Support head for video-photographic equipment

Abstract

Support head for video-photographic equipment comprising a main member including an upper platform, a receiving plate which is hinged to the upper platform in order to rotate between a horizontal (or "panoramic") orientation and a vertical (or "portrait") orientation, a blocking device which includes a fixing actuator which in turn comprises a horizontal fixing tooth and a vertical fixing tooth, the fixing actuator being movable between a blocking position, in which the horizontal fixing tooth or the vertical fixing tooth are engaged in order to block in the horizontal or vertical orientation the mutual position between the receiving plate and the upper platform, and a release position, in which both the horizontal and vertical fixing teeth are disengaged.

Description

[0001] SUPPORT HEAD FOR VIDEO-PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a support head for video-photographic equipment having the features set out in the preamble of the main claim.

[0004] Technological background

[0005] More and more often, there is a need in the video-photographic field for being able to produce visual material by positioning the equipment in accordance with a horizontal (or panoramic) orientation or a vertical (or portrait) orientation depending on specific visual effects which it is desirable to carry out and / or in accordance with requirements dictated by the publication platform of the visual material itself.

[0006] Normally, the equipment items and the supports used to rotate these equipment items are provided with respective means which are typically of the lever type which allow all the support head to be rigidly moved in a reversible manner.

[0007] Furthermore, there exist embodiments which provide only for the rotation of a specific portion of the support head for the video-photographic equipment items so as to be able to make these operations for changing orientation more rapid and easier

[0008] However, these types of known support heads may have the disadvantage of not ensuring for the user precise control in the effective orientation position and still less a guarantee of control of this position over time. In fact, this deficiency is further evident if it is considered that, during normal use, an operator tends to apply a specific pressure to the video-photographic equipment item (for example, by rotating the adjustment devices or modifying the parameters for acquiring the image) which may inadvertently modify the desired acquisition condition, even only slightly but significantly.

[0009] This problem may become even more critical when the operator is interested in moving or needs to move the entire support and the video-photographic equipment item while maintaining the desired orientation of the equipment item.

[0010] This is in contrast to the requirement, which is particularly perceived in the cinematographic field, for moving the equipment items by means of respective supports in a rapid, controlled and reproducible manner over time so as to be able to depict snapshots or clips of significant events which are difficult to repeat with a desired effect.

[0011] An example of such devices is described in CN219550047U. The system used in this case uses a movable contact element which projects from an upper plate and which is configured to move into abutment against a rotating receiving plate in which the video-photographic equipment item is installed.

[0012] However, this solution has the disadvantage of not having such an engagement type as to ensure that the receiving plate can remain in the "portrait" orientation even following small movements or undesirable occurrences of contact during use.

[0013] Furthermore, the control and potential repositioning time after time of the contact element requires a non-immediate process which is controlled in a limited manner and which can significantly compromise the possibility of rapid and effective readiness of the equipment.

[0014] Other known solutions provide for blocking mechanisms for the receiving plate in the "portrait" orientation, but which are complicated in terms of their construction and / or relatively slow during the phase for use.

[0015] Description of the invention

[0016] The technical problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a support head for video-photographic equipment items which is structurally and functionally configured to at least partially overcome the disadvantages set out with reference to the cited prior art.

[0017] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a support head which can be effectively used in a horizontal or vertical orientation in a rapid, simple, ergonomic and effective manner.

[0018] This problem is solved and this object and other objects are achieved by the invention by means of a support head which is constructed according to one or more of the appended claims. In a first aspect thereof, the present invention is therefore directed towards a support head for video-photographic equipment which comprises a main member including an upper platform.

[0019] The support head preferably comprises a receiving plate which is configured to receive an attachment element for the video-photographic equipment to the head and which is hinged to the upper platform in order to rotate about a rotation axis between a horizontal (or "panoramic") orientation, in which the receiving plate is supported on the upper platform, and a vertical (or "portrait") orientation, in which the receiving plate is rotated about the rotation axis through approximately 90°.

[0020] The support head preferably comprises a blocking device which is configured to selectively block the receiving plate in the horizontal orientation or vertical orientation

[0021] Preferably, the blocking device includes a fixing actuator which comprises a horizontal fixing tooth and a vertical fixing tooth. The fixing actuator is preferably movable inside a seat which is formed in one of the receiving plate and the upper platform between a blocking position and a release position.

[0022] Preferably, in the blocking position, the horizontal fixing tooth or the vertical fixing tooth are engaged with the other of the receiving plate and the upper platform in order to block in the horizontal orientation or vertical orientation the mutual position between the receiving plate and the upper platform.

