coupled to a camera, a threaded section 118 extending along a central axis of head 110 and disposed on spherical end 156, and a thick threaded section 118 threadedly engaged on threaded section 118 and configured to translate along threaded section 118 when rotated. The sun gear 120 includes a sun gear 120, a hat 116 disposed on the sun gear 120 and facing the spherical end 156, a spring 117 disposed between the hat 116 and the sun gear 120 and configured to urge the hat 116 against the spherical end 156, a set of planet gears 122 disposed around the sun gear 120 and meshed with the sun gear 120, and a set of flanges 114 extending from the base section 112 opposite the camera mount 130, extending around a portion of the spherical end 156 and arranged in a radial pattern around the spherical end 156. In this variation, the tripod 100 further includes a pivot control ring 124 disposed about the base section 112, the pivot control ring 124 including a ring gear meshed with the set of planet gears 122, and configured to, in response to rotation about the base section 112 in a first direction, rotate the sun gear 120 about the threaded section 118 via the set of planet gears 122, moving the hat 116 toward the spherical end 156 and clamping the spherical end 156 against the set of flanges 114 to fix the orientation of the head 110 on the spherical end 156, and to, in response to rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction, rotate the sun gear 120 about the threaded section 118 via the set of planet gears 122, retracting the hat 116 from the spherical end 156 and unlocking the head 110 from the spherical end 156.

[0010] 2. Application Generally, tripod 100 comprises a hub 140 defining a set of leg mounts 144 pivotally coupled to a set of legs 160, and a head 110 including a set of stacked control rings that allow a user to quickly adjust the pitch, yaw, and roll of a camera—mounted to head 110—relative to the hub and legs, as well as quickly install, lock, and remove the camera in the same position with one hand. More specifically, tripod 100 includes a set of stacked control rings that fit in the hand in one compact location, thus allowing a user to manipulate the position of the camera and quickly attach and remove the camera from tripod 100. For example, the tripod may include a set of concentric control rings stacked directly below the camera mount that can be fully engaged and disengaged in less than one full rotation (e.g., less than 360 degrees), thereby enabling a user to quickly and easily move the head 110 through a full 360 degrees when panning, easily move the head 110 through nearly a full 180 degrees when tilting (e.g., pitch and roll), and completely and securely lock the tripod 100 in place without repositioning or removing their hands from the head 110.

[0011] Additionally, by including a set of stacked concentric control rings, tripod 100 condenses pan, tilt, and lock / unlock controls into one compact location, thereby limiting features protruding outward from head 110 and minimizing the effective diameter of head 110, increasing the compactness and space efficiency of tripod 100 when fully collapsed, reducing the weight of tripod 100, and improving the ease of transport, storage, and convenience of tripod 100 to the user.

[0012] The head 110 of the tripod 100 is attached to a central column 150 configured to extend inside a central bore 142 of a hub 140, which defines a set of leg mounts 144 that couple to and support a set of legs 160. The central column 150 defines spherical ends 156, and the head 110 defines a set of flanges 114 that extend from the bottom of the head 110 and form a socket around the spherical ends 156, thereby allowing a user to tilt the head 110 relative to the hub 140. Specifically, the head 110 defines a set of flanges 114 arranged in a radial pattern that matches the radial pattern of the leg mounts 144 extending from the hub 140, such that—when the tripod 100 is fully collapsed—the head 110 is radially offset from the hub 140 (e.g., by 60 degrees), allowing the flanges 114 and leg mounts 144 to fit snugly (or "interlock") and enclose the spherical ends 156, thus providing high vertical and volumetric packing efficiency. The interlocking head 110, hub 140, and leg sections form a tight and robust folded state—such that the tripod 100 maintains a substantially constant effective diameter when collapsed—which allows a user to stow the tripod 100 without external knobs or protrusions that can catch on other equipment or bag flaps / openings. For example, when fully folded (e.g., in the folded position), the tripod 100 is roughly cylindrical with minimal wasted space, thereby exhibiting high volumetric efficiency. Furthermore, in this example, the central column 150 defines a triangular cross-section such that—when the central column 150 is fully retracted from the hub 140 and the head 110 fits snugly around the leg mounts 144—the inner surfaces of the legs 160 mate with (or are very close to) the outer surfaces of the central column 150, thereby minimizing wasted space inside the cylindrical outer shape approximated by the tripod 100 in this folded state.

[0013] In one variation, the radial distance between the flanges 114 can be less than the radial width of the central column 150, allowing the head 110 to tilt approximately 180 degrees around the spherical end 156 in both pitch and yaw directions. For example, a user can take a first series of photographs with their camera—mounted on the head 110—held in a landscape position by the head 110, and then operate the pivot control ring 124 to quickly unlock, tilt, and relock the head 110 to reposition the camera in a portrait position. The user can also operate the pivot control ring 124 to loosen the head 110 on the spherical mount to allow finer pitch adjustments of the camera in this portrait position, such as within a range of 120 degrees, which is less than the sum of the radial widths of the central column 150 and one flange.

[0014] Each leg 160 of the tripod 100 includes a set of nested leg segments 162 (or "telescopic stages"), and the tripod 100 also includes a central column 150, all of which cooperate to allow the tripod 100 to extend to a height several times (e.g., four times) the height of the tripod 100 in its collapsed state. When unfolded, the tripod 100 can occupy a variety of footprints and heights, thereby defining a robust structure for support of heavy camera equipment (e.g., sandbags, telephoto lenses, etc.) to support a wide range of applications and uses for photographers.

[0015] 3. Head As shown in FIGS. 1-3 , head 110 includes a camera base 130 disposed perpendicular to the central axis of head 110, a camera lock ring that is operated radially around the central axis of head 110 to engage locking tabs 132, a flanged socket configured to receive a spherical end 156 on central column 150—including a set of (e.g., three) flanges arranged in a radial pattern—a hat 116 interposed between camera base 130 and spherical end 156 and configured to cooperate with the set of flanges to embrace the spherical end, and a pivot control ring 124 that is movable (i.e., rotatable) radially around the central axis of head 110 to press hat 116 against spherical end 156 to lock head 110 to and release head 110 from spherical end 156, and to move head 116 away from spherical end 156.

[0016] In one embodiment, the head further includes a threaded section 118 (e.g., a threaded bore or a threaded shaft) extending along the central axis of the head 110 and disposed on the spherical end 156, a sun gear 120 threaded onto the threaded section 118 and configured to translate along the threaded section 118 when rotated, and a set of planetary gears 122 disposed around and meshed with the sun gear 120. The pivot control ring 124 can also include a ring gear mated to the set of planetary gears 122, and the hat 116 can be attached to the sun gear 120. The head 110 may also include a spring 117 disposed between the hat 116 and the sun gear 120 opposite the spherical end 156 and configured to bias the hat 116 toward the spherical end 156 and to capture the spherical end 156 between the hat 116 and the set of flanges 114, thereby limiting rotation of the head 110 on the spherical end 156 even when the pivot control ring 124 is unlocked and the sun gear 120 is rotated upward along the threaded section 118 and retracted from the spherical end 156. Thus, rotation of pivot control ring 124 around head 110 in a first direction rotates set of planetary gears 122 in a second direction, thus rotating sun gear 120 in the first direction, thereby rotating sun gear 120 down along threaded section 118, compressing spring 117 between sun gear 120 and hat 116 and securely engaging the leading face of sun gear 120 with the back face of hat 116, thus forcing hat 116 against spherical end 156 and locking spherical end 156 between hat 116 and set of flanges 114 - thereby locking the pitch, yaw, and roll position of head 110 on spherical end 156.Similarly, rotation of pivot control ring 124 around head 110 in a second direction rotates set of planetary gears 122 in a first direction and therefore rotates sun gear 120 in a second direction, thereby rotating sun gear 120 up along threaded section 118 and retracting the front face of sun gear 120 from the back face of hat 116, (partially) releasing spring 117 and thus relieving compression of spherical end 156 between hat 116 and set of flanges 114 - thereby unlocking head 110 from spherical end 156.

