Abstract
A multipod and monopod apparatus are described. The multipod apparatus includes a plurality of legs forming a leg assembly wherein each leg assembly includes a yoke foot, a base including a leg lock plate coupled to the plurality of legs with a securing mechanism configured to apply pressure to the leg lock plate to secure each leg at a desirable angle. Each leg assembly includes washboard track, leg length adjuster saddle, adjuster lever and adjuster spring. An apparatus for securing a component to a monopod comprises a monopod flip tip assembly including cap section, base section and tether ring, wherein the cap section is coupled to the base section by the tether ring, wherein the cap section includes a tether ring groove for releasable engagement with the tether ring, and wherein the base section includes a port for engaging with the monopod and a stud for engaging with the component.
Claims
1. An apparatus for supporting a component, the apparatus comprising: a. a plurality of legs, each of the plurality of legs formed as a leg assembly wherein each leg assembly includes an upper leg section and a lower leg section, wherein each lower leg section includes a yoke foot; b. a base coupled to the upper leg sections of the plurality of legs and including a leg lock plate; and c. a securing mechanism engaged with the leg lock plate of the base and configured to apply pressure to the leg lock plate so as to secure each of the plurality of legs at a desirable angle.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the yoke foot is a swing foot.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each swing foot is formed with a swing foot pivot assembly coupled to the lower leg in a way that allows the swing foot to be moved with two degrees of rotation.
4. An apparatus for supporting a component, the apparatus comprising: a. a plurality of legs, each of the plurality of legs formed as a leg assembly wherein each leg assembly includes an upper leg section, a lower leg section; wherein each leg assembly includes an upper leg washboard track, a leg length adjuster saddle, a length adjuster tab, a leg length adjuster lever and a leg length adjuster spring; b. a base coupled to the upper leg sections of the plurality of legs and including a leg lock plate; and c. a securing mechanism engaged with the leg lock plate of the base and configured to apply pressure to the leg lock plate so as to secure each of the plurality of legs at a desirable angle.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the lower leg section includes a top body and a bottom body, wherein the leg length adjuster saddle is engaged with the top body.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the upper leg section includes a plurality of rails arranged to engage with the top body and the bottom body of the lower leg section.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base is a clamshell base formed of a top clamshell base and a bottom clamshell base.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the top clamshell base and the bottom clamshell base are configured to form a bottle opener.
9. An apparatus for securing a component to a monopod, the apparatus comprising: a monopod flip tip assembly including a cap section, a base section and a tether ring, wherein the cap section is coupled to the base section by the tether ring, wherein the cap section includes a tether ring groove for releasable engagement with the tether ring, and wherein the base section includes a port for engaging with the monopod and a stud for engaging with the component.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the component may be selected from a camera, a monopod or a multipod.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a removable threaded female-to-female adapter.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1A is a side view of an example multipod in the form of a tripod in the closed position according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 1B is a side view in an open position and all legs extended to maximum length according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the center support enclosure according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of the center support enclosure with legs folded upward according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3B is a sectional plan view of the center support enclosure according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4A is a close up of the leg length adjustment mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4B is a sectional plan view of the leg length adjustment mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the leg tip, pivoting spoon foot and pivoting stake in closed position according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the leg tip with pivoting spoon foot rotated according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of an alternative pivoting stake of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 5D is a top view of the alternative pivoting stake of FIG. 5C.
[0024] FIG. 5E is a side view of the alternative pivoting stake of FIG. 5C.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a side view of the tripod of FIG. 1A in an alternate closed position according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a monopod tip assembly of the present invention with the cover flipped out 180 and the threaded stud exposed.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the monopod tip assembly with the cover closed and the threaded stud hidden.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective exploded view of the monopod flexible hinged cover and the monopod tip base.
[0029] FIG. 10 a perspective view of the underside of the monopod tip base with the hinged cover flipped out 180.
[0030] FIG. 11 is side view of the monopod tip base with the flexible cover flipped out 180.
