Legs Pivoted To Head Patents (Class 248/168)
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Publication number: 20070152114Abstract: Provided is a stand for a display device, which can reduce volume in the delivery of the display device and can adjust the rotation angle thereof. The stand includes: a display device; a support connected to a lower portion of the display device; a pivot block connected to be operable with respect to the support; a rear base connected to the pivot block; a swivel disposed in a contact portion between the pivot block and the rear base such that the pivot block is pivotally rotated; and a front base connected to be operable with respect to the rear base.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2006Publication date: July 5, 2007Inventor: Chi Young Choi
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Patent number: 7182303Abstract: A stabilizser for tripods and the like. The stabilizer includes a rod for each tripod leg, arranged for connection on one side to the corresponding leg and converging, on the other side, in a common connection. The rods each comprise at least two rod members slideable telescopically one with respect to the other in an axial direction, and an arresting component for reversibly locking the rod members one with respect to the other according to the pre-selected adjustment, wherein the arresting component is of a unidirectional type, active in only one direction between the rod members for releasably blocking their relative axial sliding in one direction and for permitting free axial sliding in the opposite direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2002Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Lino Manfrotto + Co. S.p.A.Inventor: Paolo Speggiorin
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Patent number: 7137608Abstract: A unique collapsible apparatus for supporting an article; the apparatus has at least a first, second, and third leg assembly, an upper end of each leg assembly pivotally secured to extend from an upper support member in a generally symmetrical fashion. A lower end of each leg assembly pivotally secured to extend from a lower support member (which may be in the shape of a collar). Each leg assembly has a unique hinge-fitting interconnecting a first and second elongated subassembly; a hinge-fitting may comprise a first and second extension pivotally enjoined. Each hinge-fitting permits a pivot range of rotation; preferably, this pivot range may be up to 90-degrees, up to 170-degrees, or just under 180-degrees. The elongated subassemblies may each be comprised of a plurality of telescoping tubular sections adapted for interlock. The telescoping tubular sections of an elongated subassembly may be sized for interchangeability with telescoping tubular sections of another elongated subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Inventor: Kevin E. Willey
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Patent number: 7000875Abstract: A tripod (1) has at least one tripod leg (2) consisting of three telescopically guided segments (5–7) for length adjustment. Rotation of one of the segments (6, 7) fixes the adjusted length of the tripod leg (2).Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Swarovski Optik K.G.Inventors: Ludwig Pernstich, Benno Miller, Henry Freisinger
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Patent number: 6843015Abstract: A bipod for a firearm, or other equipment utilizing a multiple-leg pod, is provided that features easy, snap-apart and snap-together legs and snap-on and snap-off connection of the bipod to a ball or knob on the firearm or other equipment. The legs are preferably received in bores/holes in the bipod body and, during snapping in and out, the legs move past protrusions that restrict movement of the legs between different lobes of the bores/holes. The ball joint formed between the ball/knob and the main body of the bipod serves as preferably the only connection that moves during use by the shooter. As the shooter swivels, tilts, or pans the gun, the ball/knob attached to the firearm moves in the top socket of the main body of the bipod, with the legs being stationary relative to the main body.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Inventor: Ronnie L. Sharp
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Patent number: 6824319Abstract: A tripod particularly for use in optical and photographic applications. The tripod includes a spider having a main axis, at least three legs converging in the spider and articulated upon the spider, and a support in the spider for supporting a column. Provided in the support are components for placing the column and for removably locking the column in at least two positions in which the axis of the column is angularly inclined with respect to the main axis of the spider.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Lino Manfrotto + Co. S.p.A.Inventor: Paolo Speggiorin
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Patent number: 6820844Abstract: A miniature tripod is mounted in a hollow handle of a main tripod for joint use therewith for increased versatility, as well as for removal therefrom for individual use.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: The Tiffen Company LLCInventors: Ira Tiffen, Leigh E. Boden
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Publication number: 20040155159Abstract: A miniature tripod is mounted in a hollow handle of a main tripod for joint use therewith for increased versatility, as well as for removal therefrom for individual use.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Ira Tiffen, Leigh E. Boden
