Column and leg lock assembly for fixed platform

Abstract

To provide a locking mechanism for use with the central column of a multi-element of a fixed platform, as well as a locking mechanism for use with the telescoping legs of the fixed platform to prevent accidental loosening or dislodging of these components.SOLUTION: The present disclosure relates to a locking assembly, either for a central column or for a leg of a fixed platform. The locking assembly includes: a first column portion having a hollow interior; an insert having a threaded channel and secured within an end of the first column portion; a second column portion having a channel and slidably and non-rotatably engaged with the inner cavity of the insert; and a fastening rod that passes through the channel in the second column portion and engages with the threaded channel in the insert.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 817,876, filed on March 13, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] (Technical Field) The present disclosure relates to a locking assembly. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a locking assembly for a central column of a fixed platform. In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a locking assembly for a leg of a fixed platform.

Background Art

[0003] When using a long - rifle, an AR - platform rifle, a shotgun or similar long - firearm, it is common to use bipods, tripods or other fixed platforms to support the end of the firearm during shooting, especially when shooting at a target. The fixed platform supports the firearm and provides a stable base, improving accuracy compared to simply holding the firearm without support. To provide a stable base, the fixed platform includes two or more legs that extend obliquely downward from a central firearm mount that can be present in a central column. The central column and / or the legs often incorporate two or more elements, allowing the user to adjust the length of the column and / or the legs and, when not needed, leave the elements in a retracted position to reduce the weight of the fixed platform.

[0004] When multiple components are part of a central column or when legs are connected, it is crucial that the connections are tight and stable. However, current connections do not provide the necessary stability. Central columns of multiple elements are generally joined by screwing the elements together. During use, the user rotates the top of the central column axially (for example, to aim), unintentionally loosening the screws. Similarly, the current twist-lock design of telescopic legs does not limit the amount by which the lock can be released. As a result, if the twist lock is not rotated in the correct direction (or not rotated sufficiently), the legs may collapse. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a locking mechanism for use with the central column of multiple elements of a fixed platform, as well as a locking mechanism for use with the telescopic legs of the fixed platform to prevent accidental loosening or detachment of these components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a locking assembly. In one embodiment, the locking assembly secures two column portions together.

[0007] In one embodiment, the lock assembly comprises: a first column portion having a hollow interior with a substantially circular cross-section along the length of the first column portion; an insert fixed within the end of the first column portion, having a solid first end contained within the first column portion, a threaded channel passing through the solid end, an inner cavity, and a second end opening into the inner cavity and having a non-circular cross-section; a second column portion having a body and a first end, the first end having a non-circular cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the inner cavity of the insert, the first end being slidably and non-rotatably engaged with the inner cavity of the insert, the second column portion further having a channel passing through the first end, the channel being coaxial with the threaded channel of the insert; and a fastening rod having a threaded end, passing through the channel of the second column portion and engaging with the threaded channel of the insert.

[0008] In another embodiment, the fastening rod further includes a tightening ring adjacent to the threaded end, the tightening ring having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the channel of the second column portion. In another embodiment, the non-circular cross-section of the inner cavity of the insert is selected from square, rectangular, triangular, and polygonal. In another embodiment, the non-circular cross-section of the first end of the second column portion is selected from square, rectangular, triangular, and polygonal. In another embodiment, the non-circular cross-section of the inner cavity of the insert is square. In another embodiment, the non-circular cross-section of the first end of the second column portion is square. In another embodiment, the first column portion has the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the body of the second column portion.

[0009] In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a stationary platform including a locking assembly. In another embodiment, the stationary platform includes a central column, the central column including a locking assembly. In one embodiment, the stationary platform is a tripod.

[0010] In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a further locking assembly. In one embodiment, the further locking assembly secures two telescopic cylindrical portions together.

[0011] In one embodiment, the lock assembly comprises a lock ring fixed to a first cylindrical section, the first cylindrical section being insertable into a second cylindrical section and having a seating surface on its second edge; a first rotation stop fixed to the second cylindrical section at its first end and slidable relative to the lock ring at its second end; a lock nut having a first end screw-engaged with the first end of the rotation stop and a second end fixed to a lock wedge having a seating surface; and rotational movement of the lock nut in a first direction causes the seating surface of the lock wedge to engage with the seating surface of the lock ring, and rotational movement of the lock nut in a second direction causes the seating surface of the lock wedge to disengage from the seating surface of the lock ring.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lock assembly comprises a lock ring fixed to a first cylindrical section, the first cylindrical section being insertable into a second cylindrical section and having a seating surface on its second edge; a first rotation stop fixed to the second cylindrical section at its first end and slidable relative to the lock ring at its second end; a lock nut having a first end screw-engaged with the first end of the rotation stop and a second end fixed to a lock wedge having a seating surface; and rotational movement of the lock nut in a first direction causes the seating surface of the lock wedge to engage with the seating surface of the lock ring, and rotational movement of the lock nut in a second direction causes the seating surface of the lock wedge to disengage from the seating surface of the lock ring.

