Abstract:
An adjustable tripod stand having independently adjustable legs that includes an upright tube member for supporting an object, such as a drum, at its upper end. Independently movable collar members slidably mounted on the upright member and longitudinally adjustable relative to and past one another and to an upright portion for selective positioning thereon. A releasable fastener on the collars secures them to the upright member at selected positions. Three movable leg members are connected at their upper ends, two to one of the collar members and one to the other collar member. Movement of the collar members permits the stand to be erected in limited or confined areas. The stand preferably includes a leg extender member slidably mounted on the exterior one of the leg members, which is movable a selected distance permitting the stand to be positioned on different levels, such as stairs.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of applicant&#39;s application Ser. No. 10/345,891 filed Jan. 16, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,588,228 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to tripod stands, and more particularly to an adjustable tripod stand for supporting various articles wherein the tripod stand has independently adjustable movable legs for installation on the steps of a stadium or auditorium. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Tripod stands are desirable for supporting various articles and instruments since they provide selective height adjustment and a stable support. They are particularly useful is supporting such things as cameras, video equipment, telescopes, surveying instruments, and musical instruments. Tripod stands for drums, however, raise special problems when used on steps or stairs of an auditorium or stadium. 
   There are several patents that describe various adjustable tripod stand devices. Bruneau U.S. Pat. No. 1,517,825 shows a tripod support for a table having adjustable legs. 
   Ley U.S. Pat. No. 1,894,695 shows another tripod support for a table having adjustable legs. 
   Boehm, U.S. Pat. No. 3,570,130 discloses a holding device for surveying instruments which includes a channel-like mounting bracket with a pair of instrument gripping clamps and a pair of adjustable legs thereon which cooperate with the instrument to form a tripod type support for supporting the instrument in a reference position. 
   This invention is an improvement over May U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,910. It is distinguished over the prior art in general, and these patents in particular by an adjustable tripod stand with independently adjustable legs which comprises a longitudinal extensible upright portion of telescoping tubular members, a plurality of collar members slidably mounted on the upright portion which are longitudinally adjustable relative to one another and to the upright portion for selective positioning thereon, and a plurality of movable leg members are operatively connected to upper and lower collar members for selective independent longitudinal positioning and radial extension relative to the upright portion and to one another. One leg of the tripod is adjustable in length, a sufficient amount, to permit support on two different stairs or steps of an auditorium or stadium. 
   When the upper leg supporting collar and the corresponding lower collar are moved toward each other on the upright portion, the bottom of the leg connected thereto will be extended radially outward to be positioned an unequal distance from the center of the upright portion relative to the other legs, and the upper leg supporting collar and the corresponding lower collar are moved away from each other, the bottom of the leg connected thereto will be drawn radially inward to be positioned an unequal distance from the center of the upright portion relative to the other legs. The one adjustable leg of the tripod allows the stand to be erected on multi-level surfaces. 
   Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable tripod stand that has independently adjustable movable legs. 
   It is another object of this invention to provide an adjustable tripod stand that allows for multiple angularities and tripod configurations. 
   Another object of this invention is to provide an adjustable tripod stand that has two or more independently adjustable movable legs providing versatility and stability in the support system. 
   Another object of this invention is to provide an adjustable tripod stand that allows for the body of the stand to be oriented in an off-axis position while maintaining the center of gravity in a stable support system. 
   Another object of the invention is to allow collars that support the legs, to be slidably adjusted past each other to allow for a greater variety of adjustment. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable support leg positioned on the tripod stand and under a musical instrument to provide additional support to the musical instrument while it is being played. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a spring or gas charged strut within the tripod stand that assists in the extension of telescoping members. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide additional extension legs that can be used in combination with the legs of the tripod stand to give greater extension capability for placement of the tripod stand on uneven surfaces. 
   Another object of the invention is for the geometry of the center tube and the legs to be essentially the same to allow for part commonality and interchangeability. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide the stand with at least one leg that is different length than the remaining legs to pre-set or prone the stand off axis for a cantilevered load. 
   Another object of the invention is to allow the position of the leg brace to be adjustable to allow the angular arc or position of the leg to be adjusted beyond a single fixed fulcrum brace point. 
