Patent ID: 6467738
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: F16M,G02B

Abstract:
A tripod/telescope assembly, comprising:(A) a telescope having a base having an upper support surface and a conical support extending downward about an axis, with a hole opening at a surface opposite said upper support surface and extending along said axis, a fork mounted on the upper support surface of said base, and an optical tube mounted on the fork; (B) a tripod containing: a tripod head having a central conical opening formed therein, said conical opening formed to accommodate said conical support of said base, and three legs pivotally mounted on the tripod head; and (C) means for removably securing said base to said tripod head, said means having a hand knob and a member extending through the central conical opening with means for releasably engaging the hole opening in said base, said hand knob, member and means for releasably engaging the hole arranged such that rotating the hand knob in a first direction pulls the conical support in the direction of said axis into a secure engagement with the central conical opening.