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Patent number: 6702482Abstract: The invention provides a fast-deployable light-weight tripod, comprising a center support for supporting a load, provided with three peripheral hinge members, three multi-stage telescoping leg assemblies each attached to one of the hinge members, each leg assembly comprising at least two compression-resistant members interconnected by a telescopic joint, at least one cam locking unit associated with each telescopic joint, each locking unit having a first engaged position preventing relative axial movement which would shorten the length of the leg assembly, and a second disengaged position wherein the assemblies are free to move in either axial direction, each locking unit being urged towards its engaged position for automatic locking of the tripod in its deployed position with the cam locking being effected by pressure on the cam unit from its associated extended leg; and further comprising a hand accessible release element for each leg assembly for independently releasing the at least one cam locking unit asType: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Nitzan Kimichi and Dror TishlerInventor: Daniel Sherwin
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Patent number: 6688566Abstract: A support for surveying equipment and the like has telescoping legs and a locking system including a clamp for locking the legs in a selected position of extension. The two telescoping leg members making up each leg have wedge formations which engage over a wide surface when clamped together to facilitate locking. The clamp is formed to actively release from locking the leg members which the clamp is unlocked. The leg members are particularly constructed to permit surveying tools or other objects to be permanently or replaceably mounted on the legs. A hinge connection of the legs permits them to pivot together in a collapsed position is formed in a unitary fashion with one of the leg members for additional strength. The hinge also holds the leg member to facilitate interlocking the leg members at a selected position of extension.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Crain Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Ronnie D. Everly, Larry W. Essex, Ralph C. Mize, Jerry L. Williamson
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Publication number: 20030234327Abstract: To provide a tripod in which downsizing can be easily realized. A tripod comprises: a main tripod body; a camera supporting rod capable of rising and falling; rotatable legs; and operating bodies for adjusting the opening degree of the legs. These operating bodies are provided so as to be shiftable in the left and right direction without protruding upward from the upper surface of the main tripod body. These operating bodies each have an operating plate portion which shifts in the horizontal direction approximately along a plane including the upper surface of the main tripod body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2003Publication date: December 25, 2003Applicant: Nihon Velbon Seiki Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koichiro Nakatani
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Patent number: 6631877Abstract: A surveying equipment support leg used with a support for supporting surveying equipment and the like is capable of mounting alternate ground engaging structures without removal of an existing foot on the leg. Attachment of the alternate structure is made rigidly at two points of connection on the foot. Other accessories such as weights to hold down the support can be attached. In particular, a spike may be attached to deeply penetrate the ground for use in certain soil conditions. The foot is molded and accurately adhered to the leg. As used together with other legs in a support, the foot is capable of attaching the legs together in a collapsed position for storage and transport of the support. The leg is connected to a head of the support in a sealed hinge which prevents damage to the hinge resulting in loss of rigid stability to the support.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Crain Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Ronnie D. Everly, Larry W. Essex, Ralph C. Mize, Jerry L. Williamson
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Publication number: 20030178538Abstract: A tripod has an extensible strut for improving the stability thereof by tying the strut to a sturdy object. In another aspect of the invention, a method of using a tripod includes attaching the tripod to a sturdy object. In another aspect of the invention, a novel caster wheel mechanism permits easy relocation of the tripod. In another aspect of the invention, a multifunction support is provided. In yet another aspect of the invention, a tool rack is provided supported by the tripod.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventors: Kenneth J. Hasloecher, Simon Raab
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Publication number: 20030150964Abstract: A container with brackets secured thereto, for supporting adjustable legs for pivotal movement between a retracted position and an extended position in which they support the container, is disclosed. The container, especially a five gallon bucket, is provided with a plurality of brackets for supporting at least three legs for pivotal movement between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position, with a lock for locking the legs in the extended position. Preferably, the legs comprise telescoping members with locks for locking the members in a variety of relative positions. The brackets have a container sidewall flange, which is positioned against a sidewall of the container, at least one container bottom flange, which is positioned against a bottom of the container, and two leg support flanges, which extend outwardly from the container sidewall flanges and a container.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2002Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Lanny Sherer, Kris Sherer
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Patent number: 6579017Abstract: A tripod is constructed to include a platform unit, which enables the platform thereof to be adjusted horizontally through 360°, a support unit for enabling the platform unit to be adjusted to the desired tilting angle, the support unit having a rear leg pivoted to a center post thereof, and a mounting leg unit adapted for securing the support unit to a tree, table top, or the like, the mounting leg unit having a short leg and a long leg adapted for making a scissors action, a clamping foot member pivoted to the short leg, a lock adapted for locking the legs, and an adjustment screw adapted for moving the clamping foot member relative to the long leg.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Inventor: David Wei