   A still further object of this invention is to provide an adjustable tripod stand for supporting articles which is simple in construction, light-weight, economical to manufacture, rugged and reliable in use. 
   A further object of the present invention to provide an adjustable tripod stand that has independently adjustable movable legs for supporting drums, including timbale, tenor, snare, and bass drums. 
   Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a preferred, adjustable-tripod-stand for bongo drums in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a view in side elevation of the adjustable tripod stand shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is an end view of one of the center tubes or legs of the tripod. 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of one of the leg clamps positioned on the center tube or leg tube of the tripod. 
       FIG. 5  is an isometric view of one of the leg clamps for the tripod shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
       FIG. 6  is a view in side elevation of the stand of  FIG. 1 , illustrating vertical adjustment of the center post. 
       FIG. 7  is a view in side elevation of the stand of  FIG. 1 , illustrating vertical adjustment of the tripod legs relative to the leg position shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show isometric views illustrating vertical adjustment of the center post positioned on the legs. 
       FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a preferred, adjustable-tripod-stand for timbale drums with drums installed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  is a detailed side view of one of the tripod legs with a leg extender in the extended position. 
       FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the tripod leg on which the extender is supported. 
       FIG. 13  is an side view of the leg extender shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6 ,  7 ,  11  and  12 . 
       FIG. 14  is an end view of one of the center tubes or legs of the tripod. 
       FIG. 15  is an end view of a slider that operates with the center tube shown in  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 16  is an isometric view of the three independent sliders on a center tube. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , a preferred adjustable tripod stand  10  having a longitudinal upright center tube  11 , which is fluted with a plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves  12  extending longitudinally of its exterior surface. There are four grooves  12  as shown in  FIG. 3 , which are equally spaced and dovetail shaped in cross section. Fluted tubes  11  are used for the upright support of the tripod and for the legs  23 . 
   A semi-circular (half tube) upper leg support collar member  13  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  6 ,  7  and  9 ) for one of the legs  23  and a collar member  14  ( FIGS. 1 ,  5 ,  6 ) for two of the legs  23  are slidably mounted on center tube  11 . Semi-circular leg brace support collar members  16  for one of the legs  23  and a collar member  15  for two of the legs  23  are slidably mounted on center tube  11 . In the preferred embodiment one of the legs is configured in a different length than the other legs. The difference in length of the one leg produces places the center tube in an off vertical axis or prone condition that is ideal for cantilevered placement of a percussion instrument. The cantilevered orientation allows the player to position themselves closer to the instrument being played with minimal interference from the leg(s). In the embodiments shown the leg is shorter than the remaining two legs, but it is also contemplated that the leg be configured longer than the remaining two legs. 
   Each of the collar members  14 , and  15  ( FIG. 5 ) is semi-circular in cross section with the longitudinal edges  17  formed inwardly to fit in the dovetail longitudinal grooves  12  ( FIG. 3 ). The geometry of the center tube ( FIG. 3 ) and the geometry of the legs could be ( FIG. 12 ) essentially the same allowing for interchangeability of the center tube and leg components. Collar member  13  ( FIG. 4 ) has portion  18  with in-turned portions  17  and ears  19  with holes  20  for receiving a hinge bolt  21 .  FIG. 3  shows a preferred embodiment of the dovetail longitudinal groves arranged in 90 degree orientation pattern, but other arrangements including but not limited to 30, 45, 60, and 120 degree orientations or combinations thereof are contemplated that will provide the desired result. A 120 degree configuration is shown and described in more detail with  FIG. 16 . 
   Each of the collar members  13 ,  16  is independently movable relative to the others on tubular member  11 . Wing screws  22  ( FIG. 2 ) are provided on the collar members  13 ,  16  and when tightened, the collar members  13 ,  16  are locked in a desired position on center tube  11 . 
   The leg brace support collar members  13 , and  16  are substantially similar in construction and operation to the upper leg support collar members  14 , and  15 . Each collar member  16  is semi-circular (half tube) in cross section with the longitudinal edges bent inwardly to fit in the longitudinal grooves  12 , similar in construction to collar members  13  and  16 . 