[0017] Thus, the set of threaded sections 118, sun gear 120, and planetary gears 122 can cooperate with the pivot control ring 124, hat 116, and spherical end 156 to lock and unlock the orientation of the head 110 about the spherical end 156.

[0018] The camera base 130 includes a substantially planar top surface configured to receive the bottom or side of a camera, camera mount, or adapter. The camera base 130 also includes a protruding fixed rail 134 for mating with the side of the camera, camera mount, or adapter. An operable locking tab 132 cooperates with the fixed rail 134 to position and retain a camera adapter attached to the camera to limit movement of the camera relative to the head 110. Additionally, the head 110 may include a spring 136 that biases the camera locking tab 132 toward the fixed rail 134 to snap the camera adapter onto the camera base 130 when the camera is mounted to the head 110. Additionally, the camera locking ring 126 may define a ramp or cam that urges and retains the camera locking tab 132 toward the fixed rail 134 to lock the camera adapter between the camera locking tab 132 and the camera fixed rail 134. Camera locking ring 126 slides around the central axis of head 110. Thus, fixed rail 134, camera locking tab 132, spring 136, and camera locking ring 126 may cooperate to allow a user to lower the camera onto head 110 with their left hand (e.g., while reaching for a lens in a camera bag with their right hand), and then—while spring 136 presses camera locking tab 132 against the camera adapter, loosely holding the camera on camera base 130—rotate camera locking ring 126 with their left hand to fully lock the camera to head 110.

[0019] The user can then slide their left hand down (e.g., by approximately 10 millimeters), remove their fingers from camera locking ring 126, place their fingers on pivot control ring 124, rotate pivot control ring 124 to loosen head 110 on spherical end 156, adjust the tilt and pan of head 110—and therefore the camera—relative to hub 140 to bring the target scene into the camera's field of view, and then retighten pivot control ring 124. The user can then immediately begin capturing the target scene.

[0020] Additionally, the user can keep their left hand on the head 110 (with their fingers touching the pivot control ring 124) to make instant pan and tilt adjustments to the camera by loosening the pivot control ring 124 with their left hand, repositioning the head 110 with their left hand, and then re-tightening the pivot control ring 124 with their left hand before resuming filming.

[0021] Finally, the user can raise their left hand up from head 110 to engage camera locking ring 126 and rotate camera locking ring 126 to release camera locking tab 132. Spring 136 can continue to bias camera locking tab 132 toward fixed rail 134 to hold the camera on head 110 until the user biases camera locking tab 132 (e.g., with their left hand) to retrieve the camera.

[0022] Thus, head 110 can define a compact set of stacked controls that allows a user to quickly and easily set up, adjust, and remove the camera from tripod 100 with one hand.

[0023] 3.1 Camera stand The camera base 130 may include a camera base 130 configured to support the vertical load of a camera, camera mount, or other adapter (e.g., a grooved or textured surface), a fixed rail 134 extending along a first end of the camera base 130 surface and defining an undercut section 190, and a top section defining a passageway for a camera locking tab 132 at a second end of the camera mounting surface. The camera base 130 may also include a spring 136 that biases the camera locking tab 132 toward the fixed rail 134 and allows retraction of the camera locking tab 132 when the camera mount is installed on the camera mounting surface. The camera locking tab 132 may similarly define an undercut section 192 and may cooperate with the fixed rail 134 to temporarily receive and hold a camera, camera mount, or other adapter on the camera mounting surface. The camera mount 130 also includes a bottom section that defines a threaded section 118 (or threaded shaft) configured to mate with the threaded end of the sun gear 120 and a bore for a spring 117 and detent pin configured to engage a detent surface (e.g., a ridge) along the adjacent camera lock ring 126.

[0024] In one embodiment, the camera mount 130 may be manufactured (eg, cast, machined) from aluminum, steel, or a rigid polymer.

[0025] 3.2 Camera lock ring In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 , the head 110 includes a camera locking ring 126 that is positioned proximal to and concentric with the pivot control ring 124 and is configured to move the camera locking tab 132 toward the fixed rail 134 to temporarily lock the camera adapter between the camera locking tab 132 and the fixed rail 134.

[0026] In one embodiment, camera locking ring 126 includes an annular ring with a set of detents on a first side configured to interlock with spring-loaded detent pins on a first surface, and a ramp on a second side configured to interlock with camera locking tab 132 such that rotation of the annular ring about the central axis of head 110 drives camera locking tab 132 into a series of locking positions along the ramp, which dynamically secures the camera, camera mount, or camera adapter to camera base 130. In this embodiment, camera locking tab 132 may be configured to fit into a recess in the camera, camera mount, and / or camera adapter to limit camera movement in response to rotation of the annular ring. Camera locking tab 132 may be spring-loaded and interlock with a ramp on a ring (e.g., camera locking ring 126) parallel to camera base 130. As the annular ring rotates about the central axis of the head 110, the ramps can force the tabs into a fixed position, locking the camera (or camera accessory) to the camera base 130. A series of detents are located opposite the ramps on the ring and cooperate with spring-loaded detent pins to offset the locking position of the tabs.

[0027] In one variation, camera lock ring 126 includes a radially outwardly extending protrusion (e.g., a finger tab) for engaging a user's finger during one-handed operation. The annular ring can lie in a plane parallel to camera base 130. In one variation, the ring can be positioned directly below camera base 130. For example, the annular ring can be fabricated from aluminum, plastic, or carbon fiber.

[0028] Thus, when camera locking ring 126 is unlocked, camera locking tab 132 can pivot or slide within camera base 130 to engage and retain the camera mount, thereby enabling a user to place one end of the camera mount within undercut section 190 of fixed rail 134 and place the opposite end over and press down on camera locking tab 132. When a user rotates camera locking ring 126 to the locked position, a cam surface defined by camera locking ring 126 approaches and then engages camera locking tab 132, preventing camera locking tab 132 from retracting from rail 134 in response to a user pushing or pulling on camera locking tab 132, thereby securely locking the camera mount between camera locking tab 132 and rail 134.

[0029] More specifically, the camera lock ring 126 allows the camera locking tab 132 to over-travel toward the fixed rail 134 , thus acting as a secondary lock for the camera platform 130 .

[0030] 3.3 Locking tab In one embodiment, the camera locking tab 132 and spring 136 cooperate to hold the camera mount—secured to the camera—on the camera base 130 without the additional positive locking provided by the camera locking ring 126, such that the camera locking tab 132 allows a user to push, pull, and / or pivot the camera without releasing the camera mount from the camera base 130.

[0031] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 12 , the undercut section 190 of the fixed rail 134 can be configured to mate with a first angled surface of the camera mount (or “camera adapter”). The undercut section 192 of the camera locking tab 132 can be configured to mate with a second angled surface of the camera mount opposite the first angled surface. For example, the undercut sections 190, 192 of the fixed rail 134 and the camera locking tab 132 can define complementary 45° angled surfaces when assembled on the camera base 130. In this embodiment, the camera locking tab 132 is attached to and pivots about a pivot 194 (e.g., a pin) located below the camera base 130. The spring 136 is laterally offset from the pivot 194 and moves (e.g., pivots) the camera locking tab 132 upward to engage the undercut section 192 with the second angled surface of the camera mount, thus retaining the camera mount on the camera base 130.