[0013] In another embodiment, the lock assembly further includes a second rotation stop fixed to a first rotation stop, and the lock nut is slidable relative to the second rotation stop. In another embodiment, the second rotation stop has a first surface, and the lock nut has a second seating surface, with the first seating surface of the second rotation stop and the second seating surface of the lock nut facing each other, and the rotational movement of the lock nut in a second direction is limited by the engagement of the first seating surface of the second rotation stop and the second seating surface of the lock nut.

[0014] In another embodiment, the first end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lock nut are threaded accordingly, with a thread pitch of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. In one embodiment, the thread pitch is at least 0.5 mm. In another embodiment, the thread pitch is 1.5 mm or less. In one embodiment, the thread pitch is 0.5 mm to 1.25 mm or 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm or 0.5 mm to 0.75 mm. In yet another embodiment, the thread pitch is 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm or 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm or 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm or 0.9 mm to 1.5 mm or 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm or 1.25 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0015] In another embodiment, the lock assembly further includes a lock nut and a grip fixed to the lock wedge.

[0016] In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a stationary platform including a further locking assembly. In another embodiment, the stationary platform includes at least one telescopic leg, the at least one telescopic leg comprising a locking assembly. In one embodiment, the stationary platform is a tripod.

[0017] In another embodiment, the Disclosure provides a fixed platform comprising one or both of the lock assemblies described herein, or any combination of one or both of the lock assemblies described herein.

[0018] Other embodiments will become apparent from the consideration made in conjunction with the detailed description provided herein and the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary fixed platform that is a tripod according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a lock assembly for a central column of a fixed platform according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIGS. 3 is a further cross-sectional view of the lock assembly of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a lock assembly for an adjustable leg of a fixed platform according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of a part of an inner leg section with a section stop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part VI of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part VII of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of part VIII of FIG. 4.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terms first, second, and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, and / or section from another element, component, region, and / or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, or section may be referred to as a second element, component, region, or section without departing from the disclosure herein.

[0023] Numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximations and therefore may include values ​​outside the range unless otherwise specified. Numerical ranges include all values ​​in increments of one unit, including the lower and upper limits (unless otherwise specified), where there is at least a two-unit interval between the lower and upper limits. For example, if a composition, physical, or other property such as distance, speed, velocity, etc., is from 10 to 100, it is intended that all individual values ​​such as 10, 11, 12, etc., and subranges such as 10-44, 55-70, 97-100, etc., are explicitly listed. In ranges containing values ​​less than 1 or decimals greater than 1 (e.g., 1.1, 1.5), one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1, as necessary. In ranges containing single-digit numbers less than 10 (e.g., 1-5), one unit is usually considered to be 0.1. These are merely examples of what is specifically intended, and all feasible combinations of numerical values ​​between the listed minimum and maximum values ​​should be considered expressly stated in this disclosure. Within the scope of this disclosure, among other things, numerical ranges for the distance from the user of the device to the target are provided.

[0024] Spatial terms such as “directly below,” “downward,” “below,” “up,” and “above” and similar terms may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another for the sake of clarity. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure. For example, if the device is inverted in the figure, an element described as “below” or “directly below” another element or feature will be positioned “above” the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term “downward” can encompass both up and down directions. The device may be oriented in a different direction (90° or rotated in another direction), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0025] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one or more of the related enumerated items, and all combinations thereof. For example, when used in a phrase such as "A and / or B," the phrase "and / or" is intended to include both A and B, A or B, A (alone), and B (alone). Similarly, when used in a phrase such as "A, B and / or C," the term "and / or" is intended to include each of the following embodiments: "A, B and C," "A, B, or C," "A or C," "A or B," "B or C," "A and C," "A and B," "B and C," A (alone), B (alone), and C (alone).

[0026] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on top of," "connected to," or "joined" another element or layer, it will be understood that it is directly on, connected to, or able to be joined to the other element or layer. Alternatively, an intervening element or layer may exist. In contrast, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on top of," "directly connected to," or "directly joined" another element or layer, there is no intervening element or layer.

[0027] As used herein, “seat surface” refers to the contact area between two objects.

[0028] As used herein, the terms “user” and “shooter” are interchangeable in referring to either the operator performing the firing or an individual observing the firing in cooperation with the operator performing the firing.

