Tripod

This invention relates to a tripod in which the ends of each pair of legs are connected by elastic means to prevent the bending of the legs.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to a tripod for a still camera, a movie camera, a 
video camera or a light etc., particularly to a tripod movable on caster 
wheels. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Currently, a dolly is used to provide easy movement for a tripod. However, 
the dolly is heavy and expensive and restricts the height of the tripod 
because the distance between the legs is determined by its base plate. To 
overcome these defects, caster wheels are provided at the ends of each leg 
for movement. However, bending of the legs occurs, and the height of the 
camera becomes unstable. 
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
The object of this invention is to eliminate this drawback by 
interconnecting the ends of the legs by elastic means such as a rubber 
belt or a springy line. The height of the camera at the head of the tripod 
can be adjusted easily by stretching or contracting the elastic means 
while the elastic means prevents bending of the legs. The height of the 
camera is therefor stable. 
Another object of this invention is to protect a tripod against bending of 
its legs by a light and inexpensive device. 
The above and other features of this invention will be fully understood 
from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in 
which:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
Referring to FIG. 1, in the embodiment of the present invention, 1 is a 
tripod, 2 is a pan head of the tripod 1 for supporting a camera 3 etc. 4, 
4, 4 are legs of the tripod 1 and 5, 5, 5 are caster wheels at the ends of 
the legs 4, 4, 4. In this invention the ends of the legs 4, 4, 4 are 
connected by three elastic strings 6, 6, 6 ("elastic means"). 
As shown in FIG. 2, the end 4a of the leg 4 has an enlargement in which a 
thread hole for inserting the screw of the caster wheel 5 is provided. A 
connecting part 7 is sandwiched between the expansion 4a and the caster 
wheel 5. 
As shown in FIG. 3 the connecting part 7 has a hole 7a for inserting the 
screw of the caster wheel 5 and a pair of slots 7b, 7b for connecting said 
elastic strings 6, 6 at an angle of 60 degrees.