[0032] In particular, pivot 194 may be positioned along (or near) a vector that intersects with and is perpendicular to undercut section 192 of the camera locking tab and the second sloped surface of the camera mount when assembled on camera base 130. Because pivot 194 is positioned along this vector, the effective lever arm length of the camera mount against camera locking tab 132 is zero (or near zero), and the effective torque applied by the camera mount to camera locking tab 132—such as when the camera is pulled or rotated on camera base 130—is zero (or near zero) and is (nearly) decoupled from the magnitude of the force or torque applied to the camera. Furthermore, because spring 136 is laterally offset from pivot 194, this effective torque applied by the camera mount to camera locking tab 132 is less than the opposing torque applied by spring 136 to camera locking tab 132, so that camera locking tab 132 remains engaged with the camera mount regardless of the amount of force or torque applied to the camera. Thus, when a user pushes, pulls, or pivots the camera, the resulting torque to open camera locking tab 132 is (approximately) zero, and therefore camera locking tab 132 does not rotate away from the camera mount. Thus, camera locking tab 132 remains locked in its closed position, holding the camera mount and camera in place on camera base 130 regardless of the force applied to the camera.

[0033] However, the camera locking tab 132 can pivot about the pivot 194 in response to a user directly pushing or pulling the camera locking tab 132 downward, which causes the undercut section 192 to retract away from the adjacent second ramp on the camera mount, allowing the user to lift the camera and camera mount off the camera base 130.

[0034] Additionally, camera locking tab 132 can pivot downward about pivot 194 in response to a downward force applied by the camera mount to the top of camera locking tab 132 on undercut section 192 during installation of the camera mount on camera base 130, causing undercut 192 to retract away from camera base 130 and allowing the camera mount to move downward toward camera base 130. Specifically, a user can insert a first angled surface of the camera mount into undercut section 190 of fixed rail 134 and place and press down on camera locking tab 132 with a second angled surface of the camera mount. The force of the second angled surface of the camera mount on camera locking tab 132 counters spring 136, applying a torque to camera locking tab 132, thereby rotating camera locking tab 132 downward about pivot 194 and opening camera base 130 to accept the camera mount. The second angled surface of the camera mount slides along the apex of camera locking tab 132 above undercut section 192 as camera locking tab 132 opens, eventually dropping over the apex of locking tab 132 to rest beneath camera locking tab 132, with the second angled surface positioned in contact with undercut section 192 of camera locking tab 132 and the base of the camera mount now in contact with the top surface of camera platform 130. Spring 136 then automatically moves camera locking tab 132 upward, securely holding the camera mount between rail 134 and camera locking tab 132.

[0035] 3.4 Control Unit Housing A controller housing is interposed between the camera mount 130 and the set of flanges 144, houses the sun gear 120, the planet gears 122, and the hat 116, and positions the pivot control ring 124 below the camera lock ring 126. The controller housing may also define a set of support surfaces or posts configured to arrange the planet gears in a radial pattern about the central axis of the head 110, as shown in FIG.

[0036] 3.4.1 Pivoting Control Ring The tripod includes a pivot control ring 124 that is disposed around the base section 112 of the head 110 and is configured to lock the orientation of the head 110 on the spherical end 156 or unlock the head 110 from the spherical end 156 in response to rotation by a user.

[0037] The pivot control ring may define an outer annular ring, such as one including a splined or grooved outer surface configured for manual manipulation. The inner surface of the pivot control ring 124 may also define an annular ring gear configured to mesh with the set of planetary gears 122 disposed within the controller housing and camera mount 130.

[0038] The pivot control ring may be located on the head 110 of the tripod 100 and may be accessible by hand. Rotating the pivot control ring rotates the planet gears 122, which rotates the sun gear 120 about the threaded portion 118 in the camera mount 130, thereby causing the sun gear 120 to translate linearly along the central axis of the head.

[0039] 3.4.2 Planetary gearbox The tripod 100 also includes a planetary gearbox—including a sun gear 120 and a set of planet gears 122—disposed within the control housing and configured to convert rotation of the pivoting control ring 124 into linear motion of the hat 116.

[0040] The sun gear 120 rotates about the central axis of the head 110. The height of the sun gear 120 can approximate (or exceed) the sum of the heights of the planet gears 122 and the range of vertical movement of the sun gear 120 between the locked and unlocked positions of the pivot control ring 124. The sun gear 120 includes a coaxial (internal or external) threaded section that mates with (i.e., threads onto) a threaded section 118 in the head, such that the sun gear 120 rises and falls within the head as the pivot control ring 124 is rotated about the head 110—thus retracting and advancing the hat 116 relative to the spherical end 156. For example, the threaded section 118 in the head 110 and the sun gear 120 can define a single-lead or double-lead acme thread, which can limit friction between the threaded section 118 and the sun gear 120 as the sun gear 120 is rotated via the pivot control ring 124.

[0041] Additionally, each planetary gear 122 may include a shaft or pin that extends parallel to the central axis of head 110 and is received in a complementary mounting bore in controller housing and camera platform 130, and may mesh with both pivot control ring 124 and sun gear 120 such that rotation of pivot control ring 124 rotates sun gear 120 about threaded section 118 to raise and lower sun gear 120—and thus hat 116—relative to spherical end 156. In one variation, pivot control ring 124 may be positioned directly below and coaxial with camera lock ring 126.

[0042] 3.4.3 Friction Hat In one embodiment, friction hat 116 (hereinafter “hat”) is adjacent to sun gear 120. For example, sun gear 120 may include a concave spherical cup section coaxial with threaded section 118 facing spherical end 156 and configured to engage and embrace spherical end 156 when actuated by pivot control ring 124.

[0043] Alternatively, the hat 116 may be separate from and coupled to the sun gear 120. For example, the sun gear 120 may define a shoulder (or bore) coaxial with the threaded section 118, and the hat 116 may include a complementary feature that mates with, slides along, and rotates about the shoulder (or bore) of the sun gear 120. In this embodiment, the hat 116 may also define a concave spherical cup section coaxial with the threaded section 118 facing the spherical end 156 and configured to engage and embrace the spherical end 156 when actuated by the pivot control ring 124. The tripod 100 may also include a spring 117 disposed around the shoulder (or within the bore) and configured to bias the rear face of the hat 116 toward the spherical end 156, away from the sun gear 120. Alternatively, a set of counterbores (e.g., three) may be arranged in a radial pattern around the sun gear 120 and / or hat 116, and a set of springs 117 may be installed within these counterbores to bias the rear face of the hat 116 away from the sun gear 120 and toward the spherical end 156.

[0044] Thus, spring 117 can press the rear face of hat 116 away from sun gear 120 toward spherical end 156. When pivot control ring 124 is rotated toward the locked position, sun gear 120 can move down along threaded section 118 toward spherical end 156 so that its shoulder (or bore) enters hat 116, thereby compressing spring 117. Additionally, because hat 116 is radially separated from sun gear 120 and biased against spherical end 156 by spring 117, hat 116 can remain stationary against spherical end 156 as sun gear 120 is moved downward toward spherical end 156, thereby reducing wear on hat 116 and spherical end 156. Further rotation of the pivot control ring 124 brings the front face of the sun gear 120 into contact with the rear face of the hat 116, firmly locking the hat 116 against the spherical end 156, which is then firmly locked between the hat 116 and the set of flanges 114.

[0045] More specifically, when pivot control ring 124 is rotated in a first direction, a ring gear incorporated in pivot control ring 124 rotates the set of planet gears 122, which in turn rotates sun gear 120 in the first direction, thereby unscrewing sun gear 120 from threaded section 118 of head 110 and pressing hat 116 against lower spherical end 156, thus clamping spherical end 156 against flange 114 extending from the base section around lower spherical end 156. Similarly, when pivot control ring 124 is rotated in the opposite direction, the ring gear rotates the set of planet gears 122, which in turn rotates sun gear 120 in a second direction, thereby threading sun gear 120 into threaded section 118 of head 110 and retracting hat 116 from lower spherical end 156, thus disengaging the spherical end from lower flange 114.