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Patent number: 6499705Abstract: A multi-purpose support structure comprises at least four retractable erection tubes and a set of two scissors type connecting rods provided between two abutted erection tubes alternatively pivoted at their centers with the upper and the lower ends of each erection tube being pivoted to the cross connecting rods to form a rectangular frame, the frame may be connected to another one by means of T-shaped pivoting holders to incorporate fixing members to hold in position a piece of canvas on the top surface of the frame or insertion of a container to provide a rack or an accommodation space to receive objects.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Inventor: Ming-Liang Tsai
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Patent number: 6494419Abstract: A stand to support an object has a bottom frame and two side frames. The side frames are each pivotally attached to opposite ends of the bottom frame with a pair of pivot pins. The pairs of pivot pins are located at different heights. A clasp is mounted on each side frame to detachably engage the bottom frame. When the clasps are released from the bottom frame, the side frames can be pivoted relative to the bottom frame. The stand is foldable. Because the side frames are respectively pivotally attached to the bottom frame by pairs of pivot pins at different heights, one of the side frames can overlap the other side frame. The size of the stand is reduced. Transporting and storing the stand become more convenient.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Inventor: Lucas Pai
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Patent number: 6494416Abstract: A support device for golf bag comprises an elongate attachment means secured to the golf bag, the attachment means including an enlargement on either end; a leg pivotal on either end of the attachment means and including a sleeve having an extension, and a joint including a top coupling member and a recessed portion such that the coupling member is fitted into the enlargement and pivotably secures the leg to the attachment means; a rod including two upper hooks each secured to the extension and a lower pivotal member; a base having a recess on the underside of a cut-out portion; and a support means including a flexible member, an L-shaped member secured to the pivotal member and an abutment member conformed to the recess. Upper part of flexible member is secured between recess and abutment member, while lower part thereof is secured to horizontal portion of L-shaped member.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Inventor: Bae-Luh Wang
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Patent number: 6450464Abstract: A satellite dish stand for providing a transportable stabile base for mounting a satellite dish. The satellite dish stand includes a pipe member with a lumen extending between an upper end and a lower end such that the upper end is designed for receiving a post of a satellite dish, an upper collar fixedly coupled to the pipe member, a lower collar coupled to the pipe member, a plurality of leg members each with an upper portion coupled to the upper collar, and a plurality of leg support struts coupled to extend between the lower collar and an associated one of the leg members.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Inventor: Elbert Lee Thomas
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Patent number: 6435460Abstract: A folding detachable stand for a portable tool that is used on a job site. The stand has front and rear legs connected in a scissor relationship on right and left sides. Rear braces extend from an intermediate portion of the rear legs to a central portion of a platform or a central portion of a portable bending brake. Quick connect pins and brackets are used to assemble elements of the stand together.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Van Mark Products CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Van Cleave, Eugene G. Eichhorn
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Patent number: 6425558Abstract: A metal frame structure designed to fit and attach on top of a half height ISO open top container. This extends the vertical height to which general cargo can be loaded and secured in a half height open top container. The cargo extension frame also serves as a securing structure for cargo items of irregular sizes and shapes or in circumstances where the upper portion of a cargo item may be top heavy or difficult to block and brace. When the cargo extension frame is not in use, the four vertical legs can be folded parallel to the underside of the left and right side longitudinal rails to facilitate handling and storage.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Inventor: George D. Saunders
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Publication number: 20020088914Abstract: A guitar stand has a rear support frame, a first front leg, a second front leg, an adjusting seat, an upper block connected to the rear support frame, the adjusting seat connected to the upper block, the first front leg and the second front leg, a first bracket disposed on the first front leg, and a second bracket disposed on the second front leg.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventor: Ming-Ti Yu
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Publication number: 20020056794Abstract: A stand comprising a camera tripod and a support tray for reading material and laptop computers. A quick-release mechanism allows for quickly attaching the tray to, and detaching the tray from, the tripod. The tray may have a flat base and a lip which prevents articles from rolling off the tray. Apertures in the tray allow access to the locking mechanism. A handle aperture in the tray allows for ease of carrying the device. The tray has articulated extension arms for supporting oversized papers. The tripod may be equipped with an accessory tray fastened between the legs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Inventor: Zafar Y. Ibrahim