[0029] As used herein, the term “observation optics” refers to a device or assembly used by a user, shooter, or observer to select, identify, and / or monitor a target. Observation optics may rely on visual observation of the target, or on other images of the target, such as infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal, microwave, or magnetic imaging, radiation including X-rays, gamma rays, isotopic and particle radiation, night vision, ultrasound, pulsed sound, sonar, seismic vibrations, vibration receptors including magnetic resonance, gravity receptors, broadcast frequencies including radio waves, television and cellular receptors, or other means. The image of the target presented to the user / shooter / observer by the observation optics may be unchanged or enhanced by means of, for example, magnification, amplification, subtraction, superposition, filtering, stabilization, template matching, or other means. The target selected, identified, and / or monitored by the observation optics may be in the shooter's line of sight or tangential to the shooter's field of view. In other embodiments, the shooter's line of sight may be obstructed while the observation optics present a focused image of the target. The image of the target acquired by the observation optics is, for example, analog or digital and can be shared, stored, archived or transmitted within a network of one or more shooters and observers by means of, for example, video, physical cable or wire, IR, radio waves, cellular connection, laser pulse, optical 802.1lb, or other wireless transmission using protocols such as HTML, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, Bluetooth®, serial, USB, or other suitable image distribution method. The term “observation optics” is used synonymously with “optical sight.”

[0030] As used herein, “firearms” refers to portable firearms, barreled weapons that fire one or more projectiles, often driven by the action of an explosive force. As used in this text, the term “firearms” includes pistols, rifles, shotguns, carbines, automatic weapons, semi-automatic weapons, machine guns, light machine guns, automatic rifles, and assault rifles.

[0031] As used herein, “fixed platform” refers to a structure or device used to support observation optics and / or firearms.

[0032] Figure 1 shows an exemplary stationary platform 300, which in the illustrated embodiment is a tripod with a central column 305 connected to three legs 310. The central column 305 has two sections connected to extend the length of the central column 305. Similarly, the leg telescopes 310 change the length of the legs 310.

[0033] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lock assembly 100 showing the connection between the first column section 10 and the second column section 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the first column section 10 is the upper column section, and the second column section 20 is the lower column section. In one representative embodiment shown, the inner diameter of the first column section 10 is approximately circular. The inner diameter of the first column can have other suitable shapes and geometric shapes.

[0034] The insert 30 is fixed to the first column section 10. The insert 30 reduces the inner diameter of the first column section 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 30 is substantially cylindrical with a circular cross-section. The outer diameter of the insert 30 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first column section 10 so that the insert 30 can slide into the first column section 10. A terminal flange 36 extending radially from the bottom of the insert 30 prevents the insert 30 from being inserted too far into the first column section 10. A threaded hole 32 extends through the top surface of the insert 30.

[0035] In one embodiment, the insert 30 is permanently fixed inside the first column section 10. This permanent connection can be achieved by many means, including, for example, adhesive means such as adhesives, epoxy and the like, mechanical connections such as mating and / or interlocking structures, or a combination of these and other means. In a further embodiment, the insert 30 is removablely fixed inside the first column section 10.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface of the first column section 10 includes a guide projection 12, and the outer surface of the insert 30 includes a corresponding channel 38. When sliding the insert 30 into the first column section 10, the guide projection 12 and the channel 38 must be aligned. This facilitates the assembly of the first column section 10 and the insert 30. Furthermore, the engagement of the projection 12 and the channel 38 prevents the insert 30 from rotating within the first column section 10.

[0037] The outer surface of the insert 30 is substantially cylindrical with a circular cross-section, but the inner cavity 34 of the insert 30 is non-circular. That is, the inner cavity 34 of the insert 30 does not have a circular cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner cavity 34 is square (has a square cross-section). However, in further embodiments, the inner cavity 34 may have any non-circular geometric shape, including, but not limited to, a square, rectangle, ellipse, triangle, star, trapezoid, or any polygon.

[0038] The geometric shape of the inner cavity 34 of the insert 30 matches the external geometric shape of the male end 22 of the second column section 20. The male end 22 of the second column section 20 extends outward (and upward, in the illustrated direction) from the body 27 of the second column portion 20. The second column portion is substantially cylindrical, having a circular cross-section and an outer diameter approximately equal to that of the first column section 10.

[0039] The outer geometric shape of the male end 22 is some non-circular geometric shape corresponding to the shape of the inner cavity 34 of the inset 30. In the particular embodiment shown, the geometric shape is square, but as detailed above, any non-circular geometric shape is acceptable, including but not limited to squares, rectangles, ellipses, triangles, stars, trapezoids, or any polygon. The channel 26 passes through the male end 22 and opens into the inner cavity 34 of the insert 30. The channels 26 and 32 are coaxially aligned, but unlike channel 32, the interior of channel 26 is not threaded.

[0040] The male end 22 also includes a shelf 25, which is a circular recess, in the illustrated embodiment.