[0046] Additionally, as sun gear 120 is retracted from spherical end 156, spring 117 can function to maintain a minimal amount of friction between hat 116 and spherical end 156, thereby pressing hat 116 against spherical end 156 to maintain the orientation of head 110 relative to the spherical mount and prevent rotation of head 110 relative to spherical end 156, such as when a user rotates pivot control ring 124 in a first direction to tighten hat 116 against spherical end 156. More specifically, spring 117 and hat 116 can cooperate to counteract torque applied to pivot control ring 124 to prevent rotation of head 110 relative to spherical end 156 when pivot control ring 124 is rotated in a first direction—such as in one hand—to tighten hat 116 onto spherical end 156.

[0047] 3.4.4 Panning Control Ring In one embodiment, head 110 includes a panning control ring 128. In this embodiment, the head defines an upper body coupled to base section 112 and rotatable about a pan axis of base section 112. Panning control ring 128 is disposed between a camera locking ring 126 disposed on the upper section and a pivot control ring 124 disposed on base section 112, and can be configured to lock the upper body to the lower body in response to rotation in a first direction about base section 112. Additionally, panning control ring 128 can be configured to unlock the upper body from base section 112 in response to rotation in a second direction.

[0048] For example, the controller housing may couple to camera platform 130 via a radial bearing or bushing and define an upper section including a second threaded section. Camera platform 130 may include a shoulder adjacent the upper section of the controller housing, with panning control ring 128 threaded onto the second threaded section and abutting the shoulder of the controller housing. In this example, rotation of panning control ring 128 in a first direction threads panning control ring 128 down onto the second threaded section, thereby engaging and constraining the shoulder of camera platform 130 between panning control ring 128 and the controller housing. Rotation of the panning control ring 128 in a second direction unscrews panning control ring 128 from the second threaded section, thereby releasing the shoulder of camera platform 130 from between panning control ring 128 and the controller housing and allowing camera platform 130 to rotate—or “pan”—about the controller housing.

[0049] The panning control ring 128 can be operated by a user with one hand by actuating the ring radially about the central axis of the head 110 .

[0050] 3.4.5 Stacking Control Ring The control rings on the head 110 may be stacked on parallel planes such that all control rings are operated by rotating each control ring about a common central axis (e.g., the central axis of the head 110). The stacked configuration allows a user to operate all controls using one hand and creates a compact, robust form factor. The control rings may each have a unique outer texture (e.g., splined, knurled, etc.) so that a user can identify each control ring by touch / feel alone.

[0051] To maintain a small form factor and small effective diameter, head 110 may not include a screw knob or hand knob. Additionally, each control ring may be fully engaged or disengaged with one (or less) rotation, allowing a user to lock or unlock all of the control rings with a single motion.

[0052] In one embodiment, head 110 comprises a set of stacked control rings including a camera lock ring 126, a panning control ring 128, and a pivot control ring 124. Head 110 includes an upper body coupled to base section 112 and rotatable about a pan axis of base section 112. In this embodiment, panning control ring 128 is disposed between camera lock ring 126 disposed on the upper section of head 110 and pivot control ring 124 disposed on base section 112. Furthermore, panning control ring 128 can be configured to lock the upper body of head 110 to base section 112 of head 110 in response to rotation about base section 112 in a first direction and unlock the upper body from base section 112 in response to rotation in a second direction. Thus, when the upper body is unlocked from the base section, the camera lock ring 126 is positioned on the upper section of the head 110 and interacts with other components on the upper section (e.g., locking tab 132, rail 134), and the pivot control ring 124 is positioned on the base section 112 and interacts with components on the base section 112 (e.g., hat 116, sun gear 120, planet gear 122) and extends downward, allowing the user to continue to operate each control ring.

[0053] 3.5 Bass Section A second side of base section 112 includes a set of flanges 114 extending downwardly from head 110 , the set of flanges 114 forming an exposed spherical socket configured to receive and retain spherical end 156 .

[0054] In one embodiment, the spherical socket includes three flanges 114 spaced 120 degrees apart about the central axis of the head 110. The flanges 114 may be configured to fit (e.g., fit snugly) between the leg mounts 144 of the hub 140 section when the tripod 100 is in a fully or partially collapsed state for vertical packing efficiency. Each flange includes a concave surface on the side facing the inner socket area. A socket bushing may be located between the flanges 114 and the spherical end 156. When the pivot control ring 124 is engaged, a reaction force against the inner surface of the flanges 114 engages the spherical socket bushing, which locks the spherical end 156 in a fixed position.

[0055] In one embodiment, base section 112 includes a set of flanges 114, each flange defining a flexible tip that contacts a spherical end 156. Spherical end 156 can include a base material (e.g., an aluminum base material) and a surface coating deposited on the base material, such that the flexible tip of flange 114 contacts the surface coating of spherical end 156. Spring 117 of head 110 can be preloaded to hold spherical end 156 between hat 116 and the flexible tip of the flange set. In this embodiment, the spring constant and preload of spring 117 can be matched to the surface finish of spherical end 156 and the coefficient of friction of the flexible tip of flange 114, such as to maintain the orientation of head 110 on spherical end 156 during rotation of pivot control ring 124 in a first direction.

[0056] For example, base section 112 can include a set of flanges 114, each including a rubber tip that contacts and exhibits a coefficient of friction with spherical ends 156. Spherical ends 156 can be configured to include an aluminum base material and a surface coating deposited on the aluminum base material. Springs 117 are preloaded according to the coefficient of friction of the rubber tips of flanges 114 and the surface finish of spherical ends 156.

[0057] 4. Hub As shown in FIG. 10 , the hub 140 includes a central shaft (e.g., a central bore 142) configured to slidably receive the central column 150, lobes 146 extending outwardly from the central shaft and including locking assemblies configured to interact with the central column 150, and leg mounts 144 arranged in a radial pattern around the central bores 142 and 144 and spaced apart between each adjacent pair of lobes 146, the leg mounts 144 configured to interface with the leg hinge joints.

[0058] The subsections of the leg mount 144, the lobes 146, and the central shaft can interlock to form a substantially hemispherical recess configured to receive the lower section of the spherical end 156, such that in the fully collapsed state, the flange 114 of the head 110 and the leg mount 144 and leg sections of the hub 140 enclose the spherical end 156. By configuring the spherical end 156 to fit snugly within the head 110 and hub 140, the tripod 100 exhibits improved vertical and volumetric efficiency and minimizes wasted space.

[0059] In one embodiment, the hub 140 section includes a set of magnets configured to interact with magnetic features in each of the other sections of the tripod (e.g., head 110, legs 160) so that the tripod 100 remains in a folded state in the absence of user interaction.

[0060] 4.1 Center bore The hub 140 defines a central bore 142 of the tripod 100. The central bore 142 of the hub 140 may be configured to not only receive the central column 150 but also lock the central column 150 in place. Generally, the central bore 142 defines a non-circular cross-section, thus preventing the central column 150 from rotating within the central bore 142. The central bore 142 may include a shaft bushing (e.g., a rubber or bronze bushing) to limit wear on the central column 150 over time due to extension and retraction of the central column 150 within the hub 140.

[0061] In one embodiment, central bore 142 defines a hexagonal cross-section with irregular sides such that three non-adjacent faces of central bore 142 respectively form the inner surfaces of the hub lobes, and the remaining three non-adjacent faces of central bore 142 respectively form the inner surfaces of the bases of each leg mount section.

[0062] 4.2 Hub Lobes The hub 140 includes a set of lobes 146 extending outward from a central shaft. Each lobe may include an interior space to hold a primary or secondary locking assembly configured to maintain the central column 150 in a fixed or semi-fixed state. In one embodiment, the space between each pair of lobes 146 is configured to snugly fit the legs of the tripod 100.

