Adjustable inverted tripod

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an adjustable tripod that works in conjunction with commonly available accessory rails for photographic equipment and / or firearms.

Description

ADJUSTABLE INVERTED TRIPOD CROSS-REFERNECE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 624,273 entitled “Adjustable Inverted Tripod,” filed on January 23, 2024, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an adjustable tripod, particularly for use in connection with a quick release mounting device for photographic equipment and / or firearms. BACKGROUND

[0003] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not admitted to be prior art to the claims in this application.

[0004] Typically, tripods include an elevated mounting surface, upon which equipment may be secured, such as photographic equipment and / or firearms. The elevated mounting surface is supported by a plurality of legs, which in the case of a tripod is typically three. For convenience, the term “tripod” as used herein is used as a generic identifier for a more broad class of equipment supports, which may have any number of legs, e.g. a support with two, three, or four or more legs.

[0005] Tripods are designed to provide some optimal balance between a set of features. For example, one feature of a tripod is stability, as it is often desirable to insure that shaking or other movement of equipment supported by the tripod is minimized. Tripods are often used in a variety of environments and are often portable, hence, it is often desired to minimize the weight and / or dimensions of the tripod so that it may be carried over great distances.Unfortunately, these stability and weight considerations are often conflicted in design choices (e.g., a heavier tripod will provide a high degree of stability but will be more burdensome to carry).

[0006] Many existing tripods are vertically collapsible with radially extendible legs. For example, a tripod may have three leg assemblies, with each leg assembly pivotally connected to an elevated equipment support so that each leg may be pivoted outwards when in use, and inwards when not in use. Further, in existing tripods, the length of each leg is often adjusted near the base of the tripod (e.g., at or near the ground or floor). This may require a user to bend down to make adjustments to the position of the tripod. Therefore, an improved, more convenient adjustable tripod design may be desirable. SUMMARY

[0007] In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable tripod for use with an adjustable clamping device that works in conjunction with commonly available accessory rails for photographic equipment and / or firearms.

[0008] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides device including a support surface. The device also includes a first elongate leg having: (i) a first section coupled to the support surface, (ii) a locking mechanism, and (iii) a second section configured to receive the first section. The device also includes a second elongate leg having: (i) a first section coupled to the support surface, (ii) a locking mechanism, and (iii) a second section configured to receive the first section. The device further includes a third elongate leg having: (i) a first section coupled to the support surface, (ii) a locking mechanism, and (iii) a second section configured to receive the first section. In examples, a length of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg is adjustable between a first position and a second position. In examples, in the first position, the locking mechanism of each of the first elongate leg, thesecond elongate leg, and the third elongate leg is adjacent to the support surface. In examples, , in the second position, at least a portion of the first section of one or more of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, or the third elongate leg is positioned between the support surface and the locking mechanism.

[0009] These as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIGURE 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example device in a folded state, according to an example embodiment.

[0011] FIGURE 2 illustrated another perspective view of the device of FIGURE 1 in an unfolded state, according to an example embodiment.

[0012] FIGURE 3 is a flow chart of a method for adjusting the device of FIGURE 1, according to an example implementation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Example methods and systems are described herein. It should be understood that the words “example,” “exemplary,” and “illustrative” are used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or feature described herein as being an “example,” being “exemplary,” or being “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. The exemplary embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the figures, can bearranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0014] Furthermore, the particular arrangements shown in the Figures should not be viewed as limiting. It should be understood that other embodiments may include more or less of each element shown in a given Figure. Further, some of the illustrated elements may be combined or omitted. Yet further, an exemplary embodiment may include elements that are not illustrated in the Figures.

[0015] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and / or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

[0016] Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “one example” means that one or more feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one implementation. The phrases “one embodiment” or “one example” in various places in the specification may or may not be referring to the same example.

[0017] As used herein, apparatus, element and method “configured to” perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, the apparatus, element, and method “configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, “configured to” refers to existing characteristics of an apparatus, element, and method which enable the apparatus, element, and method to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, an apparatus, element, and method described as being “configuredto” perform a particular function can additionally or alternatively be described as being “adapted to” and / or as being “operative to” perform that function.

[0018] As used herein, with respect to measurements, “about” means + / - 5%.