[0041] The clamping rod 40 is received in channels 26 and 32. The clamping rod 40 is a connector that holds both the first column portion 10 and the second column portion 20. The clamping rod is substantially cylindrical with a circular cross-section. The tip 42 of the clamping rod 40 is threaded with a thread pattern corresponding to the thread pattern of the threaded channel 32. The inner diameter of channel 26 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the clamping rod 40, and it will be understood that the clamping rod 40 can be easily inserted into channel 26 and rotate freely within channel 26, as will be described below.

[0042] The clamping rod 40 further includes a clamping ring 50 which is fixed to the clamping rod 40 by engagement with a groove 52. The clamping ring 50 increases the diameter of the clamping rod 40 and engages with the shelf 25 to prevent the clamping rod 40 from being disengaged from the male end 22 of the second column portion 20.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the clamping rod 40 terminates at the lower end of the gripping portion 45.

[0044] When in use, the first column section 10 is always used by the user when the fixed platform 300 is in use. The observation optical instrument is fixed to the connecting member 17, which in the illustrated embodiment is a threaded connector, but in other embodiments, the observation optical instrument can be fixed to the first column section 10 in any way. If the user wishes to increase the length of the central column using the second column section 20, the second column section 20 (more specifically, the male end 22 and threaded end 42 of the clamping rod 40) is slid onto the insert 30 and the first column section. The male end 22 must be oriented so that the non-circular geometric shape of its outer surface aligns with the non-circular geometric shape of the cavity 34. Once properly aligned, the clamping rod 40 is twisted using the gripping portion 45. Since it is freely rotatable within the channel 26, the rotation of the clamping rod 40 does not cause the rotation of the second column section 20. Once connected, attempts to rotate the first column portion 10 or the second column portion 20 will not disengage the two column portions due to the non-circular geometric shapes of the male portion 22 and the cavity 34. In other words, since the square shape of the male portion 22 cannot rotate within the square shape of the cavity 34, the two column portions 10 and 20 cannot rotate independently of each other.

[0045] To disengage the first and second column portions 10 and 20, the user must rotate the clamping rod 40 using the gripping portion 45. When the threaded end 42 of the clamping rod 40 is disengaged from the threaded channel 32, both the clamping rod 40 and the second column portion 20 can be disengaged from the insert 30 and the first column portion 10.

[0046] It will be understood that the existing fixed platform can be retrofitted with the lock assembly 100. The insert 30 can be sized to fit the existing first column section 10 and a corresponding second column section 20 that is compatible with the provided insert 30.

[0047] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lock assembly 200 showing the connection of the small leg section 110 to the large leg section 120, which extends and locks into it. In the illustrated embodiment, the small leg section 110 is substantially cylindrical and has a circular cross-section that is substantially uniform along its length. Similarly, the large leg section 120 is substantially cylindrical and has a circular cross-section that is substantially uniform along its length. Since the outer diameter of the small leg section 110 is smaller than the inner diameter of the large leg section 120, the small leg section 110 is slidable within the large leg section 120.

[0048] The small leg section 110 has a section stop 160 and a lock ring 170 fixed to its outer diameter.

[0049] The section stop 160 can be fixed to the outer surface of the leg section 110 in any way. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the outer surface of the leg section 110 includes a female positioning portion 112 that engages with a male positioning portion 161 on the inner surface of the section stop 160. The section stop 160 can be fixed to the outer surface of the leg section 110 using alternative and / or additional fastening means, including, but not limited to, adhesive means such as adhesives, epoxy and the like, mechanical connections such as mating and / or interlocking structures, or a combination of these and other means. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the section stop 160 is a continuous cylinder around the outer diameter of the leg section 110. However, in further embodiments, the section stop 160 may be discontinuous around the outer surface of the leg section 110, provided that it has sufficient covering to engage with the required portion of the lock assembly 200, as will be described in more detail below.

[0050] The lock ring 170 is also shown as a continuous cylinder around the outer diameter of the leg section 110, but in other embodiments it can also be discontinuous if there is a structure sufficient to engage with the required portion of the lock assembly 200, as will be described in more detail below. As shown, the lock ring 170 also has a substantially trapezoidal cross-section with diagonal seating surfaces 172, 174.

[0051] Similarly, the rotation stop 130 is fixed to the outer diameter (outer surface) of the leg section 120. Like the section stop 160, the rotation stop 130 can be fixed to the outer surface of the leg section 120 by any suitable means, including, but not limited to, adhesive means such as adhesives, epoxy and the like, mechanical connections such as mating and / or interlocking structures (e.g., threads), or a combination of these and other means. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotation stop 130 is substantially cylindrical and continuous around the outer diameter of the leg section 120. However, in further embodiments, the rotation stop 130 can be discontinuous around the outer surface of the leg section 120, provided that it has sufficient covering to engage with the required portion of the lock assembly 200, as will be described in more detail below.