[0063] 4.2.1 Center Column Lock Assembly The first lobe of the hub 140 may include a primary locking assembly. The primary locking assembly may include a cambered rocker arm disposed within the first lobe and configured to apply a force to the central column 150 when engaged by a threaded handscrew. The rocker arm may be pinned to the lower end of the rocker bar such that when the handscrew applies a force to the upper end of the rocker bar, the camber of the rocker arm (relative to the top and bottom force points) creates a contact area in the central region of the rocker bar. The camber of the rocker arm allows the rocker arm to distribute the force applied to the central column 150. Thus, a thin-walled central column may adequately support the force applied to the central column 150.

[0064] A ball-detent lock assembly may be disposed on the second lobe of the hub 140. The ball-detent lock assembly applies a force in a first hub plane perpendicular to the central axis of the tripod 100 to hold the central column 150 in a temporary fixed position. Each lobe of the hub 140 may include a ball-detent lock assembly. While the spring-loaded ball is in an off-detent position, the ball continues to apply a force to the central column 150.

[0065] In one variation, the primary locking assembly includes a knob 148 configured to engage a cambered rocker arm. The knob 148 may be configured to extend to allow accessibility and easier adjustment when the tripod 100 is deployed and when the tripod 100 contracts (e.g., fits snugly between the two legs) for folding or storage. For example, the knob 148 may include a screw defining a threaded end and a splined bore, a shaft (e.g., a steel shaft) defining a first end that is press-fit into the cap and a second splined end configured to extend into the splined bore of the screw and to temporarily couple to a magnetic element within the splined bore, and a spring configured to disengage the shaft from the magnetic element in response to a user applying a force (e.g., pulling) to the cap in a direction opposite to the magnetic element. In the collapsed position (e.g., when the tripod 100 is stored), the second end of the shaft is magnetically coupled to and held inside the splined bore by the magnetic element within the splined bore. Thus, in this collapsed position, the cap can fit snugly between two adjacent legs 160, thereby reducing the cross-section and effective maximum diameter of the tripod 100. However, when a user pulls the cap to overcome the magnetic coupling between the shaft and the magnetic element, the shaft disengages from the magnetic element and moves outward from the splined bore, and the spring maintains the shaft in this extended position. In this extended position, the cap of the knob 148 is offset outward from the two adjacent legs, allowing the user better access to the knob 148 and easier adjustment of the center column position. To return the cab to the retracted position, the user presses the cap, thereby overcoming the spring and reconnecting the shaft to the magnetic element.

[0066] 4.3 Leg Mount Generally, the leg mounts 144 are configured to connect each leg of the leg section to the hub 140 at a hinge joint. The leg mounts 144 are also configured so that the spherical socket flanges 114 fit between the leg mounts 144 when the central column 150 is fully depressed into the collapsed state.

[0067] In one embodiment, the leg mount 144 includes multi-position detents (or "detents") so that each leg can be locked in at least a first and a second position. For example, the detents may allow the legs of the tripod 100 to operate in a series of positions including an open position defined by the legs offset from the central axis and extending outward from the hub 140 at a first angle of 25 degrees (+ / - 2 degrees), a low position defined by the legs offset from the central axis and extending outward from the hub 140 at a second angle of between 75 and 85 degrees (+ / - 2 degrees), and a folded position defined by the legs approximately parallel to the central axis.

[0068] 4.4. Grouping The leg mounts 144 extend from the hub 140 and are arranged in a radial configuration (e.g., at 0, 120, and 240 degree intervals) about the central axis. Additionally, the inner surface of the leg hub 140 mount is hollowed out to allow the spherical end 156 to fit snugly within the hub 140—i.e., the inner surface of the leg hub 140 mount is hollowed out to allow the spherical end 156 to descend into the hub 140 and be enclosed within the leg mount 144. The hub 140 also defines gaps (or "openings") between adjacent ends of adjacent leg mounts 144, and the flanges 114 - which extend downwardly from the head 110 and are spaced radially around the central axis of the head 110 (e.g., at intervals of 0, 120, and 240 degrees, like the leg mounts 144) - define widths that are (slightly) less than the widths of the gaps between adjacent leg mounts 144 so that these flanges 114 can fit snugly within these gaps between the leg mounts 144 when the tripod 100 is folded, thereby reducing the overall height and increasing the volumetric efficiency of the folded tripod 100.

[0069] Additionally, because the leg mount 144 is hollowed out for the spherical end 156, the spherical end 156 can define a relatively large diameter, which allows the flange 114 and hat 116 to cooperate to apply a relatively large clamping force to the spherical end 156, thus supporting a relatively large cantilevered mass disposed on the head 110 (e.g., a large telephoto lens mounted on a camera attached to the head 110) without increasing the height of the tripod 100 or reducing the volumetric efficiency of the tripod 100 when folded. For example, the diameter of the spherical end 156 can be larger than the minimum distance from the top surface of the hub lobe 146 to the bottom surface of the pivot control ring 124 when the tripod 100 is folded.

[0070] Additionally, the legs 160 may include magnetic and / or ferrous elements positioned proximal to their distal ends and configured to attract magnetic and / or ferrous elements in adjacent legs 160 when the tripod 100 is folded, thereby maintaining the distal ends of the legs 160 in close proximity during transport and preventing inadvertent extension of the legs 160.

[0071] 5. Center column The central column 150 may be configured to translate within the central bore 142 of the hub 140. The central column 150 may have a non-circular cross-section to prevent rotation of the central column 150 within the central bore 142. In one embodiment, the central column 150 defines a tri-lobed cross-section. In this embodiment, the central bore 142 defines a tri-lobed opening with lobes 146 radially centered between the leg mounts 144 of the hub 140.

[0072] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the central column 150 may be segmented into a set of central column 150 modules. In this embodiment, the central column 150 includes a central column stub 152 and a central column extension 154, where the central column stub 152 may be formed from a different material than the central column extension 154. The central column stub 152 may be attached to or detached from the central column extension 154 via fasteners located within access points on the inside of the spherical end 156 that are accessible when the head 110 is actuated to the full 90-degree configuration. Additionally, modular instances of the central column 150 may be added to extend the overall height of the tripod 100.

[0073] The central column stub 152 may function as the central column 150. In one embodiment, the central column stub 152 may be of sufficient height so that the central column stub 152 is the full range of motion for the head 110. The central column stub 152 may be separated from the central column extension 154 via fasteners in access points at the spherical ends 156, which are accessible between the spherical socket flanges 114 when the major plane of the head 110 is oriented 90 degrees relative to the major axis of the tripod 100 (i.e., the major axis of the central column 150).

[0074] Furthermore, when the legs 160 are deployed while the central column 150 remains retracted during operation, the head 110 can remain snug within the hub 140 section, which then mechanically engages and retains the head 110, thereby enabling the head 110 to support a large cantilever load (e.g., a telephoto lens) without relying on friction between the spherical socket flange 114, hat 116, and spherical end 156 to support this load.

[0075] The central column 150 may be constructed from a strong, durable material so that the central column 150 supports a minimal load. In one embodiment, the central column 150 is constructed from aluminum.

[0076] 5.1 Spherical end The spherical end 156 may connect to a first end of the central column 150. Generally, the spherical end 156 may be received within a socket in the head 110 such that the head 110 can pivot about the spherical end 156. In one embodiment, the spherical end 156 is coupled to the end of the central column 150 opposite the set of legs 160 and is configured to fit snugly between the leg mounts 144 of the hub 140.

[0077] In this embodiment, the spherical end 156 may be configured to fit between the leg mounts 144 so that the spherical center of the spherical end 156 is on or near the "pivot plane," such as on a horizontal "pivot plane" that intersects the pivot axis of the leg 160, or less than the spherical radius of the spherical end 156 from the pivot plane. Similarly, the spherical end 156 may be configured to fit between the leg mounts 144 so that the bottom of the spherical end 156 is below the pivot plane when the head 110 is fully pressed into the hub 140, and so that the bottom of the flange 114 is below the pivot plane.