[0031] FIG. 12 is side view of the monopod tip base with the flexible cover fitted over the top of the mounting stud.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective exploded view showing the attachment protrusions of the flexible cover which mates with the monopod tip base.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a side view of an alternate swing foot assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a sectional elevation view of an alternate swing foot assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of an alternate swing foot assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 17. is a perspective exploded view of an alternate leg length adjustment mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 18. is a perspective view of an embodiment of the center support enclosure with the inclusion of a bottle opener.
[0038] FIG. 19. is a perspective view of an alternate monopod tip assembly of the present invention with the cover flipped out 180 and the stud exposed.
[0039] FIG. 20. is a side view of the alternate monopod tip assembly of the present invention with the cover flipped out 180 and the stud exposed.
[0040] FIG. 21. comprises multiple views of the base section of the alternate monopod tip assembly of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 22 is a plan view of the alternate monopod tip assembly with the cap separated from the base.
[0042] FIG. 23 is side view and bottom view of the cap of the alternate monopod tip assembly.
[0043] FIG. 24 comprises multiple views of a female-to-female coupler of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1B, 2 and 3B, a multipod structure in the form of a tripod 70 in accordance with the present invention is shown and includes a clamshell base 74, a platform disk 24, a multi-threaded shaft 14 with mounting stud 28, a leg lock plate 18, a securing mechanism 16, and a plurality of legs 72. In the example described herein, the tripod 70 has such legs 72. It is to be understood that the leg configurations described herein may be used with a support structure that has two or more legs, not limited to three. The clamshell base 74 has two half shells, top clamshell base 10 and bottom clamshell base 12, connected with fasteners which, when assembled, forms a pivotable receptacle for the tripod legs 72. An upper leg section 20 of each of the legs 72 terminates in an axle configuration that pivots within the pivotable receptacle of the clamshell base 74.
[0045] The securing mechanism 16, which may be threaded, applies pressure to the leg lock plate 18 and locks each leg 72 at a desired angle. The securing mechanism 16 includes a threaded knob coupled to the multi-threaded shaft 14 but other means of applying pressure may be used including cam locks, screws or other methods. In one embodiment, the leg lock plate 18 is made of ABS plastic, but aluminum, steel or other materials may be used. The leg lock plate 18 contacts the upper leg 20 using interlocking gear teeth, but knurled surfaces, roughened surfaces, tacky rubber surfaces or other friction generating materials and methods may be used. Other components of the present invention such as, for example, the pivot plate 60, also may be formed of various materials including those used to make the leg lock plate 18. The geometry and structural shape of the clamshell base top 10 and the clamshell base bottom 12 may be configured to include one or more bottle opener arrangements 140 as shown in FIG. 18 for the user to remove a bottle cap from a bottle.
[0046] The leg assembly 76 includes the upper leg section 20 and a lower leg section 34, a leg length adjuster collar 38, a length adjuster tab 40, leg length adjuster pin 42 and leg length adjuster spring 44. Depressing the tab 40, disengages the tab 40 from upper leg washboard track 32 allowing lower leg length adjustment. Releasing the tab 40 into any washboard track depression secures the leg in the new chosen position. The track 32 may be formed of a series of detents, raised ridges, protrusions or other shapes may be used.
[0047] In an alternate embodiment of the lower leg section 34 as shown in FIG. 17, the leg length adjuster collar 38 is replaced by a leg length adjuster saddle 138, which forms part of the lower leg section 34. The lower leg section 34 configured to use the saddle 138 includes a top body 135 and a bottom body 137 that are joined together. The bottom body is configured to enable the track 32 to move therein. The top body 135 is configured to contain the leg length adjuster saddle 138. A leg length adjuster spring 136 of the saddle 138 applies a force upon leg length adjuster lever 134 to keep tab 40 engaged with the track 32 where selectably positioned. The leg length adjuster saddle 138 may be used to move the lower leg section 34 with respect to the upper leg section 20 so that the track 32 is substantially hidden from view when the legs are retracted. The top body 135 may be concave shaped as shown or otherwise configured to engage with the leg length adjuster saddle 138. The tab 40 is disengaged from the track 32 when the leg length adjuster lever 134 is actuated. The length of the lower leg section 34 can be smoothly changed to a desired position with respect to the upper leg section 120 and then the lever 134 released to re-engage the tab 40 with the track 32. The upper leg section 20 may be modified to include rails that engage with the top body 135 and the bottom body 137 of the lower leg section 34 to facilitate movement of the lower leg section 34 on the upper leg section 20.