[0052] The first rotation stop 130 has a first (upper) portion 132 which is approximately thicker than the rest of the first rotation stop 130. In other words, the outer diameter of the first portion 132 is greater than the outer diameter of the rest of the first rotation stop 130. The first portion 132 transitions abruptly into an intermediate portion 134 which has an outer diameter smaller than that of the first portion 132. The seating surface 139 results from the abrupt transition from the first portion 132 to the intermediate portion 134. There is a projection 135 along the inner surface of the intermediate portion 134. The projection 135 has two seating surfaces, an upper and a lower. The upper seating surface engages with the bottom surface of the large leg section 120 to limit the distance over which the first rotation stop 130 can be fixed on the large leg section 120. The intermediate portion 134 again transitions abruptly into a third portion 136, thereby forming a seating surface 138.

[0053] A lock nut 140 is positioned on the outer surface of the first rotation stop 130. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the outer surface of the first rotation stop 130 is threaded, and a corresponding portion of the inner surface of the lock nut 140 is threaded. By engaging the threads, the lock nut 140 is fixed to the first rotation stop 130, while allowing it to rotate relative to the first rotation stop 130. However, in further embodiments, the first rotation stop 130 and the lock nut 140 can be fixed to each other in any way that allows rotational movement of the two components relative to each other.

[0054] Similar to the section stop 160 and the first rotation stop 130, the lock nut 140 is substantially cylindrical and continuous with the outer diameter of the first rotation stop 130. However, in further embodiments, the lock nut 140 may be discontinuous with the outer surface of the first rotation stop 130, provided that it has sufficient covering to engage with the required portion of the lock assembly 200, as will be described in more detail below.

[0055] The lock nut 140 has a first portion 141 that transitions abruptly into a second portion 144. The first portion 141 has a greater thickness than the second portion 144, and the inner diameter of the second portion 144 is greater than the inner diameter of the first portion 141, resulting in a seating surface 142.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the inner surface of the first portion 141 is screw-engaged with the outer surface of the first rotation stop 130, in particular with the first and second portions 132 and 134 of the first rotation stop 130. The second rotation stop 150 is screw-engaged with the third portion 136 of the first rotation stop 130.

[0057] The second rotation stop 150 is substantially cylindrical and continuous with the outer diameter of the third portion 136 of the first rotation stop 130. However, in further embodiments, the second rotation stop 150 may be discontinuous if it has sufficient covering to engage with the required portion of the lock assembly 200, as will be described in more detail below.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the second rotation stop 150 is positioned between the second portion 144 of the lock nut 140 and the third portion 136 of the first rotation stop 130. Thus, the second rotation stop 150 has a nearly consistent outer diameter, with a larger inner diameter in the first portion 157 than in its second portion 159. The transition between the first portions 157, 159 and the second portions 157 and 159 is abrupt, resulting in a seating surface 154 that engages with the seating surface 138, limiting the distance the second rotation stop 150 can move along the first rotation stop 130. The upper surface 152 of the second rotation stop 150 is shown to be adjacent to but not in full contact with the seating surface 142 of the lock nut 140.

[0059] When the small leg section 110 is properly assembled with the section stop 160 and the lock ring 170, and the large leg section 120 is properly assembled with the first rotation stop 130, the lock nut 140, and the second rotation stop 150, the small leg section assembly (110, 160, 170) slides within the large leg section 120 until the seating surface 174 of the lock ring 170 engages with the projection 135 on its lower seating surface. When in a predetermined position, the section stop 160 is slidable adjacent to the inner surface of the large leg section 120, and the inner surface of the third portion 136 of the first rotation stop 130 is slidable adjacent to the outer surface of the lock ring 170.

[0060] To prevent the small leg section assemblies (110, 160, 170) from disengaging from the large leg section assemblies (120, 130, 140, 150), the lock wedge 180 is screwed into the inner diameter of the lock nut 140 at its second portion 144. As shown in Figure 6, the lock wedge 180 has a seating surface 182 that abuts against the seating surface 172 of the lock ring 170 and a seating surface 187 that abuts against the bottom surface 147 of the lock nut 140.

[0061] The grip 190 is fixed around the entire lock assembly 200 to protect the assembly 200 and to allow the user to operate the assembly as fully described below. As shown in Figure 4, the grip 190 is substantially cylindrical and has outer and inner geometric shapes designed to be conformal to the portion of the lock assembly 200 to which it is fixed. Specifically, the grip 190 has an upper portion 192 that is specifically designed to engage with the contour of the upper section 148 of the lock nut 140. The smooth inner surface 194 of the grip 190 is in contact with the outer surface of the lock nut 140. The bottom portion 196 of the grip 190 is in contact with the underside of the lock wedge 180. The upper portion 192 and the lower portion 196 of the grip project inward toward the large leg section 120 and the small leg section 110, respectively, completely enclosing the lock assembly 200.