   Each collar member  16  has wing screws  22  for locking it in place in the same manner as collar members  13 . Thus, each collar  16  is independently movable relative to the others on the center tube, and each may be locked in a desired position on the tube  11 . 
   Each of the collar members  14  and  15  ( FIG. 5 ) has a semi-circular (half tube) portion with longitudinal edges bent inwardly to fit in the longitudinal grooves  12 . Collar member  14  and  15  have two sets of ears  19  spaced 120° apart with holes  20  for receiving a hinge bolt  21  ( FIG. 4 ). 
   The upper end of each leg member  23  is pivotally mounted on center tube  11 . Collar members  13  and  14  on center tube  11  are slidably mounted in grooves  12  and pivotally connected to collar members  13  on leg  23 . Two of the leg members  23  are supported on collar member  14 , and one leg member  23  on collar  13  at the top of the center tube  11  to form the tripod. Each leg member  23  has a leg brace  24  comprising a pair of flat bars  25  pivotally connected at one end to collars  16  and  15  on center tube  11 . The other ends of bars  25  are connected to collar  16  on leg member  23 . The position of the leg brace on the leg is adjustable to change the angular arc for the leg position. Ideally the leg brace is placed in the middle of the length of the leg, but other locations of the leg brace can be set to change how far the leg can be extended from the center tube. In one contemplated embodiment the position of the brace  16  on the shorter leg ( FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 ) can be placed at the apex where the longer legs are secured to center tube  11 . This provides additional support to the tripod stand to prevent or reduce flexing or motion while an instrument is being played. 
   Each of leg members  23  has a leg extender member  27  slidably supported thereon as shown in  FIG. 11 . Leg extender member  27  has a semi-circular (half tube) collar portion  28  and a rigid leg portion  29 . Collar portion  28  has longitudinal edges  30  ( FIG. 13 ) formed inwardly to fit in the dovetail longitudinal grooves  12  ( FIG. 12 ) for sliding movement to extend one of the leg members  23 . 
   A wing screw  31  ( FIGS. 1 ,  6 ,  13 ) fits threaded aperture  32  ( FIG. 13 ) in leg extender member  27  for locking in any selected position. The bottom end of each leg extender member  27  has a footpad  33  ( FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8  and  9 ) formed of resilient material. It should be understood that the bottom end of each leg member  27  may have a wheel or caster (not shown). 
   An elongate telescoping inner tubular member  34  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  7 ) is slidably received within the center tube  11  and anchored in position by a wing screw. Elongated center tube  11  can have a spring, gas filled strut or other similar lifting mechanism incorporated within the center tube  11  to assist a user to extend the telescoping inner tube member  34  out of the center tube  11 . The upper end of inner telescoping tubular member  34  has a bracket  35  and pivoted locking member  36  for securing drums  37  in place. This tripod is designed for supporting a bongo drum but other drums may be supported if desired. 
   As seen in  FIGS. 6-10 , the upper leg collar segments  13 ,  14  and leg brace collar segments  16 ,  15  are movable from a position where the tripod legs are collapsed to a position where the bottom of the legs will extend radially an equal distance from the center of the tubular member  11 . 
   If one of the upper leg collar segments  13 ,  14  and its corresponding leg brace collar segment  16 ,  15  is moved toward the other on the center tube  11 , the bottom of the leg(s) connected thereto will be extended radially outward to be positioned an unequal distance from the center of the center tube  11  relative to the other leg(s). 
   When one of the upper leg collar segments  13 ,  14  and its corresponding leg brace collar segment  16 ,  15  is moved away from the other on the center tube  11 , the bottom of the leg(s) connected thereto will be drawn radially inward to be positioned an unequal distance from the center of the tube  11  relative to the other leg(s). 
   This allows for placement of the stand in limited or confined areas. If the legs are supported on a level surface, this adjustment will cause the longitudinal, vertical axis of the stand to be disposed in an off-vertical axis position for placing the center of gravity of the supported article relative to the center of the supporting legs. This adjustment also provides a minimum or maximum peripheral support base. 
