Support tripod for video-photographic equipment

Abstract

A support tripod (1) for video-photographic equipment comprises a cross-member (2), a column (5) which can slide in the cross-member (2) and an auxiliary positioning device (10) of the column in the cross-member (2). The auxiliary positioning device (10) comprises a sleeve (110), in which the column can slide in a first axial direction (Q) and in a second direction (V) which is orthogonal to the first direction (Q) and which is defined by a seat (12) which is formed in the sleeve (110). The sleeve is received in a levelling element (410) with the ability to slide between a non-operative position, in which the seat (12) is inside the levelling element (410), and an operative position, in which the seat (12) projects from the levelling element (410). The levelling element (410) is received in the cross-member (2) and there is provided a clamping device (420) for blocking the levelling element (410) with respect to the cross-member (2) or to allow the rotation of the levelling element (410) about at least one levelling direction (L1; L2) perpendicular to the first direction (Q).

Description

[0001] Support tripod for video-photographic equipment

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a support tripod for video and photographic equipment.

[0004] In the field of photography, it is widely known to use support stands for the photographic equipment, such as cameras and video cameras, such as, for example, tripods. They generally comprise a plurality of legs which are articulated to a crossmember in which a support column, at a first end of which a photographic equipment item is received, is engaged with the capacity to slide.

[0005] The international patent application No. WO 2014 / 053412A1, in the name of the same Applicant, describes a tripod which is provided with a column which can be inverted or a tripod in which the column, while remaining in engagement with the cross-member, can take up a first configuration, in which the column is provided parallel with the axis of the cross-member, and a second configuration, in which the same column is provided orthogonally to the axis of the cross-member.

[0006] In this manner, the column is generally orthogonal to the ground in the first configuration and generally parallel with the ground in the second configuration, allowing photos and videos of different types to be carried out by suitably arranging in the space the video-photographic equipment item in accordance with the need for snapshots or filming without any impediments as a result of the spatial requirement of the column, for example, when it is desirable to move the video-photographic equipment item much closer to the ground.

[0007] The tripod described in the above-cited application comprises a particular mechanism which allows movement of the column from the first configuration to the second configuration without removing the column from the cross-member in a rapid and secure manner.

[0008] However, the Applicant has observed that the ability of the column to be inverted does not allow minor adjustments of the inclination thereof to be applied, which may involve a need to act on the length of the individual legs of the tripod in the case in which the ground on which it is supported is irregular or not completely horizontal.

[0009] An objective of the present invention is therefore to provide a tripod which can be orientated precisely even for minor adjustments of the positioning of the column though without compromising the positioning stability.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a tripod which can readily be adjusted by a user in order to apply precise modifications to the positioning thereof. Another object of the present invention is to provide a tripod, the column of which can be inverted by 90° with respect to the cross-member and the inclination of which is then further able to be modified in order to adjust the positioning thereof in a more precise manner.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a tripod which is economical and absolutely reliable to use.

[0012] In a first aspect thereof, therefore, the present invention relates to a support tripod for video-photographic equipment, comprising a cross-member to which a plurality of legs of the tripod is articulated.

[0013] Preferably, the tripod comprises a column which is configured to be connected to the video-photographic equipment item.

[0014] Preferably, the video-photographic equipment item is connected in the region of a support surface defined at a first end of the column.

[0015] Preferably, the column is engaged in the cross-member with the ability to slide between a retracted position, in which the support surface is near the cross-member, and an extended position, in which the support surface is remote from the crossmember.

[0016] Preferably, the tripod comprises an auxiliary positioning device which is associated with the cross-member.

[0017] Preferably, the auxiliary positioning device comprises a sleeve which includes an internal channel which is configured to receive the column in engagement, with the ability to slide in a first direction.

[0018] Preferably, this first direction is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the sleeve.

[0019] Preferably, the sleeve includes a seat which is configured to receive the column in engagement with the ability to slide in a second direction.

[0020] Preferably, the seat is formed on a wall of the sleeve.

