Abstract: An adapter, for use with items such as cameras and camera accessories, the adapter having a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion comprising means adapted to receive and engage with a clamp stud of an item to be connected to the adapter, the upper portion comprising a platform assembly comprising means adapted to attach to another item above the adapter, wherein the lower portion comprises a stud catch mechanism, and wherein the stud catch mechanism is adapted to be connected to the said clamp stud when the stud catch mechanism is in an engaged state and to be not connected to the said clamp stud when the stud catch mechanism is in a disengaged state, the stud catch mechanism having one or more stud catch plates adapted to be moveable into and away from the recess of the clamp stud in use.

Abstract: A releasable connection arrangement, suitable for releasably connecting two items, wherein a base portion comprises a clamp stud and a head portion comprises a stud catch mechanism, and wherein the clamp stud and stud catch mechanism are adapted to be connected to one another when the stud catch mechanism is in an engaged state and to be not connected to one another when the stud catch mechanism is in a disengaged state, the stud catch mechanism providing a substantially frictional connection between the stud catch mechanism and the stud catch when the stud catch mechanism is in the engaged state, the stud catch mechanism comprising a stud catch plate adapted to be moveable and a stud release lever adapted to move the stud catch plate axially towards and away from the clamp stud in use, so that the stud catch plate can engage and disengage the clamp stud in use.

Abstract: A head assembly for a tripod comprising a head portion and a bowl portion releasably connectable to one another, the bowl portion having a clamp stud and the head portion having a stud catch mechanism, wherein the stud catch mechanism is adapted to be releasably connectable to the clamp stud, and wherein the head assembly further comprises an adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the connection between the head portion and the bowl portion when the head portion and bowl portion are connected to one another.

Abstract: A head assembly for a tripod comprising a head portion and a bowl portion releasably connectable to one another, the bowl portion having a clamp stud and the head portion having a stud catch mechanism, wherein the stud catch mechanism is adapted to be releasably connectable to the clamp stud, and wherein the head assembly further comprises an adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the connection between the head portion and the bowl portion when the head portion and bowl portion are connected to one another.

Abstract: A leg spreader (10) for a tripod comprising at least two portions (12, 14) selectably moveable with respect to one another along an axis; a first portion comprising a latch (16) and a second portion comprising an engagement region (18); the latch being releasably engageable with the engagement region, the latch being moveable by an actuator (20) between an engaged position in which the portions are substantially non-moveable with respect of one another and a disengaged position in which the portions are moveable with respect to one another; wherein the latch is biased towards the engaged position.

Abstract: A leg spreader (10) for a tripod comprising at least two portions (12, 14) selectably moveable with respect to one another along an axis; a first portion comprising a latch (16) and a second portion comprising an engagement region (18); the latch being releasably engageable with the engagement region, the latch being moveable by an actuator (20) between an engaged position in which the portions are substantially non-moveable with respect of one another and a disengaged position in which the portions are moveable with respect to one another; wherein the latch is biased towards the engaged position.

Abstract: A foot having a base portion and a handle, the handle being pivotally attached to the base portion at a first end and including a gripping portion at a second end, said handle further comprising a centrally deployed securing member attached to the gripping portion, the handle being movable between a first position in which the foot is removable from a leg and a second position in which an end of the securing member is secured within a securing recess in the leg portion whereby the foot is secured to the leg.

Abstract: A foot having a base portion and a handle, the handle being pivotally attached to the base portion at a first end and including a gripping portion at a second end, said handle further comprising a centrally deployed securing member attached to the gripping portion, the handle being movable between a first position in which the foot is removable from a leg and a second position in which an end of the securing member is secured within a securing recess in the leg portion whereby the foot is secured to the leg.

Abstract: A pan and tilt head for supporting a payload such as a TV, video or motion picture camera comprising a base and a tiltable support including a platform for receiving a payload pivotally mounted on the base to tilt about a horizontal axis to either side of a neutral position in which the platform is generally horizontal. A balancing mechanism for the platform includes an adjustable spring mechanism mounted on the base to enable a pre-load in the spring mechanism to be varied and means coupling the tilting support to the spring mechanism. Adjustable mounting for one end of the spring mechanism includes an upright post mounted on the base and having rotary height adjustment. A manually operable rotary thumb wheel is mounted on the base for rotation about an upright axis.

Abstract: A pan and tilt head provides rotation for a T.V., video or cine camera supported on the head in pan and tilt axes. The head has first rotary damping means for controlling pan movement of the head and second rotary damping means for controlling tilt movement of the head. Both rotary damping means comprises a first rotary damper which generates a rotary damping torque which increases at a progressively reducing rate with angular velocity and a second rotary damper which generates a rotary damping torque which increases linearly with angular velocity. For each axis of movement of the head, one of the rotary dampers provides a permanent damping mode and the other rotary damper provides a selectable damping mode. A mechanism is provided for coupling the rotary dampers together in parallel to combine the damping torques imposed on movement of the head when required.

Abstract: A pan and tilt head for supporting a payload such as a TV, video or motion picture camera comprising a base and a tiltable support including a platform for receiving a payload pivotally mounted on the base to tilt about a horizontal axis to either side of a neutral position in which the platform is generally horizontal. A balancing mechanism for the platform includes an adjustable spring mechanism mounted on the base to enable a pre-load in the spring mechanism to be varied and means coupling the tilting support to the spring mechanism. Adjustable mounting for one end of the spring mechanism includes an upright post mounted on the base and having rotary height adjustment. A manually operable rotary thumb wheel is mounted on the base for rotation about an upright axis.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a spreader mechanism for supporting the legs (11) of a tripod erect, comprising a hub (13) having a central axis, three arms (14) pivotally mounted on the hub at positions equi-spaced around the hub to swing with respect to the hub axis between extended and folded positions. A drive mechanism (19, 22) coordinates movement of the arms so that all three arms remain in the same relationship to the hub axis throughout the range of movement of the arms, and a locking device (26, 29, 30, 31, 32) locks the drive mechanism against movement at any position throughout the range of movement of the arms. The locking device may be released held by a push button operated mechanism (50, 51, 36, 34) to allow adjustment of the spreader member and the holding means is deactivated to allow engagement of the locking device to lock the arms in a selected position of adjustment.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a spreader mechanism for supporting the legs (11) of a tripod erect, comprising a hub (13) having a central axis, three arms (14) pivotally mounted on the hub at positions equi-spaced around the hub to swing with respect to the hub axis between extended and folded positions. A drive mechanism (19, 22) coordinates movement of the arms so that all three arms remain in the same relationship to the hub axis throughout the range of movement of the arms, and a locking device (26, 29, 30, 3, 32) locks the drive mechanism against movement at any position throughout the range of movement of the arms. The locking device may be released held by a push button operated mechanism (50, 51, 36, 34) to allow adjustment of the spreader member and the holding means is deactivated to allow engagement of the locking device to lock the arms in a selected position of adjustment.