   Center tube  11  is adjustable up or down ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ) relative to collar members  13 ,  14  and  16 ,  15 . Leg extenders  27  are adjustable to permit the tripod assembly  10  to fit on different levels, when the tripod is used on the stairs or steps of a stadium or auditorium, 
   In addition to the adjustment described above, the upper leg support collars  14 ,  15  and the leg brace collars  13 ,  16  may be positioned in vertically spaced pairs relative to the other vertically spaced pair. For example, one of the upper leg collar segments  13  or  16  and its corresponding leg brace collar segment  14  or  15  may both be moved upward on the tubular member  11  relative to the other pair and the bottom of the leg(s) connected to the upper pair will be raised relative to the other leg(s). 
   As described above, the legs may also be extended radially inward and outward. This allows for placement of the stand on an uneven or multi-level surface or platform and also in limited or confined areas. The legs may be adjusted relative to an uneven or multi-level surface to cause the vertical axis of the stand to be disposed in an off-vertical axis position for placing the center of gravity of the supported article relative to the center of the supporting legs even if they are at different heights. 
   Similarly, the top portion of the stand may have various conventional tripod mounting hardware for mounting a variety of articles and instruments including but not limited to such things as cameras, video equipment, telescopes, surveying instruments, and musical instruments. It should be understood that the particular tripod stand illustrated has a top portion configured to support musical drums however other top portions may be provided for supporting such things as cameras, video equipment, telescopes, surveying instruments, and the like. 
   Tripod for Tenor Drums 
   Each of leg members  53  may have a leg extender member slidably supported thereon as in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6 ,  7 ,  11 ,  12  and  13 . The leg extender member has a semi-circular (half tube) collar portion and a rigid leg portion. The collar portion has longitudinal edges formed inwardly to fit in the dovetail longitudinal grooves  12  for sliding movement to extend one of the leg members  27 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12  that show a side elevation view and isometric view of the tripod and snare drums installed on the steps or stairs of a stadium or auditorium. The geometry of the center tube ( FIG. 3 ) and the geometry of the legs ( FIG. 12 ) can be the same allowing for interchangeability of the center tube and leg components. Each of leg members  97  may have a leg extender member  96  slidably supported thereon (construction being the same as in  FIGS. 13-15 ). The leg extender member  96  has a semi-circular (half tube) collar portion and a rigid leg portion. The collar portion has longitudinal edges formed inwardly to fit in the dovetail longitudinal grooves  12  for sliding movement to extend one of the leg members  97 . The bottom of the extendable leg member  96  is extended until it reaches ground, or in the figures shown, a lower bench  98 . A collar member  50  is shown slidably attached to the center tube. A pivoting bracket  52  pivots and extends from the collar to the far underside of the drum in this figure. The collar and bracket provide additional support to the drum to reduce the cantilevered weight of the drum and reduce movement of the drum when it is being played. The collar member engages into the dovetail elongated grooves of the center tube and includes a locking mechanism to prevent movement on the center tube. 
   Referring to  FIG. 16  that shows an isometric view of the three independent sliders on a center tube  111 . The center tube is a longitudinal center tube, which is fluted with a plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves  112  extending longitudinally along its exterior surface. There are six grooves  112 , which are equally spaced and dovetail shaped in cross section. Fluted tubes  111  are used for the center tube support of the tripod and for the legs. 
   A semi-circular (⅓ of a circle tube) upper leg support collar members  113  for one of the legs are shown. These three sets of sliders allow the three sets of legs to move and slide independent of each other and past each other. Two or all three of the collars can be connected or linked using the hole  130  and  132  on each flange to lock the collars together. In the preferred embodiment two of the collars are linked together and the third collar is independent from the other two. The linking of the collars provides for fewer components to adjust in the field and allows for faster set-up and take down. 
   Each of the collar members  113  is semi-circular in cross section with the longitudinal edges  117  formed inwardly to fit in the dovetail longitudinal grooves  112 . Collar member  113  has portion  118  with in-turned portions  117  and ears  119  with holes  120  for receiving a hinge bolt. 
   Each of the collar members  113  is independently movable relative to the others on tubular member  111 . Wing screws are provided on the collar members  113  and when tightened into hole  134 , the collar members  113  are locked in a desired position on center tube  11 . 
   Thus specific embodiments and applications for an adjustable tripod stand have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.