[0021] Preferably, this second direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction.

[0022] Preferably, the auxiliary positioning device comprises a levelling element which is received in the cross-member.

[0023] Preferably, the levelling element is configured to receive the sleeve with the ability to slide between a non-operative position and an operative position.

[0024] Preferably, the sleeve slides between the non-operative position and the operative position in the first direction.

[0025] Preferably, in the non-operative position the seat is at least partially received inside the levelling element.

[0026] Preferably, in the operative position the seat projects from the levelling element in order to allow the column to slide in the second direction.

[0027] Preferably, the auxiliary positioning device comprises a clamping device which is movable between a clamping configuration and a release configuration.

[0028] Preferably, in the clamping configuration the levelling element is blocked with respect to the cross-member.

[0029] Preferably, in the release configuration the levelling element is free to rotate about at least one levelling direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one levelling direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0031] It is thereby possible to apply an adjustment to the orientation of the videophotographic equipment item in a precise manner without necessarily having to intervene in the length of the telescopic legs, an operation which is generally slow and complicated. This allows the tripod also to be positioned on ground which is not completely horizontal without becoming preoccupied with the complete horizontality of the cross-member, leaving the fine adjustment of the level of the videophotographic equipment item to the rotation of the levelling element, and consequently of the column which is engaged therewith.

[0032] It will be appreciated that, as a result of the particular configuration of the auxiliary positioning device, it has become possible to integrate the inverting and blocking mechanisms of the column in the levelling mechanism of the column without substantially increasing the spatial requirements of the cross-member, in particular the development thereof in terms of height.

[0033] In the above-mentioned aspect, the present invention may have one or more of the following preferred features.

[0034] In some embodiments, the levelling element is received in the cross-member between a first portion and a second portion of the cross-member.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first portion and second portion are mutually secured by the clamping device so as to alternately take up the clamping configuration and the release configuration.

[0036] Preferably, in the clamping configuration the first portion is moved close to the second portion.

[0037] Preferably, in the release configuration the first portion is remote from the second portion.

[0038] Preferably, the seat is formed at one end of the sleeve, more preferably opposite the legs of the tripod with respect to the cross-member.

[0039] Preferably, in the release configuration the levelling element is free to rotate about a first levelling direction and a second levelling direction which is different from the first levelling direction.

[0040] Preferably, the first levelling direction and second levelling direction are coplanar and substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0041] Preferably, the first levelling direction and second levelling direction are substantially orthogonal to the first sliding direction of the column which is defined in the sleeve. In this manner, the levelling element can rotate about any direction which is coplanar with the first and second levelling directions.

[0042] Preferably, the levelling element is engaged with form-fitting connection in a seat which is formed inside the cross-member, more preferably in the region of walls with an at least partially spherical formation of the levelling element.

[0043] In other words, the walls of the levelling element, at least in the region intended to abut the cross-member, are curved with a radius of curvature which is substantially constant.

[0044] Preferably, the seat which is formed in the cross-member in order to receive the levelling element is a through-seat and, more preferably, it is developed about an axis perpendicular to the plane which is defined by the articulation axes of the legs with respect to the cross-member.

[0045] Preferably, the first and second levelling directions pass through the centre of the sphere which is defined by the curved walls of the levelling element in contact with the cross-member.

[0046] Preferably, the connection between the cross-member and the levelling element forms a spherical joint.

[0047] In this manner, the levelling element can rotate with respect to the cross-member about any direction which passes through the centre of the sphere defined by the walls of the levelling element.

[0048] Preferably, the levelling element is free to rotate about the at least one levelling direction by an angle greater than 5°, more preferably up to at least an angle of 10°. Preferably, the clamping device comprises a rod which is mechanically associated with the first portion and a lever which is connected to the rod and mechanically associated with the second portion by means of a cam profile configured so as to move the first portion away from the second portion away from and towards the clamping configuration.

[0049] Preferably, the first portion is hinged to the second portion in the region of a first pin so as to allow the relative rotation of the first portion with respect to the second portion about a rotation axis.

