Abstract: A clipping dock for network video cameras includes a primary clip rod, a secondary clip rod, a torsional spring, an actuating button and a cap. The secondary clip rod is stacked on the primary clip rod. The torsional spring is mounted onto the stacked location to enable the primary clip rod and the secondary clip rod to extend or fold elastically relative to each other. The secondary clip rod has ratchet teeth at the stacked location to engage with the actuating button located nearby. The cap covers the stacked location. When the primary clip rod and the secondary clip rod are extended or folded at a desired angle, the actuating button may be moved to engage with the ratchet teeth to form an anchor condition to thereby achieve a self-adjusting function for extending or folding.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A stabilizing device for reducing or eliminating the vibration in an object to allow for easier and more accurate operation of the object. The stabilizing device includes an object bracket, legs, side arms and front arms. The legs and arms move the vibrations away from the object bracket and the object and eliminate or reduce the vibrations. The legs and arms include a core surrounded by damping material. The damping characteristics of the legs, side arms and front arms can be adjusted by selecting damping material having different damping characteristics depending on the type of object to be used with the stabilizing device and the type of vibrations to be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A mount is fixed to the floor of a vehicle, and supports a computer/display unit by means of an indexing cylinder assembly. The computer/display unit can be rotated horizontally in steps about the indexing cylinder assembly so that it can be easily positioned for use by the driver or the passenger in the vehicle. The computer/display unit can be adjusted vertically to suit the needs of the user while not interfering with the user's ability to see the road. The indexing cylinder may be mounted on either side of an upright member so as to provide selection of left or right positioning of the computer equipment. A bearing rod runs up the side of a computer equipment holding frame, and can be used to adjust the pressure point on the dashboard, thereby providing stabilization of the computer equipment.

Abstract: A rotatable payload support turret for operation in a potentially hazardous environment includes a fixed element attached to a vehicle or fixed structure and a rotatable element, supported for rotation with respect to the fixed element. The turret includes a camera payload having a pointing direction configured to be upwardly pointing. An annular clearance gap formed between the fixed element and the rotatable element is sealed by a conventional gas tight magnetic fluid seal element. A wiper seal is also provided in the clearance gap between the location of the magnetic fluid and the external environment to prevent breakdown of the magnetic fluid by elements of the potentially hazardous environment. The clearance gap may also form a labyrinth seal having up to three legs that are oriented to oppose a gravitational force direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stable tripod stand for sensitive optical devices such as telescopes and the like. The tripod may be moved around on wheels which are coupled to casters and when positioned may be secured to the ground to provide an adjustable and highly stable support that significantly reduces the incidence of jitter. The tripod includes a stabilizer member that extends through the casters to selectively engage the ground. The leg members of the tripod have a triangular shape and support links between the platform and the leg members form interlocking triangular supports which reinforce the leg members.

Abstract: The present invention involves a compound bow sound dampening, stabilization and rest device which mounts to the front of a compound bow through the standard stabilizer bar connector ( 5/16-inch by #24 threaded bolt receiver). The bow stabilization device then connects to virtually all camera monopods, bipods and tripods using the camera mounting foot, which is attached through the standard camera connector (¼-inch by #20 threaded bolt). The mounting of the compound bow to the stabilization device through the camera monopod, bipod, or tripod enables freedom of movement and rotation on a variety of axes, while giving the archer the stability and support to make continued accurate placement of an arrow into a target.

Abstract: A side wing support adaptor. The adaptor has an extension wing having an engagement end and an attachment end provided at opposite sides thereof, so as to provide additional space to be hung at a lateral side of the tripod. The attachment end of the extension wing is provided with a fastener for attaching to a four-way locking mechanism that may be mated with add-ons or attachments. The engagement end of the extension wing is provided with an engagement member accommodating an accessory of the tripod. In an embodiment, the engagement member includes the same number of holes as that on a base plate mounted on the tripod platform. In an alternative embodiment, the engagement member includes a substantially circular piece formed with a central opening, and having a first face and a second face opposite the first face each formed with a plurality of meshable teeth.