[0023] Preferably, in the release position, both the horizontal and vertical fixing teeth are disengaged from the other of the receiving plate and the upper platform.

[0024] As a result of this technical solution, it is possible to move the receiving plate effectively between the horizontal orientation and the vertical orientation by actuating a single component, the fixing actuator, which comprises both the vertical fixing tooth and the horizontal fixing tooth.

[0025] Furthermore, the two fixing teeth cause the support head to remain in a stable manner in the respective positions with a horizontal or vertical orientation even in the case in which the equipment item is used, moved or inadvertently struck.

[0026] This technical solution therefore makes the support head very efficient, practical, reliable, selectively stable and ergonomic.

[0027] In the above-mentioned aspect, the support head of the present invention may have one or more of the preferred features set out below.

[0028] Preferably, the fixing actuator is urged towards the blocking position by one or more urging elements.

[0029] In this manner, the actuator is always in such a configuration as to block the receiving plate unless during phases in which the operator wishes to selectively modify the orientation of the support head.

[0030] Preferably, the one or more urging elements comprises a spring or an elastomer material or a gas cartridge.

[0031] As a result of this technical solution, it is possible to efficiently and rapidly control the return of the fixing actuator into the blocking position.

[0032] Preferably, the blocking device comprises a release button. Preferably, the release button is configured to move the fixing actuator from the blocking position to the release position, more preferably against the one or more urging elements.

[0033] Preferably, the release button is configured to move the fixing actuator from the blocking position to the release position by means of a transmission lever.

[0034] Preferably, the transmission lever is hinged on the receiving plate or the upper platform, where the seat of the fixing actuator is formed.

[0035] Preferably, the transmission lever is a lever of the first type and more preferably the lever arm between the fulcrum and the release button is less than the lever arm between the fulcrum and the fixing actuator. It is thereby possible to configure in a more effective manner the movement of the button and the fixing actuator and the forces necessary to obtain this movement, thereby obtaining the advantage that the movement of the fixing actuator is multiplied with respect to the movement of the release button.

[0036] Preferably, the transmission lever is hinged on the receiving plate. Preferably, the transmission lever is substantially arcuate and it is configured to engage in the region of a first end with the release button and in the region of a second end with the fixing actuator.

[0037] It may be noted that the preferably arcuate form of the transmission lever promotes effective contact with the fixing actuator over an extensive range of values of rotation of the transmission lever itself, at the same time ensuring an advantageously small spatial requirement.

[0038] Preferably, the upper platform comprises a hinge portion on which the receiving plate is hinged.

[0039] The release button is preferably received in a seat which is formed in the hinge portion of the upper platform. This seat is preferably coaxial with respect to the rotation axis.

[0040] As a result of this solution, it is possible to make the support head to which the present invention relates particularly compact and ergonomic.

[0041] In one embodiment, the release button is configured to move inside the seat along the rotation axis. In this manner, the movement of the fixing actuator can be carried out in a simple, rapid and practical manner by the user.

[0042] In some embodiments, the fixing actuator is movable inside a seat which is formed in the receiving plate so that the teeth defined on the fixing actuator, in the blocking position, are engaged with the upper platform. Preferably, the hinge portion of the upper platform comprises a vertical fixing wall which is configured to engage with the vertical fixing tooth in the region of a zone of a contact wall of the vertical fixing tooth when the receiving plate is in a vertical orientation and the fixing actuator is in the blocking position.

[0043] As a result of this technical solution, an effective and reproducible blocking of the receiving plate is ensured when in the vertical orientation.

[0044] Preferably, the vertical fixing wall and the contact wall are inclined with respect to a radial direction of the hinged portion at a contact angle comprised between 5° and 15°.

[0045] The Applicant has noted that this technical solution brings about a controlled urging for mutual sliding between the vertical fixing wall and the contact wall while the vertical fixing tooth moves into engagement with the upper platform.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the upper platform comprises a seat which is configured to receive and engage the horizontal fixing tooth when the receiving plate is in the horizontal orientation and the fixing actuator is in the blocking position.

[0047] As a result of this technical solution, an effective and reproducible blocking of the receiving plate is ensured when in the horizontal orientation.

[0048] Preferably, the seat is delimited at a proximal side with respect to the hinge portion by a chamfered wall which is located in a plane which is inclined with respect to the perpendicular direction relative to the upper platform at an entry angle comprised between 15° and 45°.

[0049] The Applicant has noted that, as a result of this technical solution, the entry angle is sufficiently small to allow the horizontal fixing tooth to slide on the chamfered wall so as to automatically urge the fixing actuator towards the release position against the urging elements without having to actuate the button.