[0050] In some embodiments, this rotation axis belongs to a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the seat, in which the levelling element is received in the cross-member.

[0051] In some embodiments, this rotation axis and the at least one levelling direction are substantially coplanar.

[0052] Preferably, the clamping device comprises resilient means which are provided between the first portion and the second portion in order to space apart the first portion from the second portion when they take up the release configuration.

[0053] Preferably, the cross-member comprises a blocking device which is configured to block the sliding of the column inside the sleeve.

[0054] Preferably, the blocking device is configured to block the sliding of the column inside the sleeve both in the first sliding direction and in the second sliding direction.

[0055] Preferably, the blocking device comprises a blocking element which is movable away from and towards the sleeve in order to block the column inside the sleeve.

[0056] Preferably, the sleeve comprises a pair of shells which are radially contractile.

[0057] Preferably, these shells which have a substantially semi-cylindrical shape and which face each other define the external surface of the sleeve.

[0058] In this manner, when the blocking element is moved against the pair of shells, they are radially moved towards each other, clamping the column inside the sleeve. Preferably, the blocking element is interposed between the sleeve and the levelling element.

[0059] Preferably, the blocking element is moved away from and towards the sleeve by means of a blocking pin which can be actuated from outside the cross-member by a user.

[0060] Preferably, the blocking pin is connected to the blocking element with the ability to rotate relative to each other.

[0061] Preferably, the blocking pin is engaged in a screw-like manner in the levelling element. Preferably, the blocking pin is rotated in a screw-like manner by means of a handle which is provided at the side opposite the blocking element.

[0062] Preferably, the blocking pin is received in a manner passing through in a channel which is formed in the cross-member, more preferably in the first portion or in the second portion of the cross-member.

[0063] In this manner, the passage of the blocking pin through the cross-member does not prevent the at least partial rotation of the levelling element about the at least one levelling direction.

[0064] Preferably, the channel extends in the cross-member in a manner substantially parallel with the first sliding direction of the column in the sleeve.

[0065] Preferably, the blocking pin extends in a radial direction of the levelling element.

[0066] In this manner, the blocking pin defines a first levelling direction.

[0067] Preferably, there is provided in the sleeve an inverting member which is configured to allow the movement of the column between a first configuration, in which it is slidingly engaged in the internal channel of the sleeve and a second configuration, in which it is slidingly engaged in the seat formed in the sleeve.

[0068] Preferably, the inverting member is in the form of a ring.

[0069] Preferably, the column is slidingly engaged for sliding inside the inverting member.

[0070] Preferably, the inverting member is hinged inside the sleeve and in the region of the seat and is pivotable with respect to the sleeve.

[0071] Preferably, the operation of the inverting mechanism of the column from the first configuration to the second is similar to the one described in WO 2014 / 053412A1. The features and advantages of the 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:

[0072] - Figures 1 and 12 show front views of a significant portion of a tripod which is constructed according to the present invention, having the column positioned in a first configuration and in a second configuration, respectively;

[0073] - Figures 2 and 7 show perspective views of an element of the tripod;

[0074] - Figures 3, 8 and 9 illustrate longitudinal sections of details of the tripod of Figure 1;

[0075] - Figure 4 is a plan view of a cross-section of the tripod of Figure 1;

[0076] - Figure 5 is an enlarged side view of the tripod of Figure 1;

[0077] - Figure 6 shows an enlarged detail of the column of the tripod of Figure 1;

[0078] - Figure 10 is a perspective view of the cross-member of the tripod of Figure 1;

[0079] - Figures 11 and 13 show cross-sections of the tripod of Figure 1 in specific operating configurations.

[0080] In the Figures, there is generally designated 1 a tripod constructed according to the present invention. The tripod 1 comprises a cross-member 2, to which a plurality of legs 3 are articulated, preferably three, which during use completely support the tripod 1. Each leg 3 is of the extensible type, preferably comprising three consecutive tubular sections which are telescopically connected to each other.