[0078] The spherical end 156 may also include a scratch-resistant outer coating. In one embodiment, the spherical end 156 is constructed from an aluminum-based material and includes a scratch-resistant (e.g., rubberized or hard-anodized) coating on the aluminum-based material.

[0079] 5.2 Hanging hook A hanging hook 158 may connect to the second end of the central column 150 so that a user can hang a bag or weight from the hanging hook 158 for additional stability. Generally, the hanging hook 158 includes a first protrusion having a first cross-section including a contour that fits the interior cross-section of the central column 150, a retractable second protrusion having a second cross-section that fits the exterior cross-section of the central column 150, and a hook. The first protrusion may include a set of bosses configured to mate with a set of detents on the interior wall of the central column 150. When retracted, the second protrusion allows the first protrusion to rotate inside the central column 150 so that the set of bosses can access the set of detents. When not retracted, the second protrusion limits rotation of the hanging hook 158 within the central column 150 by filling the (non-circular) interior cross-section of the central column 150.

[0080] In one embodiment, the hanging hook 158 can also function as a hard stop for the central column 150, preventing a user from unintentionally pulling the central column 150 completely out of the central bore 142 when lifting the central shaft to a maximum height above the hub 140. For example, the hanging hook 158 can include a first end defining a hook configured to carry a weighted object and a second end opposite the hook configured to attach to the distal end of the central column opposite the head to prevent the distal end from passing through the central bore of the hub. Thus, to release the central column 150 from the hub 140, a user can first remove the hanging hook 158 from the lower end of the central column 150. (As described below, after removing the central column 150 from the hub 140, a user can also remove the mobile mount 180 from inside the central column 150.)

[0081] 6 , the hanging hook 158 may have a first end defining a hook and a second end opposite the hook that includes a magnetic element configured to couple to a corresponding magnetic feature or ferrous element incorporated into the end of the mobile mount 180—described below—built into the interior of the central column 150. In this variation, when the hanging hook 158 is locked within the central column 150, the hanging hook 158 may cooperate with a spring element disposed within the central column 150—offset above the hanging hook 158—to restrain the mobile mount 180 within the central column 150. Additionally, when the mobile mount 180 is partially released from the bottom of the central column 150 but is held by the spring element, the magnetic element in the hanging hook 158 can be coupled to a magnetic element or a ferrous element in the mobile mount 180 to coaxially align the hanging hook 158 with the bores of the mobile mount 180 and the central column 150, thereby providing clear feedback to the user when the user inserts the hanging hook 158 into the central column 150.

[0082] Additionally, when the tripod 100 is fully retracted, the central column 150 can position hanging hooks 158 near the feet at the ends of the legs 160 so that the hooks are physically accessible when the tripod 100 is fully retracted, thereby allowing a user to hook the tripod 100 directly onto a bag (e.g., a camera bag or equipment bag), belt loop, or other loop for transport.

[0083] 5.3 Mobile Mount As shown in FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B, the tripod 100 may also include a foldable mobile phone mount 180 (hereinafter, "mobile mount") disposed within the central column 150. Generally, the mobile mount 180 may be configured to receive and hold a mobile phone in the open position. The mobile mount 180 may be configured to temporarily attach to the camera base 130. The mobile mount 180 may be foldable to a diameter less than that of the central column 150 in the closed position. In one variation, the mobile mount 180 is spring-loaded and magnetically attached within the central column 150, such that—in response to the release of the hanging hook 158 at the end of the central column 150—the mobile mount 180 pops out of the central column 150 and expands to an unfolded configuration for a user to clamp a mobile phone within the mobile mount 180 and then secure the mobile mount 180 onto the camera base 130 of the tripod 100. Thus, the central column 150 may define a cavity opposite the spherical end 156 configured to accommodate the mobile mount 180 in the folded state.

[0084] In one embodiment, central column 150 defines a distal end configured to receive hanger hook 158, as described above, and includes a spring-loaded detent including a magnetic element offset above the distal end of central column 150. In this embodiment, the spring-loaded detent may be offset above the distal end by less than the folded length of mobile mount 180, such that the spring-loaded detent holds mobile mount 180 within central column 150 with a portion (e.g., approximately 10 millimeters) of the opposite end of folded mobile mount 180 extending beyond the distal end of central column 150, thereby allowing a user to grasp and pull mobile mount 180 from central column 150 when hanger hook 158 is detached from central column 150, as shown in FIG. However, if the hanging hook 158 is mounted to the end of the mobile mount 180 that hangs outside the central column 150 and is lifted into the central column 150 by a user, the spring-loaded detent can contract to accommodate the insertion of the mobile mount 180 and hanging hook 158 into the bore of the central column 150.

[0085] Thus, the mobile mount 180 may include a first magnetic feature configured to magnetically couple to a spring-loaded detent inside the central column 150 and a second magnetic feature—opposite the first magnetic feature—configured to couple to an iron component disposed on the hanging hook 158.

[0086] For example, when the mobile mount 180 is folded, the mobile mount 180 can define a first end including a first magnetic feature and a second end including a second magnetic feature. The first magnetic feature can be coupled to a magnetic element disposed within the central column 150, which is configured to hold the mobile mount 180 within the central column 150. The second magnetic feature can be coupled to an iron component of the hanging hook 158 such that the hanging hook 158 can initially connect (e.g., magnetically) to the mobile mount 180 when reattaching the hanging hook 158 to the tripod 100. Additionally, the mobile mount 180 can engage a spring-loaded detent disposed within the central column 150 such that when the hanging hook 158 is attached to the central column 150, the mobile mount 180 is fully inserted within the central column 150 and the spring 117 is compressed. Then, when the hanging hook 158 is removed from the central column 150 (e.g., by a user), the mobile mount 180 is allowed to disengage from the spring-loaded detent and fall (e.g., drop one inch) within the central column 150 before the first magnetic feature of the mobile mount 180 engages the magnetic element within the central column 150. Thus, when the hook is removed, the mobile mount 180 is allowed to fall slightly within the central column 150—without falling completely off the central column 150—so that a user can easily remove the mobile mount 180 from the central column 150.

[0087] Once mobile mount 180 is removed from the bore in central column 150, it can be attached to camera base 130 to allow a user to attach a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) to tripod 100, as shown in FIG. 7A . For example, a user can remove hanging hook 158 from central column 150, pull mobile mount 180 in the folded position out of central column 150, expand mobile mount 180 to the open position to hold the side of the mobile device, place mobile mount 180 on camera base 130, and then rotate camera lock ring 126 to lock mobile mount 180 to camera base 130. After taking a picture with the mobile device, the user can remove the mobile device from the mobile mount 180, which will release the mobile mount 180 and automatically return it to the folded state, and then the user can rotate the camera lock ring 126 to unlock the mobile mount 180 from the camera stand 130, remove the mobile mount 180 from the camera stand 130, insert the mobile mount 180 back into the central column 150, and return the hanging hook 158 to the distal end of the central column 150.

[0088] 5.4 Central column geometry In one embodiment, the central column 150 defines a three-lobe cross-section, with each lobe centered radially between two adjacent legs 160 extending from the leg mounts. In this embodiment, the concave surfaces of the central column 150—between adjacent lobes 146—provide clearance for the legs 160 of the tripod 100 to fold more closely together and allow the tripod 100 to reduce to a smaller maximum width when fully folded, as shown in FIG. 1. Additionally, the lobes 146 of the tripod 100—which are radially offset 120° about the central column 150—provide a larger effective moment of inertia, and therefore less deflection and vibration, under larger loads (e.g., larger cameras and / or lenses mounted on the camera platform 130) and at greater extensions above the hub leg mounts 144. More specifically, this tri-lobe central column 150 defines three recessed surfaces—radially offset by 120 degrees—and provides greater clearance along the interior surfaces of the legs 160, allowing the legs 160 to condense into a smaller volume when fully retracted and closed. Additionally, the tri-lobe central column 150 exhibits a greater effective moment of inertia than a round or hexagonal column with the same dimensions between the recessed surfaces, thereby enabling the central column 150 to carry larger loads higher above the hub leg mounts 144 with less deflection and lower amplitude.