[0062] The grip 190 can be permanently or removablely fixed to the outer surface of the lock nut 140 using any suitable means, including, but not limited to, adhesive means such as adhesives, epoxy and the like, mechanical connections such as mating and / or interlocking structures (e.g., threads), or a combination of these and other means. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the grip 190 is substantially cylindrical and continuous around the outer diameter of the lock assembly 200. However, in further embodiments, the grip 190 can be discontinuous around the outside of the lock assembly 200, as will be described in more detail below, provided that it has sufficient coverage to engage with the required portion of the lock assembly 200.

[0063] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the large leg section 120 is a leg section fixed to the top of a fixed platform such as a tripod. The small leg section 110 extends from the inside to the outside of the large leg section 120, increasing the overall length of the leg (for example, increasing the height of the tripod). The small leg section 110 and the section stop 160 are fixed to each other, meaning that during the operation of the lock assembly 200, the small leg section 110 and the section stop 160 are not designed to move relative to each other, but rather to move together as an assembly. Similarly, the large leg section 120, the first rotation stop 130, and the second rotation stop 150 are fixed to each other so that the two components move together as an assembly rather than moving relative to each other. The grip 190, lock nut 140, and lock wedge 180 are also fixed to each other so that the three parts move together as an assembly. In one embodiment, the lock ring 170 is fixed or held in place by other components of the assembly. In one embodiment, the lock ring 170 is encapsulated by other components of the assembly. In one embodiment, the lock ring 170 is not permanently attached to any element or component of the assembly.

[0064] The lock wedge 180 is slidable relative to the lock ring 170. The lock nut 140 is screw- (movable) connected to the first rotation stop 130, so that when the grip 190 / lock nut 140 / lock wedge 180 assembly rotates, the grip 190 / lock nut 140 / lock wedge 180 assembly moves up and down relative to the first rotation stop 130. Since the second rotation stop 150 is fixed to the first rotation stop 130, the lock nut 140 is slidable relative to the second rotation stop 150.

[0065] When the small leg section 110 and the large leg section 120 are fixed or locked together (i.e., when the small leg section 110 is in the desired position relative to the large leg section 120), the user turns or rotates the grip 190 in the locking direction. In the illustrated embodiment, this direction is counterclockwise. The rotation of the grip 190 (for example, counterclockwise in the illustrated embodiment) moves the grip 190 / lock nut 140 / lock wedge 180 assembly upward. This upward movement is caused by the threads of the lock nut 140 engaging with the threads of the first rotation stop 130. As the grip 190 / lock nut 140 / lock wedge 180 assembly moves upward, the seating surface 182 of the lock wedge 180 pushes the seating surface 172 of the lock ring 170 upward. This movement essentially compresses the lock ring 170 between the lock wedge 180 and the first rotation stop 130. The angles of the seat surfaces 172, 182 and 174, as well as the lower seat surface of the projection 134, cause the lock ring 170 to be pressed inward against the leg section 110, as shown in more detail in Figure 6. Upward movement of the lock nut 140 is prevented by contact between the seat surface 140 of the lock nut 140 and the seat surface 139 of the first rotation stop 130, as shown in Figure 8.

[0066] Rotating the grip 190 in the opposite direction (for example, clockwise in the illustrated embodiment) loosens the lock assembly 200. Clockwise rotation of the grip 190 causes downward movement of the grip 190 / lock nut 140 / lock wedge 180 assembly due to the screw engagement of the lock nut 140 with the first rotation stop 130. The downward movement of the lock nut 140 is limited by contact between the seating surface 142 of the lock nut 140 and the seating surface 152 of the second rotation stop 150, as shown in Figure 7. When the grip 190 / lock nut 140 / lock wedge 180 assembly moves downward, the lock wedge 180 ceases to press against the lock ring 170, and therefore the lock ring 170 releases the leg section 110 (i.e., the lock ring 170, and in particular the seating surfaces 172, 174, disengage from the lower seating surfaces of seating surface 182 and projection 134, respectively). The small leg section 110 becomes slidable again within the lock assembly 200.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the lock assembly 200 is specifically designed so that the grip 190 rotates a total of 1 / 2 turn around the assembly 200. More specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the distance 202 between the seating surfaces 142 and 152 has a maximum of 0.5 mm. This 0.5 mm gap is paired with a 1 mm thread pitch on the lock nut 140 and the first rotation stop 130. With a gap of 0.5 mm, the user can rotate the grip 190 a half turn, thereby moving the grip 190 / lock nut 140 / lock wedge 180 assembly 0.5 mm downward so that the seating surfaces 142 and 152 make contact. Those skilled in the art will understand that the maximum distance 202 and thread pitch of the lock nut 140 and the first rotation stop 130 can be adjusted to achieve a desired amount of twist. In other words, if the user desires a full rotation to lock / unlock the small leg section 110, a maximum space height of 1.5 mm is desirable, provided the screw pitch is kept at 1 mm.