[0081] Each leg 3 is extensible and pivotable with respect to the cross-member 2 independently of the other legs 3 so as to be able to be adjusted freely by a user and to allow the stable positioning of the tripod 1 on ground which may also be irregular, so as to comply with the most varied operating requirements.

[0082] Each leg 3 is further articulated to the cross-member 2 in the region of a first end while a second longitudinally opposite end is intended to be supported on the ground. The articulation axes of the legs 3 with respect to the cross-member 2 are substantially coplanar.

[0083] There is formed on the cross-member 2 a central through-opening 4 which develops about an axis Z which is substantially perpendicular to the plane which is defined by the articulatio axes of the legs 3.

[0084] The tripod 1 comprises a column 5, at a first end 5a of which there is defined a plate 6 which has a support surface 7 for a video-photographic equipment item and fixing means 8, for example, of the screw type, which are configured to secure the respective video-photographic equipment item to the column 5.

[0085] The column 5 is associated with the cross-member 2 by means of an auxiliary positioning device 10 which is engaged in the central opening 4.

[0086] The auxiliary positioning device 10 includes a sleeve 110 in which the column 5 is engaged with the ability to slide and a levelling element 410 in which the sleeve 110 is received with the ability to slide.

[0087] The sleeve 110 comprises an internal channel 11 which extends so as to pass along a longitudinal axis W of the sleeve 110 between a first end 110a, which is directed towards the plate 6, and a second end 110b which is directed towards the legs 3.

[0088] The internal channel 11 is configured to receive in engagement the column 5 with the ability to slide along the longitudinal axis W of the sleeve 110 which therefore defines a first sliding direction Q of the column 5 in the sleeve 110.

[0089] More specifically, in a first configuration P of the tripod 1, the column 5 is received in engagement in the internal channel 11 with the ability to slide in the first direction Q which is substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis W of the sleeve 110 between a retracted position, in which the plate 6 and therefore the videophotographic equipment item which may be supported thereby is near the crossmember 2 and substantially in abutment therewith, and an extended position, in which the plate 6 is remote from the cross-member 2 (illustrated in Figure 1). More specifically, when the tripod 1 takes up the first configuration P, the longitudinal axis W of the sleeve 110 (and of the internal channel 11) coincides with the axis of the column 5.

[0090] The column 5 and the internal channel 11 have respective non-circular cross-sections so that the rotation of the column inside the sleeve 110 about its own axis is prevented.

[0091] The sleeve 110 further comprises a seat 12 which is formed on a lateral wall of the sleeve 110 in the region of the first end 110a of the sleeve 110.

[0092] The seat 12 is suitable for receiving in engagement the column 5 as an alternative to the internal channel 11 so as to allow the sliding thereof, similarly to what happens with the column 5 when it is received in the internal channel 11 in a second direction V which is substantially orthogonal to the first direction Q.

[0093] When the column 5 is slidingly engaged in the seat 12, the tripod 1 takes up a second configuration S.

[0094] More specifically, the seat 12 comprises a recess 12a which is formed on a lateral wall of the sleeve 110, having an open contour with a U-shaped profile at the first end 110a of the sleeve 110 and an opening 19 which is formed on the lateral wall of the sleeve 110 at the side diametrically opposite the recess 12a having a closed contour with a profile substantially similar to the profile of the column 5.

[0095] The opening 19 and the recess 12a are passed through by a transverse axis Y which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 110 which defines the second direction V.

[0096] The auxiliary positioning device 10 further comprises an inverting member 113 which is provided inside the sleeve 110 between the recess 12a and the opening 19 in order to allow the movement of the column 5 from the sliding engagement in the internal channel 11 to the sliding engagement in the seat 12.

[0097] The inverting member 113 is ring-shaped and surrounds the column 5 which extends through it with the ability to slide therein.

[0098] The inverting member 113 has a pair of pins 113a which are diametrically opposite and received in a respective pair of seats which are formed in the sleeve 110 so as to define a pivoting axis X of the inverting member 113 with respect to the sleeve 110.