[0019] Embodiments described herein provide an adjustable tripod. An example adjustable tripod includes a support surface configured to work in conjunction with commonly available accessory rails for photographic equipment and / or firearms. The support surface is coupled to three elongate legs. Each of the elongate legs has an adjustable length. For instance, each of the elongate legs can include sections (e.g., telescoping tubes) that nest inside one another. In examples, a first section is configured to nest inside a second section and the second section is configured to receive the first section. The first section and the second section can be coupled to one another via a locking mechanism.

[0020] Each locking mechanism can be used to adjust the length of the respective elongate leg. For instance, to increase the length of one of the elongate legs, the respective locking mechanism can be unlocked, the position of the first section can be adjusted to extend from the second section, and the locking mechanism can be re-locked to maintain the position of the first section with respect to the second section. Similarly, to decrease the length of one or more of the elongate legs, the locking mechanism can be unlocked, the position of the first section can be adjusted to retract into the second section, and the locking mechanism can be re-locked to maintain the position of the first section with respect to the second section.

[0021] In examples, each locking mechanism is adjacent to or near the support surface at least when the adjustable tripod is in a retracted position. As such, a user can adjust the length(s) of the one or more elongate legs and / or the position of the support surface from a standing position. This provides ergonomic benefits because the user does not have to bend down to make adjustments of the positioning of the tripod. Further, a user can make more precise adjustments from a standing position because their eye level while making adjustmentto the position of the tripod may be the same as or similar to their eye level while using equipment attached to the tripod, such as photographic equipment and / or firearms. This prevents the user from having to iteratively bend down to test and retest positioning of the tripod. Further, tripods are often used outdoors which can involve uneven grounds and / or surfaces for placement of the adjustable tripod. In these cases, the positioning of the locking mechanism at or near the support surface can reduce time spent in repositioning the tripod.

[0022] With respect to Figures 1 and 2, the present disclosure provides a telescoping device (e.g., device) 100 including a support surface 102 and at least three elongate legs 104A, 106A, and 108A. In example implementations, the support surface 102 is configured to work in conjunction with commonly available accessory rails for photographic equipment and / or firearms.

[0023] The device 100 includes the first elongate leg 104A having: (i) a first section 104B coupled to the support surface 102, (ii) a locking mechanism 104C, and (iii) a second section 104D configured to receive the first section 104B. The device 100 further includes the second elongate leg 106A leg having: (i) a first section 106B coupled to the support surface 102, (ii) a locking mechanism 106C, and (iii) a second section 106D configured to receive the first section 106B. The device 100 also includes the third elongate leg 108A having: (i) a first section 108B coupled to the support surface 102, (ii) a locking mechanism 108C, and (iii) a second section 108D configured to receive the first section 108B.

[0024] In example embodiments, the respective first section and second sections nest inside one another (e.g., telescoping tubes). For example, the first section 104B, 106B, 108B and second section 104D, 106D, 108D of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A can be tubular concentric cylinders. For instance, in some examples, the diameter of the second section 104D, 106D, 108D is greater than a diameter of the first section 104B, 106B, 108B of each of the first elongate leg 104A,the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A such that the respective second section surrounds the respective first section. Alternatively, in some examples, the diameter of the second section 104D, 106D, 108D can be less than a diameter of the first section 104B, 106B, 108B of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A such that the respective first section surrounds the respective second section.

[0025] Each of the first sections (e.g., 104B, 106B, 108B) and each of the second sections (e.g., second section 104D, 106D, 108D) have a top end and a bottom end. The top end of a respective second sections (e.g., second section 104D, 106D, 108D) is adjacent to the bottom end of a respective first section (e.g., 104B, 106B, 108B). The top end of a respective first section (e.g., 104B, 106B, 108B) is adjacent to the support surface 102.

[0026] In example implementations, each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A are configured to fold together as illustrated in Figure 1 and unfolded as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates all three elongate legs 104A, 106A, and 108A tightly folded together, reducing the device’s 100 overall footprint, in a folded position. Particularly, as shown in Figure 1, a longitudinal axis of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A are substantially parallel to one another in the folded position.

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates all three elongate legs 104A, 106A, and 108A separated from each other forming a stable triangular base in an unfolded positon. Particularly, as shown in Figure 2, the longitudinal axis of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A are not parallel to one another in the unfolded position.