Abstract: A candle stand for holding and displaying a plurality of candles. The candle stand includes vertical rods that form a rigid tripod structure by attaching at the upper ends of the rods via washers, a pivoting, threaded attachment mechanism, and a threaded handle. The rods support horizontal rings that are provided with individual candle holders. The rods are provided with hooks spaced at intervals. The rings are provided with sets of projecting fingers that form channels. To attach the rings to the rods, the hooks are inserted into the corresponding channels on the rings. This forms an attractive, three-dimensional structure that is sufficiently rigid so as to hold a plurality of candles safely, yet is easily disassembled and collapsed into essentially flat components for easy shipping or storage.

Abstract: Portable stand, in particular a portable stand for holding and supporting video cameras, photo-cameras and other optical recording devices, consisting of an oblong basic body; a lower handle mounted to the lower end of the basic body by a first holding element, wherein the lower handle exhibits a fixing hook which engages a pin device of the first holding device and the fixing hook has an at least in parts threaded pin extension for receiving a first forked joint and a fixing screw, wherein the fixing screw is led through a grip surface of the first handle and the first forked joint is pressed onto or released from the first holding element through turning of the grip surface, in such a way that the position of the first handle is adjustable and fixable as desired; an upper handle mounted by a second holding element between the lower and the upper end of the basic body, wherein the upper handle exhibits a fixing hook engaging a pin device of the second holding element and the fixing hook has an at least in pa

Abstract: A device for attaching a retaining member (1) for an optical apparatus (2) to a support (3) includes a screw (11) for securing the retaining member (1) to the support (3) and having a conical head (13) countersunk in the retaining part of retaining member, and a key connection (12) for aligning the retaining member (1) with the support (3) and secured in place by the screw (11).

Abstract: A tripod (1) for the support of apparatus in general and, in particular, of optical or photographic apparatus and the like is described and comprises a spider (3) in which a plurality of legs (2) converge and a pillar (12) arranged to receive the apparatus and having a stem (11) housed in a seat (4) of the spider, the seat extending through a pivotably adjustable element (21) of an articulated joint (22) formed in the spider.

Abstract: A plate is detachably mounted on a portable support capable of holding a beverage and other accessories, especially eating utensils.

Abstract: An omni-positional camera mount for the photographing of small objects (24). The mount has a support (4) to hold an object to be photographed. A first frame (9) is pivotally mounted to the support such that the first frame can pivot on a first pivot axis (12). A second frame (15) is mounted to the first frame (9) such that the second frame can pivot on a second pivot axis (18) which is at right angles to and passing through the first pivot axis. A camera stage is on the second frame. The support (4) can include a turntable and a mounting post. The turntable (4) rotates on a axis which passes through the meeting point (20) of the first and second axes.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an balanced camera tripod head that comprises: a base element (4); a tiltable arrangement (2) that is linked with the base element (4) so as to be rotatable about a tilt axis (N) and that can be rigidly linked with a camera system; and a device for compensating for a tilt moment that occurs when the head is tilted which comprises at least one spiral spring (3) that rests with its one end on the base element (4). The device for compensating for the tilt moment comprises a follower device (5) that is mounted on the tiltable arrangement (2) at a distance to the tilt axis (N) and that deflects the spiral spring (3) when the camera system is tilted. Said spiral spring (3) exerts a substantially sinusoidal restoring moment on the tiltable arrangement and thus on the camera system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a side wing support adaptor, comprising: an extension wing having an engagement end and an attachment end provided at opposite sides thereof, so as to provide additional space to be hung at a lateral side of the tripod. The attachment end of the extension wing is provided with a fastening means for attaching to a four-way locking mechanism that may be mated with add-ons or attachments. The engagement end of the extension wing is provided with an engagement means accommodating an accessory of the tripod. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the engagement means includes the same number of holes as that on a base plate mounted on the tripod platform, so that the engagement means can be properly fastened to the base plate by way of screws. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the engagement means includes a substantially circular piece formed with a central opening, and having a first face and a second face opposite the first face.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An optical workstation comprising an optical breadboard supported by a frame, the frame comprising a plurality of upstanding legs interconnected by laterally extending cross-beams, the cross-beams defining a space into which the optical breadboard is received and laterally enclosed. By laterally enclosing the optical breadboard with the cross-beam frame elements, side protection for the optical breadboard is provided, thus protecting it from lateral impacts against which conventional damping mounts are not effective. In addition, since the cross-beams are part of the frame structure, they provide a stable and rigid platform for mounting optical and other components at the very edge of the workstation outside the optical breadboard area. Anchor points in the cross-beams are provided for this purpose.