[0099] The pivoting axis X is substantially orthogonal with respect to the longitudinal axis W and the transverse axis Y. In particular, the inverting member 113 can be pivoted about the pivoting axis X while moving from a position in which it is coaxial with the longitudinal axis W to a position in which it is coaxial with the transverse axis Y, and vice versa, thereby making the rotation of the column 5 itself possible without any need to remove it from the sleeve 110, allowing the movement from the first configuration P to the second configuration S, and vice versa.

[0100] The shape of the inverting member 113 allows the rotation of the column 5 when it takes up the extended configuration, that is to say following the sliding action along the internal channel 11 until bringing the second end 5b of the column 5 into the region of the seat 12 without leaving the inverting member 113.

[0101] In this position, the column 5 can be rotated about the pivoting axis X until a lateral surface portion thereof is supported in the recess 12a of the seat 12 so that the axis of the column 5 becomes coincident with the transverse axis Y.

[0102] In this position, the column 5 can be inserted in the opening 19 by means of the second end 5b and can slide in the second direction V.

[0103] The inversion of the column 5 in the second configuration S with respect to the first configuration P is substantially a rotation of the orientation of the same column 5 by 90° so that the axis thereof becomes coincident with the second axis Y. Therefore, in a manner generally similar to what has been described for the first configuration P, the column 5 in the second configuration S has the ability to slide in the second direction V between an extended position in which the second end 5b is near the sleeve 110 and a retracted position in which the first end 5a is near the same sleeve 110 (and therefore the cross-member 2).

[0104] The sleeve 110 is engaged in a sliding seat 411 of the levelling element 410 with the ability to slide in the first direction Q between a non-operative position and an operative position. When the sleeve 110 is in the non-operative position, the seat 12 is hidden inside the levelling element 410 while, when it is in the operative position, the seat 12 projects from the levelling element 410 so as to release the seat 12 and make it accessible for engagement with the column 5.

[0105] The tripod 1 further comprises a stop element 18 which is provided on the lateral wall of the sleeve 110 and which is configured to prevent the accidental movement thereof out of the non-operative position.

[0106] In particular, the stop element 18 is in the form of a circular sector and comprises a first portion 18a and a second portion 18b which are substantially planar and orthogonal relative to each other. The stop element 18 can be pivoted with respect to the lateral wall of the sleeve 110 between a blocking position B, in which the first portion 18a projects radially from the sleeve 110 and the second portion 18b is internal or at most flush with the wall of the sleeve 110, and a sliding position R, in which the second portion 18b can freely enter the internal channel 11.

[0107] When the column 5 is in the first configuration P and occupies completely the internal channel 11 of the sleeve 110, the stop element 18 remains in the blocking position B, with the first portion 18a projecting radially from the sleeve 110, the pivoting of the stop element 18 being blocked by the abutment of the second portion 18b with the column 5 (Figure 11).

[0108] At the same time, the second portion 18b not projecting internally towards the sleeve 110 allows the stop element 18 not to interfere with the sliding of the column 5 along the internal channel 11 of the sleeve 110.

[0109] The stop element 18 is positioned at such a distance from the first end 110a of the sleeve 110 that it abuts the levelling element 410 at the side opposite the first end 110a when the sleeve 110 is in the non-operative position, thereby preventing the relative movement of the sleeve 110 inside the levelling element 410 in the first direction Q.

[0110] In the region of the second end 5b of the column 5, there is provided an abutment element 15 which can be retracted and resiliently urged so as to project radially from the column 5.

[0111] However, the abutment element 15 is movable radially inside the column 5 by means of the actuation of a control push-button 16 which is provided in the region of the same second end 5b of the column 5.

[0112] When the column 5 is in the first configuration P, the abutment element 15 prevents the second end 5b of the column 5 from entering the sleeve 110, thereby maintaining the stop element 18 in the blocking position B and preventing the sleeve 110 from moving from the non-operative position.