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Patent number: 6347773Abstract: A shop support stand for slidingly supporting a generally horizontally moving workpiece, such a length of wood, at a preselected height as a work operation, such as sawing, routing, milling or planing, is performed on the workpiece. The shop support stand can receive a moving dropped end of the workpiece and ramp the dropped end to the preselected height. The shop support stand includes a base and a ramp having a convex surface. The ramp mounts with the base, and the convex surface includes an upper portion for slidingly supporting the workpiece at the preselected height and a lower portion for slidingly ramping the dropped end of the workpiece to the upper portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Inventors: Raymond N. Gross, Thomas F. Laprade
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Publication number: 20020005390Abstract: The present invention is directed to a free-standing rack for hanging and supporting scuba diving or other wet equipment when not in use and particularly during cleaning, drying and storage thereof. The rack includes at least three support legs extending from a top point and a plurality of dive equipment holders attached to at least one of the supporting legs at points along its length. The rack of the present invention provides a free-standing and inherently stabile structure which can be easily collapsed for storage when not in use and quickly and easily expanded for use in a variety of locations. The rack is highly storable and portable in its collapsed state but is also movable in its expanded state, even with equipment supported thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventors: Jeffrey Alan DeRocher, Robert Eugene Jackson
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Patent number: 6311857Abstract: A stand for supporting items, such as clothing or recreational equipment, is formed of three or four hockey stick-shaped supports, which are fastened to the sides of a block, with the curved striking surfaces at the top. If three supports are used, the block has a cross section of an equilateral triangle, and if four such supports are used, the block has a square cross section. Wells are formed on the top and bottom of each block, forming walls with a slightly arcuate slot formed in each wall at the top of the block. Bolts passing through the walls at the bottom of the block and the supports attach the supports to the block. Bolts passing through the supports and the slots at the top of the block assist in securing the supports to the block but permit the supports to pivot around the lower bolts by an amount permitted by the length of the slots. When the supports are held parallel to each other, the assembly is in position for storage or carrying.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Inventor: Omar Al-Darraji
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Patent number: 6286795Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Autocue, Inc.Inventor: Joel W. Johnson
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Patent number: 6257555Abstract: A device for extracting stumps and poles from the ground. The device includes a pair of legs each having an upper end and a lower end. A pivot pin, adapted to suspend a winch above the ground, hingedly joins the legs together at their upper ends. A pair of ground-engaging feet are secured to the lower ends of the legs and extend laterally therefrom. A flexible connector selectively connects the feet together and may be retracted into one of the legs.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: David Michael Barbara
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Patent number: 6168123Abstract: A golf bag with integrally formed, automatically retractable golf bag stand is provided including a golf bag having a rigid open top and a rigid closed bottom with a tubular intermediate portion therebetween. The top is open for the positioning of golf clubs therethrough for support on the bottom and within an interior space of the intermediate. The bag further includes a pivotal foot pivotally coupled to the bottom of the bag. A pair of legs are pivotally coupled with respect to the bag. The legs have lower ends adapted to support the bag in a tripod orientation in association with the bottom of the bag. A pair of actuation rods have upper ends pivotally coupled to the legs and lower ends coupled to the pivotal foot at the bottom of the bag.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Louis Cobi Stein, Chuck Heidenreich
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Patent number: 6164843Abstract: The tripod includes a spider for the articulation of the legs and a support mounted in the spider with a first seat coaxial with the principal axis of the tripod and a second seat with an axis substantially perpendicular to the first seat so that a column of the tripod can be housed alternatively and removably either in the first seat or in the second seat.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Lino Manfrotto & Co., S.p.A.Inventor: Gilberto Battocchio
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Patent number: 6068224Abstract: A camera supporting structure comprises a plurality of flexible legs (2) each of which has a leg supporting member (3) at an end thereof, a first member (4) and a second member (5) arranged parallel to each other at a spaced interval for supporting said flexible legs, and a camera attaching screw (1) for attaching the camera to the first member and the second member, said first member being placed adjacent to the camera attached and having an inner screw (42) engaging with said camera attaching screw. By screwing the camera attaching screw into the inner screw, the leg supporting members are supported between the first member and the second member. The camera is screwed onto the camera supporting structure by the camera attaching screw and abutted onto a setting place by bending the flexible legs. The flexible legs are adjustably bent to support the camera that is oriented toward a subject of the photograph.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Inventor: Kengo Horiuchi