Abstract: A panhead (11) has a rotational body (21), which can be adjustably rotated around a horizontal rotation center axis (X), and a camera mount (41) adapted to revolve, as an integral body with the rotational body (21), around the rotation center axis (X) of the rotational body (21). When the camera mount (41) is set at a first position by rotating the rotational body (21) in one direction, at least a part of the camera mount (41) is located higher than the upper end portion of the rotational body (21). When the camera mount (41) is set at a second position by rotating the rotational body (21) in the other direction, the entire camera mount (41) is located lower than the upper end portion of the rotational body (21).

Abstract: A hand held support for hand held cameras includes a first frame having a hand grip and a pivot mount spaced from the hand grip; a second frame pivotally mounted to the first frame at the pivot mount, and a camera mount on the second frame disposed below the pivot mount and adjustable to position the center of gravity of the camera relative to the pivot so that the camera remains in the desired level orientation upon pivoting of the support. An additional feature included adjustable weights on the frame and alternatively on the camera to adjust the center of gravity of the camera relative to the pivot axis of the inner frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a camera stand head comprising a device (17, 18, 19, 20) for attenuating a tilting movement, and a device for compensating gravity torque occurring during the tilting movement. The device for compensating the gravity torque comprises at least one first, fixed bearing (4), at least one second bearing (5) which is connected to an inclinable part, and at least one torsion spring (7) having adjustable torsion rigidity. Said torsion spring is arranged between the bearings (4, 5) and comprises at least one spring bar (8), the axis of the spring bar being spatially offset in relation to the central axis (15) of the torsion spring (7). The characteristic curve (torque over angle of rotation) of the torsion spring extends essentially in a sinusoidal manner.

Abstract: A chair having a seat plate supported by legs, the seat plate having a top side with two concaves therein below where a seated person's hip bones project and optionally an additional concave rearward of the two concaves and below where the seated person's coccyx projects. The positions of the concaves are selected to be where a performer on a drum is likely to be seated when playing a drum while seated. The two concaves may be circular or may be elongated in the forward-rearward direction. The seat plate may be circular or it may be a bicycle seat shaped with downward and outward sloping concaves for the femoral thigh regions at the sides and toward the front.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: For quick fixation of a connection plate (2) fastened to a device to a tripod head (1), the tripod head (1) has on the upper side a groove (3) into which the connection plate (2) is insertable with one side. Further, a clamping jaw (5) is provided that engages over the opposite side of the connection plate (2) in the closed position. The clamping jaw (5) is fastened so as to be tiltable about an axle (8) parallel to the connection plate plane to a slider (9) that is displaceable by pressure with the connection plate (2) against the force of a spring (11), it being locked by a bolt (14) loaded with springs (23) when the clamping jaw (5) tilted onto the connection plate (2) in the closed position.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a base frame which provides support, a extensible telescoping mast with camera mounts to elevate a video camera to a higher vantage point, an operator control assembly which allows the user to manually aim the video camera which is beyond his reach, and a display for the user to view the output from the video camera. This gives the operator an advantageous vantage point and field of view during sporting events, social functions, photojournalism, crowd control and the study of nature, to name only a few applications. Embodiments of the invention may additionally comprise a camera control module to remotely control the electronic functions of the camera (e.g. zoom) and an optional sunscreen to shield the display from direct sunlight.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable laptop computer work station comprising a first work space that includes a planar table of rectangular cross section having an upper surface for receiving a laptop computer, such upper surface terminating in a lip along one of the long sides of the table, and a lower surface fitted a Tee-shaped receiver having a pair of longitudinal legs parallel to the lip at the upper surface and a transverse leg normal to the lip. The planar table is threadably attached at its lower surface to a receiver pad of a conventional camera tripod and provides for additional work spaces to be mechanically supported therefrom via the Tee-shaped receiver.

Abstract: A plant stand designed to be mounted on a railing of a structure, such as a deck, is provided. The plant stand includes a generally vertical frame having a proximal end connected to a base plate. A clamp connected to the base plate is designed to selectively clamp a railing of the structure between a body of the clamp and the base plate. A plurality of plant supports are coupled with the frame for supporting plants thereon. In first and second embodiments of the plant stand, the plant supports are spaced apart from and coupled with the frame via support arms. In the second embodiment, the support arms are adjustable by way of a plurality of brackets secured to legs of the frame.