[0050] Preferably, the seat comprises a horizontal fixing wall which is configured to engage with the horizontal fixing tooth. It is thereby possible, on the one hand, to produce controlled sliding of the fixing actuator on the horizontal fixing wall while it reaches the blocking position and, on the other hand, to obstruct the fixing tooth from leaving the seat when the fixing actuator is in the blocking position without selectively actuating the release button.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the release button comprises an urging device which is suitable for urging the release button against a stop so as to eliminate any play between the release button and a seat thereof.

[0052] As a result of this technical solution, an improved control of the actuation of the fixing actuator is brought about.

[0053] Brief description of the drawings

[0054] The features and advantages of the present invention will be better appreciated from the detailed description of a preferred exemplary embodiment thereof which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0055] - Figure 1 is a perspective view from above and from the front of a support head for video-photographic equipment items constructed according to the present invention, in which a receiving plate is in a horizontal or "panoramic" orientation,

[0056] - Figure 2 is a perspective view from above and from the front of the support head of Figure 1, in which the receiving plate is in a vertical or "portrait" orientation,

[0057] - Figure 3 is a perspective view from above and from the side of the support head of Figure 2, in which a cover has been removed in order to show the construction details of a blocking device including a blocking actuator in a blocking position,

[0058] - Figure 4 is a perspective view from above and from the side of the support head of Figure 3, in which the blocking device is moved so as to bring the blocking actuator into a release position,

[0059] - Figures 5a, 5b and 5c are side views of a detail as a cross-section taken in the plane Va, b, c shown in Figure 4, in different operating positions,

[0060] - Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are side views of a detail as a cross-section taken in the plane Via, b, c shown in Figure 4, in different operating positions,

[0061] - Figure 6d is a view from above of a detail as a cross-section taken along the plane Vid shown in Figure 3.

[0062] Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0063] With reference to the appended Figures, there is generally designated 1 a support head for video-photographic equipment constructed according to the present invention.

[0064] In greater detail, Figure 1 shows a support head 1 with the receiving plate 20 thereof in a horizontal or "panoramic" orientation.

[0065] This support head 1 is configured to be able to be reversibly moved between the horizontal orientation shown in Figure 1 and the vertical or "portrait" orientation shown in Figure 2.

[0066] The head 1 comprises a main body 10, a receiving plate 20 and an upper platform 30 which is fixed to the main body 10.

[0067] There is further present a fixing plate P which is used for connection to a photo / video device which is fixed in a removable manner to the receiving plate 20 by means of a blocking lever 21.

[0068] With reference to Figure 3, the receiving plate 20 comprises therein a blocking device D which is configured to selectively block the receiving plate 20 in the horizontal or vertical orientation.

[0069] As shown in Figure 2, the blocking device 20 is protected by a cover of the device 25 which is positioned facing the upper platform 30.

[0070] The upper platform 30 also comprises a hinged portion which is provided at one side of the upper platform 30 and which has a rotation axis X, about which the receiving plate 20 can rotate by moving between the horizontal orientation, in which the receiving plate 20 is supported on (or parallel with) the upper platform 30, and the vertical orientation, in which the receiving plate 20 is located in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the upper platform 30.

[0071] Now with reference to Figures 5a, 5b and 5c, it may be noted that the hinged portion of the upper platform 30 comprises a stopping wall 33 which is configured to move into abutment against the receiving plate 20 when it is rotated into the vertical orientation. As shown in detail in Figure 5a, when the receiving pate 20 is moved into the vertical orientation configuration, the stopping wall 33 limits the movement thereof so as to prevent further rotation thereof beyond 90°.

[0072] Now, it being desirable to describe in greater detail the technical features of the blocking device D, consideration is initially given to Figure 3 which shows the receiving plate 20 in a vertical orientation with the cover of the device 25 removed in order to show the details of the blocking device D better.

[0073] The blocking device D comprises a fixing actuator 60 which has a horizontal fixing tooth 61 and a vertical fixing tooth 62.

[0074] The fixing actuator 60 is movable inside a seat which is constructed in the receiving plate 20 between a blocking position, in which the horizontal fixing tooth 61 or vertical fixing tooth 62 is engaged with the upper platform 30 so as to block the positions thereof mutually, and a release position, in which both the teeth 61, 62 are disengaged from the upper platform 30 so that the receiving plate 20 can rotate about the rotation axis X.

[0075] It is advantageous to note that the fixing actuator 60 is urged towards the blocking position by one or more urging elements 90 which may be in the form of springs, elastomer materials, gas cartridges, etc.