[0029] In yet other example implementations, a length of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A is adjustable between a first position and a second position. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an example configuration witheach of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A in the first position. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the locking mechanism 104C, 106C, 108C of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A is adjacent to the support surface 102.

[0030] In examples, in the second position, at least a portion of the first section of one or more of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, or the third elongate leg 108A is positioned between the support surface 102 and the respective locking mechanism. For instance, in examples where the second section surrounds the first section, in the second position, at least a portion of the first section 104B of the first elongate leg 104A may extended out of the second section 104D of the first elongate leg 104A, increasing the length of the first elongate leg 104A and increasing the distance between the locking mechanism 104C and the support surface 102.

[0031] In use, to adjust one of the elongate legs (e.g., the first elongate leg 104A), the respective locking mechanism (e.g., locking mechanism 104C) can be unlocked, the position of the first section (e.g., first section 104B) can be adjusted to extend from the second section (e.g., second section 104D), and the locking mechanism (e.g., locking mechanism 104C) can be re-locked to maintain the position of the first section (e.g., first section 104B) with respect to the second section (e.g., second section 104D).

[0032] To move one or more of the elongate legs from the second position back to the first position or to decrease the length of one or more of the elongate legs (e.g., the first elongate leg 104A), the locking mechanism (e.g., locking mechanism 104C) can be unlocked, the position of the first section (e.g., first section 104B) can be adjusted to retract into the second section (e.g., second section 104D), and the locking mechanism (e.g., locking mechanism 104C) can be re-locked to maintain the position of the first section (e.g., first section 104B) with respect to the second section (e.g., second section 104D).

[0033] In some example embodiments, the locking mechanism 104C, 106C, 108C of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A is disposed on the second section 104D, 106D, 108D of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A. In some examples, the locking mechanism 104C, 106C, 108C of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A is disposed at the top end of the second section 104D, 106D, 108D. As noted above, the top end of the second section 104D, 106D, 108D is adjacent to the bottom end of the first section 104B, 106B, 108B of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A. In other example embodiments, the locking mechanism 104C, 106C, 108C of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A is disposed on the first section 104B, 106B, and 108B of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A. In yet other example embodiments, the locking mechanism 104C, 106C, 108C of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A is disposed at the bottom end of the first section 104B, 106B, 108B of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A.

[0034] In some example embodiments, the locking mechanism 104C, 106C, 108C of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A includes a twist lock. For example, as depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the twist lock mechanism may include an outer collar (e.g., 104E, 106E, and 108E), which is made of rubber and / or includes a textured ring for grip. Additionally, the twist lock mechanism may include an inner clamping ring (e.g., 104F, 106F, and 108F) or threaded interface that tightens or loosens when the outer collar (e.g., 104E, 106E, and 108E) is rotated. The inner clamping ring(e.g., 104F, 106F, and 108F) or threaded interface is located beneath the outer collar (e.g., 104E, 106E, and 108E).

[0035] Thus, the locking mechanisms 104C, 106C, 108C of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A include respective outer collars 104E, 106E, and 108E, and respective inner clamping rings 104F, 106F, and 108F.

[0036] In some examples, the outer collar (e.g., 104E) of the twist lock mechanism has a greater outer diameter than the corresponding section (e.g., the second section 104D) that the outer collar (e.g., 104E) is disposed on. In some examples, the outer collar (e.g., 104E) of the twist lock mechanism extends a predetermined distance along the length of the corresponding second section (e.g., the second section 104D). In some examples, the outer collar (e.g., 104E) may have a length ranging between 1 centimeter to 20 centimeters. The length ensures sufficient coverage for improved grip and effective locking while accommodating various hand sizes and user preferences.

