Abstract: An instrument supporting crane for supporting a camera or the like, the crane being readily assembled, disassembled, and shipped. The crane includes a boom to which a nose assembly is pivotably coupled, and a base unit to which the boom is pivotably coupled. The boom is preferably constructed of a series of sections such that the length of the boom may be varied, depending upon the application. The boom sections are coupled by complementary channels such that the section slide together. An additional mechanical coupling, such as a screw may be provided. Preferably, the boom is a hollow elongated structure with openings extending therethrough to allow the passage of air to minimize movement of the nose assembly when the crane is used in high winds. A platform assembly having a monitor tray for supporting a monitor may be provided at a tail section of the boom.

Abstract: A leg for a dual stage tripod including a mechanism for actuating the lower lock assembly from the upper end of the leg. The leg includes telescoping upper (46), middle (48), and lower (50) leg portions, and upper and lower lock assemblies for coupling the upper and middle leg portions together, and the middle and lower leg portions together, respectively. An elongated torque shaft (270) extends substantially parallel the upper leg portion, downward from the upper end of the leg to a transfer assembly coupled to the upper end of the middle leg portion. The transfer assembly is coupled to the lower lock assembly disposed at the lower end of the middle leg portion such that rotation of the torque shaft about its longitudinal axis results in an actuating force which actuates the lower lock assembly.