[0113] By retracting the abutment element 15 inside the column 5, by deliberately actuating the push-button 16, the second end 5b can slide along the internal channel 11, releasing the stop element 18 which can thereby pivot inside the sleeve 110, also allowing the movement of the sleeve 110 in the first direction Q as far as the operative position, where it is stopped by the abutment of the second end 110b of the sleeve 110 (where a blocking ring 110c is provided) against the upper end of the levelling seat 411 of the levelling element 410. When the abutment element 15 arrives in the region of the recess 12a of the seat 12, it is resiliently urged outside the column 5 so as to engage with the inverting element 113 in the region of a seat 113b which is suitably formed therein.

[0114] The engagement of the abutment element 15 with the inverting element 113 allows the sleeve 110 to be actively moved from the non-operative position to the operative position, drawing the column 5 in the first direction Q.

[0115] The lateral wall of the sleeve 110 is formed by a pair of shells 111 which are semi- cylindrical and which face each other and are connected to each other by connection means 112 of the interlocking type. The connection means 112 are formed so as to allow a limited capacity for radially mutual translational movement, in particular so that the sleeve 110 can alternately be retracted or expanded radially, that is to say moving the pair of semi-cylindrical shells 111 towards or away from the column 5 which they surround. In this manner, therefore, it is alternately possible to clamp and release the column 5 in the sleeve 110 by blocking or releasing the sliding thereof, both in the first direction Q and in the second direction V.

[0116] The cross-member 2 further comprises a blocking device 350 which is configured to block the sliding of the column 5 inside the sleeve 110 in a desired position. The blocking device 350 comprises a blocking pin 351 which is threaded and engaged in a screw-like manner in a corresponding threaded hole 355 which is formed in the levelling element 410.

[0117] The blocking pin 351 is secured at a first end thereof to a blocking element 352 which is in the form of a runner and positioned between the levelling element 410 and the lateral surface of the sleeve 110 and at the opposite end with respect to a control member, such as, for example, the handle 353, which is external with respect to the cross-member 2 so as to be freely actuatable by a user.

[0118] In particular, there is provision for the blocking pin 351 to extend in a substantially radial manner with respect to the levelling element 410 perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis W and furthermore to pass through the first portion 21 in the region of a blocking channel 25 which extends substantially parallel with the first direction Q.

[0119] The blocking element 352 is radially movable by the blocking pin 351 against the lateral wall of the sleeve 110 so as to radially contract the pair of shells 111 of the sleeve 110 and to block the sliding of the column 5 inside the sleeve 110.

[0120] A pair of springs 354 confers a predefined thrust on the blocking element 352 against the sleeve 110. The cross-member 2 comprises a first portion 21 and a second portion 22 which are hinged to each other by means of a first pin 24 in such a manner that the first portion 21 can rotate about a rotation axis J with respect to the second portion 22. However, the second portion is fixed with respect to the legs 3 and further secured to an additional third portion 23 of the same cross-member 2 which is positioned at the opposite side with respect to the first portion 21, to which the legs 3 are fixed. The first portion 21, second portion 22 and third portion 23 delimit the central opening 4 of the cross-member 2.

[0121] The first portion 21 is movable with respect to the second portion 22 between a clamping configuration T, in which the first portion 21 is moved towards the second portion 22, and a release configuration 0, in which the first portion 21 is remote from the second portion 22 by means of a clamping device 420.

[0122] The clamping device 420 comprises a rod 440 which is mechanically connected to the first portion 21 and which extends through the second portion 22, a clamping pin 431 which is secured to the rod 440 at the side opposite the first portion 21 with respect to the second portion 22 and a lever 430 which is articulated to the clamping pin 431 and in abutment against the second portion 22 in the region of a cam profile 432.

[0123] By rotating the lever 430 towards the axis Z, the cam profile 432 brings about the movement of the clamping pin 431 away from the first portion 21 and therefore by means of the rod 440 the movement of the first portion 21 towards the second portion 22, defining the clamping configuration T.