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Patent number: 6007032Abstract: A microphone stand assembly includes a leg base that has a number of legs each having an end pivotally connected to a lower end thereof. A post includes a lower tube having a lower end connected to the leg base, an upper tube slidably received in the lower tube, and a first clamping sleeve for holding the upper tube in place relative to the lower tube. A pivotal base includes a seat secured to an upper end of the upper tube and including a first through hole therein. The pivotal base further includes a connecting block including a section pivotally connected to the seat and a second through hole defined therein. A holder rod is slidably extended through the first through hole, the second through hole, and the upper tube. The holder rod is removable from the first through hole and the upper tube. A second clamping sleeve is provided to hold the holder rod in place relative to the upper end of the connecting block. A microphone holder is secured to the upper end of the holder rod.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Inventor: Hua Tsung Kuo
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Patent number: 6007259Abstract: A monopod body is constructed such that inside pipes having smaller diameters sequentially are extensibly inserted into an outside pipe in a telescopic fashion and a bracket to which a panhead is attached is fitted into the upper end of the outside pipe. Two auxiliary legs whose lengths are substantially equal to the shortest length of the monopod body when the monopod body is contracted most are pivotally attached to the bracket so that the two auxiliary legs can be rotated with an inclination of a predetermined angle. Therefore, the monopod for supporting a camera or the like can be served also as a tripod.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1992Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Akinari Mori, Koichiro Nakatani, Renjiro Okano
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Patent number: 5887835Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopic stand comprising at least three telescopic units per stand leg, wherein a clamping device which can be actuated via just one clamping lever per stand leg is provided at two fixing locations (A, B) of the central stand unit. For this purpose, the clamping device is connected together at the two fixing locations (A, B) by an actuating bar (42). This considerably simplifies the stand's handling in that far fewer clamping levers with respect to the prior art have to be actuated.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Sachtler AGInventors: Dieter Hein, Leonhard Jaumann
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Patent number: 5887531Abstract: A collapsible table includes a tabletop having a center leaf, intermediate first and second end leaves. First and second pairs of support arms and support legs are pivotally mounted about an axle depending from the center leaf. The arms and legs of each pair are pivotal about the axle in opposed directions between a first collapsed position and a second functional position. The support arms at the second position position the leaves attached thereto in a coplanar relationship with the center leaf. At their functional position the support legs provide underlying support to the center leaf. Slots in the arms and legs engage a key depending from the center leaf so as to maintain the arms and legs at their functional positions. A spring bias on the axle further urges the slots against the key with the weight of the center leaf urging the key into the slots. Upon lifting the center leaf the keys disengage the slots which allows the arms and legs to pivot to their collapsed positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Inventor: Robin J. Covill
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Patent number: 5791623Abstract: An easel and a camera tripod in combination where the camera tripod has a universal mounting plate, the position of which is adjustable. The combination also includes an easel having a central carriage bracket for attachment to the camera tripod, a top and bottom bracket each having a surface for engaging a canvas or other planar medium. The easel includes a plurality of pairs of extension rods, one pair of which is adjustably fastened to the carriage bracket and the top bracket and another pair of which is adjustably fastened to the carriage bracket and the bottom bracket to thereby define a canvas support plane engaging the undersurface of the canvas. The top and bottom brackets engage opposing sides of a canvas. At least one of the top and bottom brackets includes a pressure knob for adjustably engaging the canvas side.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1997Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Inventor: Michael C. Louridas
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Patent number: 5772164Abstract: A tripod including a tripod head supported on tripod legs and formed of two symmetrical half shells and defining a ball socket between the half shells, a camera platform adapted for holding a camera and having a ball at the bottom mounted in the ball socket of the tripod head, a hexagon nut mounted within a hexagonal hole in one half shell of the tripod head, a lock screw inserted through a respective mounting hole in each half shell of the tripod head and threaded into the hexagon nut and then screwed up with a cap nut, wherein turning the lock screw in one direction causes the two half shells of the tripod head to be released from each other for permitting the ball of the camera platform to be turned to the desired angle; turning the lock screw in the reversed direction causes the ball of the camera platform to be firmly retained in the ball socket of the tripod head in position.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Inventor: Wei-Hong Shen
