Patent ID: 6702482
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: F16M,G03B

Abstract:
A fast-deployable light weigh tripod, comprisinga) a center support for supporting a load, provided with three peripheral hinge members; b) at least three multi-stage telescoping leg assemblies each attached to one of said hinge members, wherein each leg assembly comprises a first compression-resistant member, a second compression-resistant member, and third compression-resistant member, wherein said first and second compression-resistant members are interconnected by an upper telescopic joint, and said second and third compression-resistant member are interconnected by a lower telescopic joint wherein each leg assembly comprises: c) a first cam locking unit associated with said upper telescopic joint and a second cam locking unit associated with said lower telescopic joint, wherein when said first and second cam locking units are engaged, said leg assembly is extendable but is not retractable, and when said first and second cam locking units are disengaged, said leg assembly is both extendable and retractable, wherein said first and second cam locking units are urged towards their engaged position for automatic locking of said tripod in its deployed position; d) a hand accessible release element arranged to disengage said second cam locking unit, wherein said hand accessible release element is connected to a linkage, and said linkage is arranged to disengage said first cam locking unit when said hand accessible release element disengages said second cam locking unit; and e) a first shoe positioned between said first cam locking unit and said leg assembly, and a second shoe positioned between said second cam locking unit and said leg assembly, wherein said first and second shoes are adapted to reduce an amount of stress applied to said leg assembly by said first and second cam locking units, respectively.