[0048] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6 illustrate a spoon foot assembly 80 of the tripod 70. Spoon foot 50 is coupled to lower leg 34 with a spoon foot pivot assembly that may be, for example, a bolt and nut combination with one or more washers, at a tightness amount that allows the spoon 50 to be pivoted to various angles. Detents 58 on spoon perimeter allow for locking of the spoon at various rotational angles when a detent encounters the detent spur 64. Pivoting stake 60 is fastened to spoon foot yoke 52 with a pivoting stake fastener assembly that may be, for example, a bolt and nut combination with one or more washers, tightened to an amount that allows the stake to be rotated and set at various positions. In one embodiment, the stake is made of a nonmetallic material such as a plastic including ABS plastic, for example. Other materials such as metallic materials such Aluminum, steel or other materials may be used. A secondary mounting stud 78 shown in FIG. 3B, allows for the attachment of a second camera or accessory.
[0049] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 5A and 6 show the pivoting stake 60 as a triangular spike with an elongated teardrop slot 61 extending a substantial portion of the stake body. An alternative embodiment of the pivoting stake 60 is shown in FIGS. 5C-5D, in which a body 90 of the stake 60 includes a smaller elongated teardrop slot 91, as well as retaining ports 92-94, of which one or more may be threaded as represented by ports 92 and 94, or one or more may be unthreaded as represented by port 93. The alternative pivoting stake 60 may be used to secure the tripod 70 to a substrate, such as by screwing it using one or more threaded ports as an interface, or by bolting or other means through one or more unthreaded ports. One or more of the legs 72 may include the alternative pivoting stake 60.
[0050] The matter of using the multipod of the present invention starting in a closed configuration as closed tripod 70 in FIG. 1A to support one or two cameras or accessories, is initiated by loosening the securing mechanism 16 (FIG. 3B), which allows the tripod leg assemblies 76 (FIG. 1B) to swing freely away from each other and placed in the desired position at angles independent of one another. The securing mechanism 16 is then tightened which engages the interlocking gear teeth 30 and 22, (FIG. 3B) or knurled or rough or rubber surfaces at the point of contact. Next, the leg length rocker tab 40 (FIG. 4A) is grasped with thumb and fore finger and pressed, disengaging rocker tab 40 from track 32 or detents, raised ridges, protrusions or other repeated shapes. This flexes the leg length adjuster spring 44 or rubber bumper or another spring-like device. The lower leg 34 is then extended to the desired length. The rocker tab 40 is then released and the spring 44 returns the rocker tab to the engaged position inside the selected detent, raised ridge, protrusion or other repeated shape. The spoon foot 50 (FIG. 5A) may be pivoted by slightly flexing the spoon foot material to disengage spoon foot 50 detent 58 from the detent spur 64 (FIG. 6).
[0051] After pivoting the spoon foot 50 to the desired detent 58 position, the spoon foot detent 58 is mated to the detent spur 64. The pivoting stake 60 (FIG. 5A) which is connected to the spoon foot yoke 52 with the spoon foot fastener assembly 56 may be tightened or loosened with a hex head wrench to produce the desired amount of pivot friction. Rotating the pivoting stake 60 to the desired angle is achieved by grasping the pivoting stake 60 and pulling it away from the spoon foot assembly 80 and releasing it at the desired angle. The tripod 70 may be closed in an alternate configuration (FIG. 6) by rotating the three or more tripod leg assemblies 76 to the point where the respective spoon foot yokes 52 make contact. The securing mechanism may then be tightened which engages the interlocking gear teeth 30 and 22, (FIG. 3B) or knurled or rough or rubber surfaces at the point of contact. Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and features of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only. Changes may be made in the details, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
[0052] FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 illustrate an alternative swing foot 130 of the tripod 70. Swing foot 130 is coupled to lower leg 34 with a swing foot pivot assembly 132 that may be, for example, a bolt and nut combination with one or more washers, at a tightness amount that allows the swing foot 130 to be moved with two degrees of rotation. In one embodiment, the swing foot 130 is made of rubber material, but plastic, steel or other materials may be used. The swing foot pivot assembly 132 may be tightened or loosened with a hex head wrench (or other adjusting tool) to produce the desired amount of rotational friction. Pivoting stake 60 is fastened to swing foot 130 with a pivoting stake fastener assembly that may be, for example, a bolt and nut combination with one or more washers, tightened to an amount that allows the stake to be moved through two degrees of rotation and set at various positions. In one embodiment, the stake 160 is made of a nonmetallic material such as a plastic including ABS plastic, for example. Other materials include metallic materials such as, without limitation, aluminum, steel or other metallic materials.