[0037] To unlock a corresponding leg (e.g., the first elongate leg 104A) using the twist mechanism, a user rotates the outer collar (e.g., 104E) in the loosening direction (e.g., counterclockwise), which reduces the pressure exerted by the clamping ring (e.g., 104F) on the first section (e.g., first section 104B), allowing the second section (e.g., second section 104D) to slide freely. Once the desired length or position is achieved, the outer collar (e.g., 104E) is rotated in the tightening direction (e.g., clockwise), causing the clamping ring (e.g., 104F) to compress against the first section (e.g., first section 104B). This compression generates sufficient friction to prevent any movement, ensuring the respective elongate leg (e.g., first elongate leg 104A) remains stable and secure under load.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments the locking mechanism 104C, 106C, 108C of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A includes a lever lock. For example, the lever lockmechanism may include a lever attached to the second section (e.g., second section 104D) of a corresponding elongate leg (e.g., first elongate leg 104A), which, when flipped closed, engages a clamping mechanism that tightly grips the first section (e.g., first section 104B), preventing any movement. To adjust the elongate leg (e.g., 104A), a user flips the lever open, releasing the clamping force and allowing the second section (e.g., 104D) to slide freely. In some examples, the lever lock may also include an adjustable tension screw, enabling users to fine- tune the clamping pressure for added security without damaging the elongate leg.

[0039] In examples, one or more of the sections of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A includes a stop preventing, for example, the first section 104B, 106B, 108B from dislodging from the second section 104D, 106D, 108D, or vice versa.

[0040] In some example embodiments, the first elongate leg has: (iv) a third section configured to receive the second section, and (v) a second locking mechanism coupled to the third section. The second elongate leg has: (iv) a third section configured to receive the second section, and (v) a second locking mechanism coupled to the third section. The third elongate leg has: (iv) a third section configured to receive the second section, and (v) a second locking mechanism coupled to the third section.

[0041] In example embodiments, each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg are configured to rotate outward from a third position (e.g., folded position) to a fourth position (e.g., unfolded position). In these examples, a distance between an end, opposite the support surface, of the second section of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg is greater in the fourth position than in the third position. Further, the device includes a stopping mechanism that provides a hard stop for an inward rotation of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg such that the end of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the thirdelongate leg do not contact one another in the third position. In these examples, a longitudinal axis of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg are parallel to one another in the third position.

[0042] In one example, the accessory comprises an adjustable clamping device that works in conjunction with commonly available accessory rails for photographic equipment and / or firearms. Further details on such an adjustable clamping device can be found in U.S. patent application of Casey Cornwell et al., serial no. 18 / 449,220 filed August 14, 2023, entitled “Adjustable Clamping Device and Leveling Base with Multidirectional Adjustment”, assigned to the assignee of the present disclosure, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0043] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method 300 for adjusting the elongate legs (e.g., 104A, 106A, 108A) of the device 100, in accordance with an example implementation. The method 300 may include one or more operations, functions, or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 302-308. Although the blocks are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may also be performed in parallel, and / or in a different order than those described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and / or removed based upon the desired implementation. It should be understood that for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, flowcharts show functionality and operation of one possible implementation of present examples. Alternative implementations are included within the scope of the examples of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrent or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art.

[0044] At block 302, the method includes rotating outward each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A of the device 100 from the third position (e.g., folded position) to the fourth position (e.g., unfolded position).

[0045] At block 304, the method includes locating the locking mechanism 104C, 106C, and 108C of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A. Each respective locking mechanism 104C, 106C, 108C of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A is disposed at the top end of the second section 104D, 106D, 108D.

[0046] At block 306, the method includes adjusting the length of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A between the first position and the second position by actuating each respective locking mechanism 104C, 106C, 108C. This involves actuating the locking mechanisms 104C, 106C, 108C by unlocking them at the top end of the respective second sections 104D, 106D, 108D. Once unlocked, the first sections 104B, 106B, 108B are moved relative to the corresponding second sections 104D, 106D, 108D.

[0047] At block 308, the method includes locking each respective locking mechanism 104C, 106C, 108C, disposed at the top end of the second section 104D, 106D, 108D of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A.

[0048] At block 310, the method includes unlocking each respective locking mechanism 104C, 106C, 108C located at the top end of the second sections 104D, 106D, and 108D.

[0049] At block 312, the method includes adjusting the length of each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A from the second position to the first position by actuating each respective locking mechanism 104C,106C, 108C. The first sections 104B, 106B, 108B are moved back into their corresponding second sections 104D, 106D, 108D to reduce the overall length of each leg.