[0124] Conversely, by rotating the lever 430 in the direction away from the axis Z, the first portion 212 is moved away from the second portion 22 as a result of the provision of a resilient element which is suitably interposed between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22.

[0125] The levelling element 410 is received in the central opening 4 between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 of the cross-member 2 and has curved walls 412, in particular with a substantially spherical formation, in contact with them. When the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are moved by the clamping device 420 into the clamping configuration T, the levelling element 410 is blocked between them, while, when the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are moved into the release configuration O, the levelling element 410 is free to rotate, at least in a limited manner, with respect to the cross-member.

[0126] The particular, partially spherical shape of the levelling element 410 and the first and second portions 21, 22 in fact defines a sort of spherical joint. In particular, it may be noted that the provision of the blocking pin 351 which extends radially with respect to the levelling element 410 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis W (in other words, the axis of the pin passes through the centre of the sphere which defines the walls of the levelling element) defines a first levelling direction LI about which the levelling element 410 can rotate with respect to the cross-member 2 when the first and second portions 21, 22 are in the release configuration 0.

[0127] Furthermore, the provision of the blocking channel 25 which extends parallel with the longitudinal axis W also allows, when the first and second portions 21, 22 are in the release configuration 0, the rotation of the levelling element 410 about a second levelling direction L2, which is substantially perpendicular both to the first levelling direction LI and to the longitudinal axis W.

[0128] In this manner, substantially, the levelling element 410 can be rotated about any axis which belongs to the plane defined by the first and second levelling direction LI, L2.

[0129] In particular, the levelling element 410 can be rotated with respect to the crossmember 2 through a levelling angle between 0° and approximately 10°.

[0130] The amplitude of the levelling angle is defined by the extent of the blocking channel 25 (for the rotations relative to the first levelling direction LI) and by the relative formation of the levelling element 410 and the cross-member 2 so that the amplitude of the levelling angle may generally vary in accordance with the direction about which the rotation occurs.

[0131] Finally, there is mounted on the levelling element 410 a spirit level 26 for allowing verification of the correct horizontal orientation of the levelling element 410 and consequently of the video-photographic equipment item which is fixed to the column 5.

[0132] The tripod 1 can be advantageously used to adjust the inclination of a videophotographic equipment item which is mounted on the column 5 both in the first configuration P (vertical column) and in the second configuration S (horizontal column) without acting on the positioning or the extension of the legs 3.

[0133] This adjustment operation is preferably carried out after the column 5 has been positioned in the desired configuration with respect to the sleeve 110.

[0134] In particular, if it is desirable to maintain the column 5 in the first configuration P, it is caused to slide in the first direction Q as far as the desired height and then blocked in position by means of the blocking device 350 by acting on the handle 353.

[0135] If instead it is desirable to move the column into the second configuration S, it is first raised completely with respect to the cross-member 2 until the abutment element 15 is in abutment against the second end 110b of the sleeve 110, which is blocked in the non-operative position by the stop element 18 after the abutment element 15 is retracted by acting on the push-button 16 and the column which is further moved in the first direction Q so as to engage with the inverting element 113 with the abutment element 15 and to draw the sleeve 110 into an operative position. In this position, the seat 12 moves out of the levelling element 410 and the column 5 can be pivoted about the pivoting axis X into the second configuration S in order to be received in the seat 12 and to be able to move in the second direction V. Once the column 5 is positioned in the desired configuration with respect to the sleeve 110, it is possible to adjust the orientation with respect to the horizontal plane of the support surface 7. This adjustment provides for the unblocking of the clamping device 420 by acting on the lever 420 so as to bring the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 into the release configuration O and the pivoting of the levelling element 410 about one (or both) levelling direction(s) LI, L2 through a suitable levelling angle Q.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A support tripod (1) for video-photographic equipment, comprising:- a cross-member (2) to which a plurality of legs (3) of the tripod (1) is articulated;- a column (5) at a first end (5a) of which there is defined a support surface (7) for receiving the video-photographic equipment item, the column (5) being engaged in the cross-member (2) with the ability to slide between a retracted position, in which the support surface (7) is near the cross-member (2), and an extended position, in which the support surface (7) is remote from the crossmember (2);- an auxiliary positioning device (10) which is associated with the cross-member (2) and which comprises:- a sleeve (110) including: o an internal channel which is configured to receive the column (5) in engagement, with the ability to slide in a first direction (Q) which is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the sleeve (110), and o a seat (12) which is configured to receive the column (5) in engagement with the ability to slide in a second direction (V) which is substantially orthogonal to the first direction (Q);- a levelling element (410) which is received in the cross-member (2) and which is configured to receive the sleeve (110) with the ability to slide in a first direction (Q) between a non-operative position, in which the seat (12) is at least partially received inside the levelling element (410), and an operative position, in which the seat (12) projects from the levelling element (410) in order to allow the column (5) to slide in the second direction (V); and- a clamping device (420) which is movable between a clamping configuration (T), in which the levelling element (410) is blocked with respect to the crossmember (2), and a release configuration (O), in which the levelling element (410) is free to rotate about at least one levelling direction (LI; L2) which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (Q).