[0076] Figures 3 and 4 show in sequence the fixing actuator 60 which moves between the blocking position, illustrated in Figure 3, and the release position, illustrated in Figure 4.

[0077] In greater detail, it may be noted that in the preferably depicted embodiment the urging elements 90 are two springs which urge the vertical fixing tooth 62 of the fixing actuator 60 into abutment with the upper platform 30 and which are brought into a resiliently compressed state when the fixing actuator 60 is moved into the release position.

[0078] Still with reference to Figures 3 and 4, it may be noted that the hinged portion of the upper platform 20 comprises a vertical fixing wall 63 which is configured to engage with the vertical fixing tooth 62. Specifically and now with reference to Figures 5a and 5b, the vertical fixing wall 63 engages with the vertical fixing tooth 62 in the region of a contact wall 62a of the vertical fixing tooth 62 when the receiving plate 20 is in the vertical orientation and the fixing actuator 60 is inserted into the blocking position.

[0079] The vertical fixing wall 63 and the contact wall 62a are advantageously inclined with respect to the radial direction by a contact angle o which assists the effective positioning of the vertical fixing tooth 62 against the vertical fixing wall 63.

[0080] According to preferred embodiments and with reference to the above-mentioned Figures, the contact angle o is comprised between 5° and 15°.

[0081] Figure 5b shows a configuration in which the fixing tooth 62 is moved vertically in the direction away from the vertical fixing wall 63 (see the arrow depicted) so as to move the fixing actuator 60 into the release position.

[0082] Consequently, Figure 5c illustrates the rotation of the receiving plate 20 about the rotation axis X towards the horizontal orientation (see the arrow depicted) which is made actuatable once the fixing actuator 60 is in the release position.

[0083] The blocking device D comprises a release button 40 which is coaxially received in the hinged portion of the upper platform 30.

[0084] When the release button 40 is actuated, as shown in Figure 4, advantageously moving in translation along the rotation axis X in the direction towards the fixing actuator 60, it pushes against a transmission lever 50 which rotates and urges in turn the fixing actuator 60 against the urging of one or more urging elements 90 from the blocking position to the release position.

[0085] In greater detail and with reference to Figures 3 and 4, it may be noted that the transmission lever 50 has a substantially arcuate form which is hinged to the receiving plate 20 and configured to engage in the region of a first end with the release button 40 and in the region of a second end with the fixing actuator 60.

[0086] When the fixing actuator 60 is urged by the transmission lever 50 towards the release position, it slides (for example, vertically, as shown in Figure 4) and therewith the vertical fixing tooth 62 is disengaged from the vertical fixing wall 63, thereby allowing the rotation of the receiving plate 20 from the vertical orientation to the horizontal orientation.

[0087] As may be noted again in Figures 3 and 4, the transmission lever 50 is a first type of lever and advantageously the lever arm between the fulcrum and release button 40 is less than the lever arm between the fulcrum and fixing actuator 60.

[0088] It is further advantageous to note that the contact angle o previously described is preferably predetermined so as to be sufficiently small to ensure that the vertical fixing tooth 62 cannot return to the horizontal orientation unless the release button 40 has been actuated.

[0089] As shown in Figure 5b, when the vertical fixing tooth 62 is caused to slide behind (in an upward direction in the example being considered), the receiving plate 20 becomes free to rotate from the vertical orientation by moving towards the horizontal orientation (Figure 5c shows a condition close to the horizontal orientation being reached).

[0090] Now, considering Figures 3 and 6a, it may be noted that the upper platform 30 includes a seat 31 which is configured to receive and engage with the horizontal fixing tooth 61 when the receiving plate 20 is in the horizontal orientation and the fixing actuator 60 is in the blocking position.

[0091] Figures 6a and 6c clearly show that the seat 31 is delimited at the proximal side with respect to the hinged portion by a chamfered wall 31a which is located in a plane which is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the upper platform 30 at an entry angle 6. The entry angle 6, as set out in detail in Figure 6c, is advantageously small so as to allow the horizontal fixing tooth 61 to slide on the chamfered wall 31a, effectively urging the fixing actuator 60 into the release position against the urging elements 90 even without actuating the release button 40.

[0092] According to preferred embodiments and with reference to the above-mentioned Figures, the entry angle 6 is comprised between 15° and 45°. In this manner, using this support head 1 is further advantageous, ergonomic, practical and rapid.

[0093] Once the horizonal fixing tooth 61 has been introduced into the seat 31, overcoming the chamfered wall 31a, it is moved by the urging elements 90, becoming engaged with an additional horizontal fixing wall 32.

