Abstract: The present invention in its preferred embodiment, is a collapsable and automatically assemblable shock corded tripod stand (10) constructed of a tetrahedral spider element (18) which acts as the interface between three support legs (12,14 and 16) and vertical member (20). The legs (12, 14, and 16) and the vertical member (20) are formed from multiple first tubes (22) and second tubes (24). The force which holds the device in place and provides the impetus for the automatic assembly is tension provided by a first shock cord (48) and a second shock cord (50). The first shock cord (48) passes from the outermost tube (24) of the first leg (12), through the spider (18), and extends to the outermost tube (24) of the second leg (14). The secon shock cord (50) passes from the outermost tube (24) of the third leg (16), through the spider (18), and extends to the uppermost tube (64) of the vertical member (20).

Abstract: The present invention in its preferred embodiment, is a collapsable and automatically assemblable shock corded tripod stand (10) constructed of a tetrahedral spider element (18) which acts as the interface between three support legs (12,14 and 16) and a vertical member (20). The legs (12, 14, and 16) and the vertical member (20) are formed from multiple first tubes (22) and second tubes (24). The force which holds the device in place and provides the impetus for the automatic assembly is tension provided by a first shock cord (48) and a second shock cord (50). The first shock cord (48) passes from the outermost tube (24) of the first leg (12), through the spider (18), and extends to the outermost tube (24) of the second leg (14). The second shock cord (50) passes from the outermost tube (24) of the third leg (16), through the spider (18), and extends to the uppermost tube (64 ) of the vertical member (20).