Abstract: Sight mounting devices may be utilized in combination with sighting devices such as sighting scopes, camcorders and camera. The sight mount device has an elastomeric mounting plate adapted to receive a variety of sighting devices. The sight mounting device is compact as it has a retractable shoulder stock extension that can be retracted and extended as needed. The sight mounting device is highly versatile in that it can be held like a rifle and can be mounted to a variety of devices such as a bipod, a tripod and a window mount.

Abstract: The present invention is an emplacement stand for holding explosive ordnance disposal tools that comprises a support base having tapered pegs evenly spaced around the outside of the support base extending outward at a downward angle. Detachable legs may be attached to the tapered pegs or each other to increase the height of the support base. A pivot arm slides through a hollow bearing ring within the support base and a set screw connector locks the pivot arm into a specific desired position after moving the pivot arm up or down within the support base. A pivot base, having a tool cradle connected to a disc shaped surface attaches to a clevis slot within the pivot arm through a pin that allows the disc shaped surface to freely pivot about the pin within the slot. A second set screw connector locks the disc shaped surface into place within the clevis slot.

Abstract: A surgical instrument tray support assembly for attachment to a surgical table having a table frame and at least one side rail secured to the table frame. The surgical instrument tray support system includes a bracket for attachment to the side rail for supporting a post in a generally upright position. A top tube is slidably mounted over the post. Completing the assembly is a frame for supporting a surgical tray, and a bracket for attaching said frame to the top tube.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a camera mounting tripod having a huh with three legs hinged at one end thereof to the huh at equi-spaced locations around the hub to swing between a folded condition in which the legs lie alongside one another and an erect position in which the legs diverge from one another. An automatic releasable latching device is provided on one of the legs to engage end housings on the other two legs to hold the legs in the folded position.

Abstract: A tripod/telescope assembly including a tripod structure and optical tube-fork-base structure removably connected to one another by a conical central opening formed in an upper structure of the tripod and a complementary conical structure extending from a lower portion of the optical tube-fork-base. The tripod has three equally spaced legs pivotally extending downward from the upper structure of the tripod head. The tripod structure and optical tube-fork-base structure are disassembled and reassembled by a hand knob that has a central threaded fastening shaft extending through the complementary conical structures. The hand knob and complementary conical structures establish a stable, rotatable platform and allow the tube-fork-base structure of the telescope to be quickly separable from the tripod structure for transportation purposes.

Abstract: A tripod having support legs which automatically open and close when the tripod is placed on a support surface and removed from the support surface, respectively, and having a self-contained battery. The tripod includes a telescopic center post, a plurality of downwardly extending support legs, a plurality of coupling links pivotally attached at one end to a bottom end of the center post and pivotally attached at the other end to the support legs, and a battery positioned within a hollow center of the center post. The pivotal attachment of the coupling links to the support legs is offset towards an outer edge of the support legs to bias the support legs outwardly and facilitate the automatic opening of the support legs. The outward biasing of the coupling links and support legs allows the support legs to close to a vertical position parallel and adjacent to the center post while allowing the legs to automatically open when the tripod is placed on the support surface.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An equipment support stand for mounting and positioning photographic, motion picture and video accessories and the like. A riser comprising a plurality of telescoping shafts is coupled to lower, center and upper support legs which, when activated, will position the riser vertically relative to the mounting surface. Each support leg is integral with a respective positioning sleeve, the center and upper positioning sleeves being rotatably coupled about the lower end of the riser. Each positioning sleeve includes at least one engagement surface which is adapted to interface with the adjacent positioning sleeve or sleeves. When engaged, each of the three support legs are angularly spaced from adjacent support legs by 120° of arc. The center positioning sleeve may be secured to the riser in the engaged position. In the closed state, the center and upper support legs may be rotated about the riser and be placed in a co-planar relationship with the lower support leg to facilitate storage and transport.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Accessory trays supported between the legs of a camera tripod. In a first embodiment, a semicircular tray having side walls is supported on the stabilizing arms or the end cap of a camera tripod and is attached to the lower portion of the center post by a retaining device. In a second embodiment, two semicircular trays are supported on the stabilizing arms of a camera tripod and surround the center post. In the second embodiment, each semicircular portion has a recess into which the center post fits. In this second embodiment, the semicircular portions are attached to each other in a variety of ways.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to accelerate and simplify the mechanical fixation of a camera to a tripod plate. To this end a camera is first mounted with one end on the tripod plate. The camera is held at said end of the tripod plate such that it can carry out substantially only a rotational movement around the holding point. Finally, the camera is fixed by an automatic locking means when being mounted at its rear end.