2. The tripod (1) according to claim 1, wherein the levelling element (410) is received in the cross-member (2) between a first portion (21) and a second portion (22) of the cross-member (2), which are mutually secured by the clamping device (420) so as to alternately take up the clamping configuration (T), in which the first portion(21) is moved near the second portion (22), and the release configuration (R), in which the first portion (21) is remote from the second portion (22).

3. The tripod (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the levelling element (410) is engaged with form-fitting connection in the cross-member (2) in the region of walls with a substantially spherical formation.

4. The tripod (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping device (420) comprises a rod (440) which is mechanically associated with the first portion (21) and a lever (430) which is connected to the rod (440) and mechanically associated with the second portion (22) by means of a cam profile (432) so as to move the first portion (21) away from the second portion (22) away from and towards the clamping configuration (T).

5. The tripod (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (21) is hinged to the second portion (22) in the region of a first pin (24) so as to allow the relative rotation of the first portion (21) with respect to the second portion (22) about a rotation axis (J).

6. The tripod (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping device (420) comprises resilient means (441) which are provided between the first portion (21) and the second portion (22) in order to space apart the first portion (21) from the second portion (22) when they take up the release configuration (R).

7. The tripod (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the levelling element (410) is free to rotate about the at least one levelling direction (LI, L2) by an angle (Q) greater than 5°, preferably up to an angle (Q) of 10°.

8. The tripod (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the first portion (21) and the second portion (22) take up the release configuration (R), the levelling element (410) is free to rotate about a first levelling direction (LI) and a second levelling direction (L2) which are substantially orthogonal to each other and to the first direction (Q).

9. A tripod (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve (110)comprises a pair of shells (111) which are radially contractile.

10. A tripod (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crossmember (2) comprises a blocking device (350) which is configured to block the sliding of the column (5) inside the sleeve (110).

11. A tripod (1) according to claim 10, wherein the blocking device (350) comprises a blocking element (352) which is movable away from and towards the sleeve (110) in order to block the column (5) inside the sleeve (110).

12. A tripod (1) according to claim 11, wherein the blocking element (352) is moved away from and towards the sleeve (110) by means of a blocking pin which can be actuated from outside the cross-member (2) and which is received in a manner passing through in a channel (25) which is formed in the cross-member (2).

13. A tripod (1) according to claim 12, wherein the channel (25) extends in the crossmember (2) in a manner substantially parallel with the first direction (Q).

14. A tripod (1) according to claim 13, wherein the blocking pin (351) extends in a radial direction of the levelling element so as to define a first levelling direction (LI).

15. A tripod (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein inside the sleeve (110) and in the region of the seat (12) there is hinged an inverting member (113) in which the column (5) is slidingly engaged, the inverting member being pivotable with respect to the sleeve in order to allow the movement of the column (5) between the sliding in engagement in the internal channel and the sliding in engagement in the seat.

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