[0094] As set out in Figure 6b, this horizontal fixing wall 32 is configured to obstruct the horizontal fixing tooth 61 from leaving the seat 31 when the fixing actuator 60 is in the blocking position.

[0095] In order to disengage the horizontal fixing tooth 61 from the seat 31, it now becomes necessary to actuate the release button 40 which rotates the transmission lever 50, in turn moving the fixing actuator 60 in the direction away from the horizontal fixing wall 32.

[0096] For further clear and complete description of this passage, consideration may be given to Figure 6b, in which following the actuation of the release button 40 the fixing actuator 60 moves horizontally toward the left and therewith the horizontal fixing tooth 61, thereby interrupting the form-fitting engagement produced on the horizontal fixing wall 32.

[0097] Now with reference to Figure 6d, the release button 40 also comprises an urging device E which is configured to urge the release button 40 against a stop in order to reduce or eliminate any play between the release button 40 and a seat 41 thereof. This urging device E which is illustrated is preferably a spring.

[0098] Naturally, in order to comply with specific and contingent application requirements, a person skilled in the art may apply to the above-described invention additional modifications and variants which are still included within the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A support head (1) for video-photographic equipment comprising:- a main member (10) including an upper platform (30),- a receiving plate (20) which is configured to receive an attachment element for the video-photographic equipment to the head (1) and which is hinged to the upper platform (30) in order to rotate about a rotation axis (X) between a horizontal (or "panoramic") orientation, in which the receiving plate (20) is supported on the upper platform (30), and a vertical (or "portrait") orientation, in which the receiving plate (20) is rotated about the rotation axis through approximately 90°,- a blocking device (D) which is configured to selectively block the receiving plate (20) in the horizontal or vertical orientation, wherein the blocking device (D) includes a fixing actuator (60) which comprises a horizontal fixing tooth (61) and a vertical fixing tooth (62), the fixing actuator (60) being movable inside a seat which is formed in one of the receiving plate (20) and the upper platform (30) between a blocking position, in which the horizontal fixing tooth (61) or the vertical fixing tooth (62) are engaged with the other of the receiving plate (20) and the upper platform (30) in order to block in the horizontal or vertical orientation the mutual position between the receiving plate (20) and the upper platform (30), and a release position, in which both the horizontal and vertical fixing teeth (61, 62) are disengaged from the other of the receiving plate (20) and the upper platform (30).

2. A support head according to the preceding claim, wherein the fixing actuator (60) is urged towards the blocking position by one or more urging elements (90).

3. A support head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the blocking device (D) comprises a release button (40) which is configured to move the fixing actuator (60) from the blocking position to the release position.

4. A support head according to claim 3, wherein the release button (40) is configured to move the fixing actuator (60) from the blocking position to the release position by means of a transmission lever (50).

5. A support head according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the release button (40) isreceived in a seat (41) which is formed in a hinge portion of the upper platform (30), through which the rotation axis passes, the seat being coaxial with the rotation axis.

6. A support head according to claim 5, wherein the release button (40) is configured to move inside the seat along the rotation axis (X) in order to move the fixing actuator (60) from the blocking position to the release position.

7. A support head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing actuator (60) is movable inside a seat which is formed in the receiving plate (20) and the upper platform (30) comprises a hinge portion, through which the rotation axis passes and on which there is defined a vertical fixing wall (63) which is configured to engage with the vertical fixing tooth (62) at the region of a zone of a contact wall (62a) of the vertical fixing tooth (62) when the receiving plate (20) is in a vertical orientation and the fixing actuator (60) is in the blocking position.

8. A support head according to the preceding claim, wherein the vertical fixing wall (63) and the contact wall (62a) are inclined with respect to a radial direction of the hinged portion at a contact angle (a) comprised between 5° and 15°.

9. A support head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper platform (30) comprises a seat (31) which is configured to receive and engage the horizontal fixing tooth (61) when the receiving plate (20) is in the horizontal orientation and the fixing actuator (60) is in the blocking position.

10. A support head according to the preceding claim, wherein the seat (31) is delimited at a proximal side with respect to the hinge portion by a chamfered wall (31a) which is located in a plane which is inclined with respect to the perpendicular direction relative to the upper platform (30) at an entry angle (6) comprised between 15° and 45°.

11. A support head according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the seat (31) comprises a horizontal fixing wall (32) which is configured to engage with the horizontal fixing tooth (61) so as to obstruct the fixing tooth from leaving the seat (31) when the fixing actuator (60) is in the blocking position without actuating the release button (40).

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