[0089] In another embodiment, the central column 150 defines a cross-section including a number of sides equal to twice the number of lobes 146 extending from the leg mounts between adjacent legs. For example, the central column 150 may define an irregular hexagonal cross-section including a first set of three sides, each having a first length, and a second set of three sides, each having a second length. In this embodiment, the spherical end 156 includes three flanges 114, and the hub 140 includes three lobes 146. The central column may be dynamically locked in place by a screw-locking mechanism that threads along an axis perpendicular to the central major axis.

[0090] 6. Legs Each leg 160 includes a leg section 162 configured to fit snugly within an adjacent leg section 162 by sliding along a common axis. The smaller leg sections 162 may be locked in place by a set of leg section locks 172 (or "clamp assemblies"). The leg section locks 172 are actuated by flip locks (e.g., C-clamps) that abut each leg joint. Generally, the leg section locks 172 define a height significantly less than the height of the leg sections 162. In one embodiment, each leg 160 includes five separate leg sections 162.

[0091] Each leg can splay outward from the central vertical axis up to an angle defined by a multi-stage leg position stop (or "stop"), and each leg is configured to further splay at least to a second angle defined by a leg lock assembly in response to actuation of the multi-stage leg position stop.

[0092] In one embodiment, each leg includes a shaft with six sides, three facing inward and three facing outward, such that when tripod 100 is in its fully collapsed state, each of the inward facing sides of each leg lies parallel to the inward facing side of an adjacent leg or the side of the central column.

[0093] Furthermore, because each leg defines a width (e.g., spanning an arc length about the central axis) that is greater than its depth, each leg of tripod 100 can exhibit a larger area moment of inertia about its bending axis and less deflection when subjected to yaw loads than a circular leg. Thus, legs 160 can cooperate to resist deflection and minimize vibration in yaw when a user rotates a camera—mounted on head 110—such as when taking a video pan of a moving car.

[0094] 6.1 Landing Gear Assembly and Lightweight Mode In one variation, as shown in FIG. 9, the lower telescoping leg sections can be removed from the top leg section and replaced with foot 164 inserts for each leg of the tripod 100 to reduce the overall weight of the tripod 100, such as when the user is backpacking or otherwise desires to reduce load weight.

[0095] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B , the first leg of the tripod 100 comprises a first uppermost leg section defining a proximal end pivotally coupled to the hub leg mount 144, a distal end defining a notch extending circumferentially around one side of the first leg section, and a distal end including a perforation, indentation, or other engagement feature opposite the notch and configured to retain a foot 164, as described below.

[0096] In this embodiment, the first leg of tripod 100 further includes an upper clamp assembly 170. The upper clamp assembly 170 includes a c-clamp body defining a longitudinal divider extending along the entire height of the c-clamp body, a clamp bore with an interior cross-section that approximates (e.g., within ±1 millimeter) the exterior cross-section of the distal end of the first leg section, a lower clamp flange adjacent to a first side of the longitudinal divider, an upper clamp flange adjacent to the first side of the longitudinal divider and located above the lower clamp flange, a lower clamp surface adjacent to a second side of the longitudinal divider and facing the lower clamp flange, and an upper clamp surface adjacent to the second side of the longitudinal divider and facing the upper clamp flange. The upper clamp assembly also includes a leg bushing positioned inside the clamp bore proximal to the bottom of the c-clamp body to fill the gap between the clamp bore and the outer surface of the second leg section extending inside the clamp bore, and including a flange configured to insert into the distal end of the first leg section to fill the gap between the internal bore of the first leg section and the outer surface of the second leg section extending inside the first leg section.

[0097] In this embodiment, the upper clamp assembly 170 further includes a lower clamp that pivots temporarily on the lower clamp surface, is coupled to the lower clamp flange, and is configured to pull the lower clamp flange toward the lower clamp surface in a closed position to lock the upper clamp assembly 170 to the second leg section by compressing the C-clamp body around the second leg section extending inwardly of the C-clamp body, and is configured to release the lower clamp flange from the lower clamp surface in an open position to release the C-clamp body from the second leg section, thereby allowing the second leg section to nest within the first leg section. Further, the upper clamp assembly 170 includes an upper clamp that pivots temporarily on an upper clamp surface, is coupled to an upper clamp flange, and is configured to pull the upper clamp flange toward the upper clamp surface in a closed position to lock the upper clamp assembly 170 to the first leg section by compressing the C-clamp body around the distal end of the first leg section, and is configured to release the upper clamp flange from the upper clamp surface in an open position to release the C-clamp body from the first leg section to enable removal of the upper clamp assembly 170, all lower leg sections, and all lower clamp assemblies from the first leg section.

[0098] Additionally, in this embodiment, the c-clamp body defines lateral divisions extending laterally from either side of the longitudinal division between the upper and lower clamp flanges 114. The c-clamp body positions the lateral division next to a notch extending circumferentially around one side of the distal end of the first leg section, thereby separating compression of the c-clamp body by the upper clamp—in the closed position—on the distal end of the first leg section rather than on the second leg segment below, and similarly separating compression of the c-clamp body by the lower clamp—in the closed position—on the proximal end of the second leg section rather than on the first leg segment above.

[0099] 5, 8A, and 8B, the first leg can include additional leg sections (e.g., a second leg section, a third leg section, etc.) with a c-clamp assembly (e.g., leg lock 172) interposed between the lower leg sections. Additionally, each leg in tripod 100 can include leg sections of similar geometry and can include a similar upper clamp assembly.

[0100] As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the tripod 100 can further include a set of feet. In this variation, the feet include proximal ends configured to be inserted into the distal ends of the upper leg sections of a particular leg of the tripod 100 when the upper clamp assembly 170 and lower leg sections are removed from the upper leg section. The proximal ends of the feet include detents configured to engage perforations, indentations, or other features defined in the distal ends of the upper leg sections to temporarily hold the feet relative to the leg sections. Additionally, the feet include foot surfaces extending longitudinally from the proximal ends.

[0101] Thus, for full height range adjustment in the fully assembled mode, a user installs the lower leg section and upper clamp assembly into each first leg section and installs the central column extension 154 on the central column stub 152. To reduce weight and maintain the same height range adjustment in the lightweight mode, a user removes the lower leg section and upper clamp assembly from each first leg section, installs feet into the distal end of each first leg section, and holds the central column extension 154 on the central column stub 152. To minimize weight in the fully lightweight mode, a user removes the lower leg section and upper clamp assembly from each first leg section, installs feet into the distal end of each first leg section, and removes the central column extension 154 from the central column 150. However, in the fully lightweight mode, the tripod 100 may still allow for the same height adjustment. For example, a user can mount the central column stub 152 within the central bore 142 of the hub 140 with the control device housing extending above the hub 140 (e.g., with the camera upright) or below the hub leg mounts 144 (e.g., with the camera inverted).