[0050] At block 314, the method includes rotating inward each of the first elongate leg 104A, the second elongate leg 106A, and the third elongate leg 108A from the fourth position (e.g., unfolded position) to the third position (e.g., folded position).

[0051] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0052] Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described example, it is intended that all matters in the preceding description and shown in the accompanying figures be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Further, it is intended to be understood that the following clauses (and any combination of the clauses) further describe aspects of the present description.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A device comprising: a support surface; a first elongate leg having: (i) a first section coupled to the support surface, (ii) a locking mechanism, and (iii) a second section configured to receive the first section; a second elongate leg having: (i) a first section coupled to the support surface, (ii) a locking mechanism, and (iii) a second section configured to receive the first section; and a third elongate leg having: (i) a first section coupled to the support surface, (ii) a locking mechanism, and (iii) a second section configured to receive the first section, wherein a length of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg is adjustable between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the locking mechanism of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg is adjacent to the support surface, and wherein, in the second position, at least a portion of the first section of one or more of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, or the third elongate leg is positioned between the support surface and the locking mechanism. The device of claim 1, wherein the first section and second section of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg are tubular concentric cylinders, and wherein a diameter of the second section is greater than a diameter of the first section of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg.

3. The device of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the locking mechanism of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg is disposed on the second section of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg.

4. The device of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the locking mechanism of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg is disposed at a top end of the second section of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg, and wherein the top end of the second section of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg is adjacent to a bottom end of the first section of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg.

5. The device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the locking mechanism of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg comprises a twist lock.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein each twist lock comprises an outer collar and an inner clamping ring, wherein the outer collar of each twist lock is configured to rotate such that the corresponding inner clamping ring of each twist lock engages with the corresponding second section of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the outer collar has a greater diameter than a diameter of the second section, and wherein the diameter of the second section is greater than a diameter of the first section of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the outer collar is made of rubber material and comprises a textured ring for grip.

9. The device of claim 6, wherein the twist lock of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg extends a length along the corresponding second section of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the length of the twist lock ranges between 1 centimeter to 20 centimeters.

11. The device of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the locking mechanism of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg comprises a lever lock.

12. The device of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the first elongate leg has: (iv) a third section configured to receive the second section, and (v) a second locking mechanism coupled to the third section, wherein the second elongate leg has: (iv) a third section configured to receive the second section, and (v) a second locking mechanism coupled to the third section, and wherein the third elongate leg has: (iv) a third section configured to receive the second section, and (v) a second locking mechanism coupled to the third section.

13. The device of any one of claims 1-12, wherein each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg are configured to rotate outward from a third position to a fourth position, wherein a distance between an end, opposite the support surface, of the second section of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg is greater in the fourth position than in the third position, and wherein the device includes a stopping mechanism that provides a hard stop for an inward rotation of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg such that the end of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg do not contact one another in the third position.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein a longitudinal axis of each of the first elongate leg, the second elongate leg, and the third elongate leg are parallel to one another in the third position.

15. A method for adjusting a device comprising a support surface and at least three elongate legs, the method comprising: rotating outward each elongate leg of the device from a third position to a fourth position, wherein each elongate leg includes a first section coupled to the support surface, a locking mechanism, and a second section configured to receive the first section; and adjusting a length of each elongate leg between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the locking mechanism of each elongate leg is adjacent to the support surface, and wherein, in the second position, at least a portion of the first section of each elongate leg is positioned between the support surface and the locking mechanism.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein adjusting the length of each elongate leg between the first position and the second position comprises: actuating the corresponding locking mechanism of each elongate leg to allow the first section to move relative to the second section of the respective elongate leg; and moving the first section relative to the second section to adjust the length of the respective elongate leg.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first section and second section of each elongate leg is a tubular concentric cylinder, and wherein a diameter of the second section is greater than a diameter of the first section of each elongate leg.

18. The method of any one of claims 16-17, wherein the locking mechanism of each elongate leg is disposed at a top end of the second section of each elongate leg, and wherein the top end of the second section of each elongate legs adjacent to a bottom end of the first section of each elongate leg.

19. The method of any one of claims 16-17, wherein the locking mechanism of each elongate leg comprises a twist lock.

20. The method of any one of claims 16-17, wherein the locking mechanism of each elongate leg comprises a lever lock.

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