[0068] The space 204 between seat 130 and seat 149, shown in Figure 8, has a maximum height greater than its distance 202. By providing a space greater than the distance 202, the user can tighten the lock assembly 200 beyond half a turn and unlock the lock assembly 200. For example, depending on the weight of the observation optics mounted on the fixed platform, it may be desirable to tighten the lock assembly 200 at different angles. The heavier the observation optics, the more tightly the lock assembly 200 needs to be tightened. This disclosure is further described by the following sections.

[0069] 1. A lock assembly, The first column section, An insert having a first end included within the first column portion, a threaded channel passing through at least a portion of the first end, an inner cavity, and a second end opening into the inner cavity, A second column portion having a body and a first end, wherein the first end has a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner cavity of the insert, and the first end is slidably and non-rotatably engaged with the inner cavity of the insert, and the second column portion further has a channel passing through the first end, the channel being coaxial with the threaded channel of the insert, A fastening rod having a threaded end, the fastening rod passing through the channel of the second column portion and engaging with the threaded channel of the insert, A lock assembly comprising the above.

[0070] 2. The lock assembly according to paragraph 1, wherein the first column portion has a hollow interior.

[0071] 3. A lock assembly according to either of paragraphs 1 or 2, wherein the first column portion has a substantially circular cross-section along the length of the first column portion.

[0072] 4. A lock assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the insert is fixed within the end of the first column portion.

[0073] 5. A lock assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein the insert has a solid first end contained within a first column portion.

[0074] 6. A locking assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the fastening rod further includes a tightening ring adjacent to the threaded end, and the tightening ring has an outer dimension larger than the outer dimension of the channel of the second column portion.

[0075] A lock assembly according to any one of the items 1 to 6, wherein the inner cavity of the insert has a non-circular cross-section.

[0076] 8. A lock assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the shape of the inner cavity of the insert is selected from square, rectangular, triangular, and polygonal.

[0077] 9. A lock assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 8, wherein the first end of the second column portion has a non-circular cross-section.

[0078] 10. A lock assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 9, wherein the shape of the first end of the second column portion is selected from a square, rectangle, triangle, and polygon.

[0079] 11. A lock assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein the non-circular cross-section of the inner cavity of the insert is square.

[0080] 12. Any lock assembly of item 1 to 11, wherein the non-circular cross-section of the first end of the second column section is square.

[0081] 13. A lock assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 12, wherein the first column portion has the same outer diameter as the main body of the second column portion.

[0082] 14. A fixed platform comprising a central column, wherein the central column includes a locking assembly as described in any of paragraphs 1 to 13.

[0083] 15. The fixed platform according to claim 8, wherein the fixed platform is a tripod.

[0084] 16. A lock assembly, A locking ring fixed to a first cylindrical section, wherein the first cylindrical section is insertable into a second cylindrical section and has a seating surface at the second edge, A first rotation stop is fixed to a second cylindrical section at the first end and slidable relative to a locking ring at the second end, A lock nut having a first end screw-engaged with the first end of a first rotation stop, and a second end fixed to a lock wedge having a seating surface, The lock nut is provided such that rotational movement in a first direction causes the seating surface of the lock wedge to engage with the seating surface of the lock ring, and rotational movement of the lock nut in a second direction causes the seating surface of the lock wedge to disengage from the seating surface of the lock ring.

[0085] 17. The locking assembly according to paragraph 16, wherein the locking ring has a first edge portion including a second seating surface, and the first rotation stop has a seating surface corresponding to the second seating surface of the locking ring.

[0086] 18. A lock assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 17, wherein rotational movement of the lock nut in a first direction causes the second seating surface of the lock ring to engage with the seating surface of the first rotation stop, and rotational movement of the lock nut in a second direction causes the second seating surface of the lock ring to disengage from the seating surface of the first rotation stop.

[0087] 19. A locking assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 18, wherein the locking ring, first rotation stop, locking nut, and locking wedge are substantially cylindrical and coaxial with each other and with the first and second cylindrical sections.

[0088] 20. A locking assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 19, wherein a first rotation stop has a second seating surface, and a lock nut has a first seating surface, and the second seating surface of the first rotation stop and the first seating surface of the lock nut face each other, and the rotational movement of the lock nut in a first direction is restricted by the engagement of the second seating surface of the first rotation stop and the first seating surface of the lock nut.