[0053] The present invention in the form of a monopod tip 100 with concealable stud 102 is shown in FIGS. 7-13. The tip 100 includes a cap section 104 and a base section 106. The cap 104 includes a tip cap 108 hingedly connected to cap body 110. FIG. 7 shows the monopod tip 100 with the cap flipped off and away to reveal the concealable stud 102. FIG. 8 shows the monopod tip 100 with the tip cap 108 secured so that the tip cap 108 covers the stud 102. FIG. 9 shows the cap section 104 removed from the base section 106. The tip cap 108 is hingedly connected to the cap body 110 so that it is tethered to the cap body 110, such as with a pliable or flexible material such as a thin and/or soft plastic material in the form of anchor interface 120. FIG. 10 shows a base portal 122, of which there may be one or more around the perimeter of the base section 106. The base portals 122 are configured to allow for the passage of string, line, rope, elastic, bungee and other flexible materials to secure the monopod tip 102 to the monopod when deployed on the monopod. FIG. 11 is a side view of the monopod tip 100 with the tip cap 108 flipped out 180. FIG. 12 is a side view of the tip cap 108 secured to the stud 102. FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the underside of the cap section 104 and the base section 106. The underside of the cap section 104 includes engagement wedges 124 arranged for frictional fitting into cavities 126 of the base section 106 when the two sections are pressed together during assembly. Other mechanisms for permanently or removably securing the cap section 104 and the base section 106 together are possible.
[0054] An alternative version of the monopod tip assembly 108 shown in FIGS. 19-23, may be configured to attach to the base section 106 by means of, but not limited to, a threaded fastener connection 148 or frictional fit insertion. The tip cap section 104 tether 142 may terminate in a tether ring 144 which interlocks with the cap body 110 via a tether ring groove 146 around the circumference of the cap body 110. The fit between the tether ring 144 and the tether ring groove 146 is loose enough to allow the tether ring 144 to be rotated freely when screwing and unscrewing the cap section 104 and tight enough to hold the tether ring 144 securely within the tether ring groove 146. The cap body 110 is configured for frictional fit insertion into an interior 112 of a top side 114 of the base 106. The cap 104 may be disengaged from the base 106 in this configuration. That may be desirable if the cap 104 is to be replaced or a connector other than the concealable stud 102 is to be used on the monopod. The base 106 includes a bottom side stud 116 arranged for removable engagement with a top surface of the monopod; however, other ways for engaging the base 106 with the monopod are possible. An exterior surface 118 of the base 106 may be knurled to allow for ease of rotation of the tip 100 on the monopod, or removal of the tip 100 from the monopod.
[0055] FIG. 24 shows an optional female-to-female adapter 150 that can be used to secure together a plurality of monopods and/or multipods. The adapter 150 is engaged with the stud(s) on a typical monopod or multipod structure. The adapter 150 may, for example, be used in conjunction with the stud 102 of assembly 108. The adapter 150 is formed with a body 152 and opposing ports 154 for receiving and engaging the studs. The adapter 150 may be effectively utilized as a means by which to extend the reach of any multipod or tripod structure.
[0056] While example embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that various modifications and changes could be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