Abstract: A first stopper supporting member (31), supporting a stopper (35) which controls movement of a second tubular member (22) of a telescopic unit (15) along a first tubular member (21), is disposed around the outer surface of the first tubular member (21). A second stopper supporting member (31a), supporting a stopper (35) which controls movement of a third tubular member (23) along the second tubular member (22) is disposed around the outer surface of the second tubular member (22). A facing end (71) of the first stopper supporting member (31) and a facing end (72) of the second stopper supporting member (31a) have nearly the same outer diameter. The resulting telescopic unit (15) is both attractive in appearance and free from the problem of being inadvertently caught by another object.

Abstract: An adjustable camera mounting device or bracket is disclosed. The camera mounting device includes a base member having a curved recess portion which receives a camera mounting member having a complementary curved configuration. A spring-biased pressure member and oppositely positioned guide members are mounted within the curved recess portion of the base member and are received within a complementary groove in the camera mounting member permitting the camera mounting member to be rotatably movable within the base member. Spaced-apart pressure members provided within the base member apply a compressive force to the camera mounting member permitting the camera mounting member to be rotatable within the curved recess portion of the base member and to be grippingly retained after the desired orientation of the camera has been attained.

Abstract: The tripod attachment for attaching a pair of binoculars to a tripod has a friction force producing member providing friction force to hold the pair of binoculars at any desired position with respect to an attachment body when fastening a screw member to the pivot of the pair of binoculars and at the same time to allow the entire pair of binoculars to rotate around the screw member only when certain external force is applied to the pair of binoculars. Therefore, the horizontal correction of the pair of binoculars can be performed only by rotating the pair of binoculars; thus, the tripod attachment can be easily handled. When performing the horizontal correction of the pair of binoculars with the tripod attachment, external rotating force is applied to the pair of binoculars so that the entire pair of binoculars rotates around the screw member against the friction force.

Abstract: An adjustable sprinkler stand including a sprinkler mount which is supported by three support rod sets and is provided with a threaded through hole for engaging at the top end thereof with a sprinkler and at the bottom end thereof with a water supply tube in conjunction with a connection seat slidably fitted over the water supply tube. The support rod sets are adjustable and formed of an outer tube, an inner tube slidably fitted into the outer tube, and a leg tube fitted into the inner tube. The outer tube and the inner tube are provided with a locating member which is pivoted with one end of a connection rod such that other end of the connection rod is fastened pivotally to the connection seat.

Abstract: A camera mount for supporting a camera in a motor vehicle in which an elongated tubular body supports a pivotally mounted camera with the tubular body attached to headrest supports in a seat of a vehicle with the camera disposed substantially centrally relative to a central axis of the vehicle beyond a view point of an eye of an occupant of the seat nearest the centerline of the vehicle such that the imaging apparatus is unobstructed for receiving images by use of the seat.

Abstract: A portable tripod support beneath a portable notebook computer for a seated computer user. The support comprises a platform with spider-like foldable support arms having relatively folded parallel and unfolded flat coplanar positions. Fasteners on the ends of the unfolded arms are releasably secured to the computer near its corners. The platform is releasably connected to a head of an adjustable-height folding tripod with the platform plane tipped toward the user for optimum access to the computer's keyboard. One tripod leg is pointed toward the user to minimize interference between the tripod legs and the users feet when the support is positioned in front of a user seated as an aircraft passenger. Each tripod leg has an upper main leg member and at least another telescoping member for leg length adjustment.

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.

Abstract: A support apparatus for portable computers utilizes a plurality of legs removably coupled to a pedestal that incorporates a storage compartment within which the plurality of removable legs may be stored when not in use. By incorporation of a storage compartment within the pedestal, the overall bulk of the support apparatus is reduced, and furthermore, the removable legs are retained in such a manner that all components of the support apparatus can be transported as a unit.