[0089] 21. A locking assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 20, further comprising a second rotation stop fixed to a first rotation stop, wherein a lock nut is slidable relative to the second rotation stop.

[0090] 22. A locking assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 21, wherein a second rotation stop has a first seating surface, and a lock nut has a second seating surface, the first seating surface of the second rotation stop and the second seating surface of the lock nut are opposite to each other, and the rotational movement of the lock nut in a second direction is restricted by the engagement of the first seating surface of the second rotation stop and the second seating surface of the lock nut.

[0091] 23. A lock assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 22, wherein the first end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lock nut are threaded accordingly, with a thread pitch of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0092] 24. A locking assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 23, wherein the first end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lock nut are threaded accordingly, with a thread pitch of at least 0.5 mm.

[0093] 25. A lock assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 24, wherein the first end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lock nut are threaded accordingly, with a thread pitch of 1.5 mm or less.

[0094] 26. A lock assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 25, wherein the first end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lock nut are threaded accordingly, with a thread pitch of 0.5 mm to 0.75 mm.

[0095] 27. A lock assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 26, wherein the first end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lock nut are threaded accordingly, with a thread pitch of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0096] 28. A lock assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 27, wherein the first end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lock nut are threaded accordingly, with a thread pitch of 0.5 mm to 1.25 mm.

[0097] 29. A lock assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 28, wherein the first end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lock nut are threaded accordingly, with a thread pitch of 0.75 mm to 1.25 mm.

[0098] 30. A lock assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 29, wherein the first end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lock nut are threaded accordingly, with a thread pitch of 1.0 mm to 1.25 mm.

[0099] 31. A locking assembly as described in any of paragraphs 1 to 30, further including a lock nut and a grip fixed to a lock wedge.

[0100] 32. A stationary platform comprising at least one telescopic leg including a locking assembly as described in any of paragraphs 1 to 31.

[0101] 33. Further comprising a second locking assembly, The second lock assembly is A first column portion having a hollow interior with a substantially circular cross-section along the length of the first column portion, An insert fixed within the end of a first column portion, having a first solid end included within the first column portion, a threaded channel passing through the solid end, an inner cavity, and a second end opening into the inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity has a non-circular cross-section. A second column portion having a body and a first end, wherein the first end has a non-circular cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the inner cavity of the insert, and the first end is slidably but non-rotatably engaged with the inner cavity of the insert, and the second column portion further has a channel passing through the first end, the channel being coaxial with the threaded channel of the insert, A fastening rod having a threaded end, wherein the fastening rod passes through a channel in a second column portion and engages with a threaded channel in an insert, A fixed platform as described in paragraph 32, including the fixed platform described in paragraph 32.

[0102] Various modifications and variations of the structures, assemblies, apparatuses and methods described in the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the present invention can be constructed from various materials in various different ways. Although the present invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention should not be excessively limited to such specific embodiments. Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is clear that various further modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. In fact, various modifications of the described form for carrying out the present invention, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art of shooting techniques or related fields, are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 300 fixed platforms 305 Central Column 310 Legs

Claims

1. A lock assembly, The first column portion has an inner surface, a hollow interior having a substantially circular cross-section along the length of the first column portion, and guide projections on the inner surface. An insert having an outer surface with a channel corresponding to the guide projection, the insert comprising a first solid end contained within the first column portion, a threaded channel passing through the end of the solid, an inner cavity having a non-circular cross-section, and a second end opening into the inner cavity, A second column portion having a body and a first end, wherein the first end has a non-circular cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the inner cavity of the insert, the first end is slidably and non-rotatably engaged with the inner cavity of the insert, and the second column portion further has a channel passing through the first end, the channel being coaxial with the threaded channel of the insert, A tightening rod having a threaded end, the tightening rod passing through the channel of the second column portion and engaging with the threaded channel of the insert, A lock assembly comprising the above.

2. The lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tightening rod further includes a tightening ring adjacent to the threaded end, the tightening ring having an outer dimension larger than the outer dimension of the channel of the second column portion.

3. The lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the non-circular cross-section of the inner cavity of the insert is selected from a square, a rectangle, a triangle, and a polygon.

4. The lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the non-circular cross-section of the first end of the second column portion is selected from a square, a rectangle, a triangle, and a polygon.

5. The lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the non-circular cross-section of the inner cavity of the insert is square.

6. The lock assembly according to claim 5, wherein the non-circular cross-section of the first end of the second column portion is square.

7. The lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first column portion has the same outer diameter as the main body of the second column portion.

8. A fixed platform comprising a central column, wherein the central column includes the lock assembly described in claim 1.

9. The fixed platform according to claim 8, wherein the fixed platform is a tripod.

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