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Patent number: 5769370Abstract: A knocked-down portable geodetic surveying station in kit form is disclosed which utilizes a GPS antenna attached to the top portion of a surveyor's stake, or other type monopole. By positioning the bottom portion of the monopole directly upon a desired ground location, and adjusting the angular position of the monopole so that it is precisely vertical, the GPS antenna may be quickly and accurately positioned level and directly above the desired ground location. The GPS antenna and monopole are designed to be used in conjunction with a newly designed geodetic surveying tripod which can be quickly and conveniently set up to support the monopole in its vertical position directly above the desired ground location.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Javad Positioning, LLCInventor: Javad Ashjaee
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Patent number: 5749549Abstract: A portable geodetic surveying station is disclosed which utilizes a GPS antenna attached to the top portion of a surveyor's stake, or other type monopod. By positioning the bottom portion of the monopod directly upon a desired ground location, and adjusting the angular position of the monopod so that it is precisely vertical, the GPS antenna may be quickly and accurately positioned level and directly above the desired ground location. Additionally, because the monopod has a known, fixed length, the height of the GPS antenna above the desired ground location will always be a constant, and will not vary from one survey point to the next. The GPS antenna and monopod are designed to be used in conjunction with a newly designed geodetic surveying tripod which can be quickly and conveniently set up to support the monopod in its vertical position directly above the desired ground location.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1995Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Javad Positioning, LLCInventor: Javad Ashjaee
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Patent number: 5746407Abstract: A tripod includes a vertically movable center column dividable into an upper column member and a lower column member. A lower flange on a lower end of the lower column member prevents the center column from slipping off the tripod when fully extended. When a user removes the lower column member for an activity such as low-angle photography, a number of stopper protrusions prevent the upper column member from slipping off the tripod. When the user reattaches the lower column member, the stopper protrusions disengage to permit free movement of the center column. The present invention thus allows low-angle photography, provides a wide range of vertical motion of the center column, and prevents the user from accidentally damaging a camera when the lower column member is removed.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: Nihon Velbon Seiki Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koichiro Nakatani
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Patent number: 5735497Abstract: A self-leveling mount or platform, particularly for optical and surveillance equipment in rapid deployment systems which can be set up quickly and easily. The mount preferably employs a normally-on brake which is released by actuation of a solenoid. An assembly of equipment, which includes the self-leveling mount or platform, is mounted by a support tube on a spherical bearing, with the center of gravity of the assembly being positioned a given distance below the center of the spherical bearing. When the brake is momentarily released, gravity forces the center of gravity of the assembly to assume the lowest possible position relative to the center of the spherical bearing, which aligns the attached mount or platform horizontally. This self-leveling feature can be activated locally or remotely, and prevents image tilt when optical surveillance instruments are mounted on the platform, and are used to pan (rotate) about the platform's vertical axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1995Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: Edwin G. Haas, Edward V. Sullivan
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Patent number: 5647565Abstract: A tripod including a hinge plate pivotally connecting a left front leg and a right front leg capable of side displacement and arranged in an overlapping manner, a rear leg having a fork in an upper end thereof for accommodating the hinge plate when the tripod is not in use, and a camera platform pivotally joined together with the hinge plate and the rear leg by means of a pivot rod. The camera platform, the rear leg and the hinge plate may displace with the pivot rod as their common pivot. A knob is locked to an extreme end of the pivot rod to lock and position the hinge plate, the rear leg and the camera platform after their angles have been adjusted and set.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1996Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Inventor: David Wei
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Patent number: 5632459Abstract: A stand for a camera comprises a tripod which pivotally supports a camera mounting pillar 8. The camera mounting pillar 8 is formed with a pivoting lockable joint 18 which allows the camera to be positioned with a greater amount of flexibility at levels close to the ground than is possible with just a ball joint. The camera mounting column 8 and one of the tripod legs can be separated from the stand and joined together to form a monopod which can be folded about the pivoting joint 18 for compact carriage.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1995Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Inventor: Kenneth S. Brett
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Patent number: 5551655Abstract: A portable tripod of the kind in which first, second and third telescopic legs are hinged to a head portion and each telescoping leg has a fixed tubular leg member and at least one telescoping leg member slidably mounted therein. The fixed tubular members of the first and second legs are interconnected by telescoping bracing means to form a leg assembly the two legs of which have two degrees of swinging freedom. There are provided backpacking means on the leg assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1993Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: The State of Israel, Ministry of Defence, Rafael Armament Development AuthorityInventor: Yossef Berger