[0102] As those skilled in the art will recognize from the foregoing detailed description and drawings and claims, modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. It is a tripod, a hub defining a central bore; a set of legs, each leg in the set pivotally or retractably coupled to the hub via a leg mount and configured to extend telescopically from the hub; a central column comprising a first non-circular cross-section configured to translate within the central bore and a spherical end of the central column configured to fit within the leg mount; a head coupled to said spherical end, 〇 Bass section, a camera mount disposed on the base section and configured to temporarily receive a camera adapter; a fixed rail extending from the camera platform and defining a first undercut section configured to temporarily mate with a first angled surface of the camera adapter; a second undercut section configured to temporarily mate with a second angled surface of the camera adapter to hold the camera adapter on the camera platform between the fixed rail and the second undercut section; a head; A tripod equipped with

2. the central bore defines a second non-circular cross-section configured to prevent rotation of the central column within the central bore; The central column, including the first non-circular cross-section, nests within the second non-circular cross-section of the central bore.

2. The tripod of claim 1.

3. The central column includes a triangular cross section.

3. The tripod of claim 2.

4. the central column defines a central axis; Each leg in the set of legs is In the folded position, it is positioned substantially parallel to the central axis, in a first open position, positioned to extend outwardly from said hub at a first angle from said central axis; in a lower position, extending outwardly from the hub at a second angle from the central axis; It is configured as follows: The second angle is between 75 degrees and 85 degrees and is greater than the first angle.

2. The tripod of claim 1.

5. Each leg in the set of legs is An upper leg section, a proximal end pivotally or retractably coupled to said hub; a distal end opposite said proximal end, an upper leg section defining a first lower leg section in the set of lower leg sections, telescopes within said upper leg section to be located within said upper leg section in a retracted position; deployed from the stowed position to extend from the distal end of the upper leg section in an extended position; a first lower leg section configured as follows:

2. The tripod of claim 1, comprising:

6. the head is pivotally coupled to the spherical end and further comprises a set of flanges, extending from the base section opposite the camera platform; extending around the spherical end section, Includes a set of flanges, - the pivot control section clamping the spherical end against the set of flanges to fix the orientation of the head of the spherical end in response to rotation in a first direction; - releasing the spherical end from the set of flanges and unlocking the head from the spherical end in response to rotation in a second direction; It is configured as follows:

2. The tripod of claim 1.

7. The set of flanges and the spherical end are configured to nest within the hub in a collapsed position.

7. The tripod of claim 6.

8. the second undercut section is defined by a locking tab movably coupled to the camera platform and configured to transition from a closed position to an open position to retract the second undercut section from the fixed rail; 2. The tripod of claim 1.

9. the head further includes a camera lock control configured to restrict retraction of the locking tab away from the fixed rail to temporarily lock the camera adapter between the first undercut section of the fixed rail and the second undercut section of the locking tab.

9. The tripod of claim 8.

10. The head - Pan and rotate 360 ​​degrees relative to the spherical end; - Tilt and rotate 180 degrees around the spherical end It is configured as follows:

9. The tripod of claim 8.

11. The device further includes a hanging hook, a first end defining a hook section configured to carry a weighted object; a second end opposite the hook section and configured to be attached to a distal end of the central column opposite the spherical end; Contains 2. The tripod of claim 1.

12. The central column is divided into a set of central column modules 2. The tripod of claim 1.

13. a hub defining a central bore; a central column configured to translate within the central bore; a head coupled to the central column via a spherical end; a set of legs, each leg of the set pivotally or retractably coupled to the hub via a leg mount and configured to extend telescopically from the hub, wherein the central column comprises: ○ A set of lobes arranged in a radial pattern; a set of faces, each face positioned between adjacent lobes; It contains each leg in the set of legs is configured to nest between an adjacent lobe in the folded position; - A tripod, wherein the spherical end of said central column fits within said leg mount.

14. Each leg in the set of legs is An upper leg section, a proximal end pivotally or retractably coupled to the hub; a distal end opposite said proximal end; and an upper leg section defining a first lower leg section of the set of lower leg sections, the first lower leg section being configured to telescope within the upper leg section so as to be positioned within the upper leg section; a first leg section lock in a set of leg section locks, locking the first lower leg section to the upper leg section in response to rotation in a third direction; unlocking the first lower leg section from the upper leg section in response to rotation in a fourth direction; a first leg section lock configured as follows: Contains 14. The tripod of claim 13.

15. - each leg in the set of legs is ○ Extending telescopically from the hub the legs are positioned substantially parallel to the central axis of the central column in the folded position; deploy from the folded position to various positions extending outward from the hub; It is structured as follows: the central column defines a set of surfaces disposed about the periphery of the central column and configured to receive the set of positioning legs in the collapsed position; 14. The tripod of claim 13.

16. The central column has three lobes and three concave surfaces.

14. The tripod of claim 13.

17. the central column has an irregular-sided hexagonal cross-section with a first set of three non-adjacent sides each having a first length and a second set of three non-adjacent sides each having a second length; A first set of three non-adjacent sides forms a set of lobes, and a second set of three non-adjacent sides forms a face.

14. The tripod of claim 13.

18. It is a tripod, a hub defining a central bore; a set of legs, each leg in the set pivotally or retractably coupled to the hub via a leg mount and configured to extend telescopically from the hub; a central column configured to translate within said central bore, said central column having a spherical end that fits within said leg mount; a head connected to said central column via said spherical end, a camera stand having first and second sides and a top surface, the camera stand being configured to temporarily receive a camera adapter on the top surface of the camera stand; a protruding locking rail extending from the second side of the camera base and defining a first undercut section configured to temporarily mate with a first angled surface of the camera adapter; a pivot defining a pivot axis offset from the first side of the camera platform; A locking tab, ■ pivotally coupled to the pivot; ■ defining a second undercut section configured to temporarily mate with a second angled surface of the camera adapter to hold the camera adapter against the camera platform between the protruding fixed rail and the locking tab; ■ When a force is applied to the locking tab, it pivots about the pivot to extract the second undercut section from the protruding fixed rail; a locking tab configured to a head; Contains tripod.

19. the head is pivotally coupled to the spherical end 19. The tripod of claim 18.

20. The head - Pan and rotate 360 ​​degrees relative to the spherical end; - Tilt and rotate 180 degrees around the spherical end 20. The tripod of claim 19.

21. the second undercut section of the locking tab is configured to temporarily mate with the second angled surface of the camera adapter in a closed position, the second undercut section overlying the second angled surface in the closed position; the first undercut section of the protruding locking rail is configured to temporarily mate with the first angled surface of the camera adapter in the closed position, the first undercut section resting above the first angled surface in the closed position; the pivot is disposed along a vector that intersects and is perpendicular to the second undercut section in the closed position; the locking tab is configured to pivot about the pivot and retract the second undercut section away from the protruding locking rail in response to application of a downward force to the locking tab that applies a first torque to the locking tab that exceeds and opposes a locking torque; 19. The tripod of claim 18.

22. The locking tab is configured to cooperate with the protruding stationary rail to temporarily hold the camera adapter in a closed position relative to the camera platform, and to pivot about the pivot to pull the second undercut section away from the protruding stationary rail and accept the camera adapter into the camera platform in response to a downward force applied to the locking tab when attaching the camera adapter to the camera platform.

19. The tripod of claim 18.

23. ·moreover, a hat disposed on said spherical end; Including, each leg in the set of legs is pivotally coupled to a leg mount in the set of leg mounts; The pivot control unit is - pressing the hat into the spherical end to fix the orientation of the head on the spherical end in response to rotation in a first direction; retracting the hat from the spherical end in response to rotation in a second direction to unlock the head from the spherical end; It is configured as follows:

19. The tripod of claim 18.

24. moreover, - includes a friction lock configured to fix the orientation of the head at the spherical end; 19. The tripod of claim 18, wherein the head is pivotally connected to the spherical end.

25. Further comprising a mobile mount, configured to be temporarily attached to the camera stand in place of the camera adapter; and configured to expand from a folded state to an open state to hold a mobile device; The locking tab is configured to cooperate with the protruding fixed rail to temporarily hold the mobile mount on the camera base.

19. The tripod of claim 18.

Images