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Patent number: 5513784Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier device for appliances such as video cameras, which device facilitates the stable support of a video camera, in use. The device includes two carrier members that are pivotally connected at one of their ends, whereas their opposite ends are connected by a flexible strap element whereby the carrier members can be held in an operative configuration in which an acute angle is defined between them. A mounting structure is located on one of the carrier members at its pivotally connected end, permitting a video camera to be mounted on the carrier device and use of the camera by holding the carrier device against the shoulder of a person with the strap element abutting the shoulder. In this configuration the video camera can be conveniently directed at a target, whereas a part of its mass is effectively carried by the person's shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Inventor: Andries L. Pretorius
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Patent number: 5505415Abstract: A tripod of the kind in which the head comprises an arcuate bolt on which the legs are pivoted, the pivots being spaced apart by wedges carried on the bolt. A pillar guide for an article supporting sliding pillar (14), and constructed from symmetrical half-shells, is also pivoted on the head and the pillar has rings for carrying straps (114) at each end. The leg pivots are offset from the axes of the three respective legs so as to facilitate folding the tripod into as compact an assembly as possible which is easy to carry as the center of gravity of the folded assembly can be adjusted by moving the pillar (14) in the pillar guide (18).Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1994Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Inventor: Kenneth S. Brett
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Patent number: 5452872Abstract: Various embodiments of a stabilizer system for portable irrigation equipment are shown and described. Each embodiment includes a stabilizer which attaches to a vertical riser and has two legs that pivot independently to opposite sides of the main pipe of the irrigation line to be firmly planted on the ground for holding the riser upright to achieve optimum irrigation sprinkling. Preferably, the stabilizer attaches to the riser by means of a horizontal spring clip that frictionally engages the riser. Preferably, the two legs pivot about 180 degrees for making easier the installation and storage of the stabilizer and for making easier the moving of the irrigation lines. Optionally, the stabilizer system may include a retainer for holding the legs in a collapsed position close to the riser to make easier the moving and storing of the irrigation lines with the stabilizer remaining attached.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1994Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Inventors: Hersel E. Barnes, Mitchell D. Barnes
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Patent number: 5407155Abstract: A device is provided for supporting a golf bag having support legs extended and retracted as required. The device has an upper hinge bracket fixed to an upper portion of a golf bag, a lower hinge bracket fixed to a lower portion of the golf bag, a support leg assembly having an upper hinge element, an offset actuating lever pivotally connected to the lower hinge bracket and having a lower hinge element, and an actuating assembly pivotably connected between the upper hinge element and the lower hinge element. The offset actuating lever is pushed upwardly by contact with the ground so that support legs are extended by the upward movement of the actuating lever and the rods when the golf bag is tilted toward the support legs on the ground while the support legs are retracted by its own weight when the golf bag is erected.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignees: Soon Ja Lee, YounJoung LeeInventor: Chang K. Chung
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Patent number: 5390885Abstract: A locking mechanism for a portable tripod of a Q-Pad comprises a casing assembly jointly assembled by a lower casing and an upper casing. At least three legs are rotatable attached to the casing assembly. The casing assembly further includes a retaining cutout. A supporting body defines a supporting surface for supporting a camera is pivoted at the cutout of the casing assembly. The casing assembly further includes a locking mechanism wherein the supporting body can be held a desired angle with respect to the casing assembly when the locking mechanism is held in the locked position. The supporting body can be released when the locking mechanism is held in the released position.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1994Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Inventor: Jack Shen
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Patent number: 5383634Abstract: A collapsible guitar stand which includes a top member having two bottom holes spaced by a bottom frame, two front legs pivotably connected to either bottom hole of the top member, a back leg pivotably connected to a longitudinal groove on the bottom frame, and two supporting rods respectively and pivotably connected to oblong holes on the front legs to hold a guitar on the front legs. The guitar stand is collapsed by turning the supporting rods upwards toward the front legs, moving the front legs inward toward each other, and moving the back leg forward toward the front legs.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1993Date of Patent: January 24, 1995Assignee: Hwa Shin Musical Instrument Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsun-Chi Liao