Abstract:
A photography stand system is disclosed assembled from elongate support members into either a tripod or framework structure. The elongate support members form the legs of the camera tripod, each assembled to a tripod platform by mating engagement of fittings into tracks formed in the elongated support members in order to be height positionable. Cameras and various photographic accessories may be mounted to the platform and secured to any adjusted position along the length of each of the support members by coupling fittings including T-bolts fit within the tracks in each of the tripod legs. The support members may also be assembled in end-to-end relationship by a coupling element secured in each end of the support members, and erected into a framework with the camera and various accessories similarly positionable along the length of any of the support members.

Description:
BACKGROUND DISCUSSION 
     This invention concerns support structures and more particularly is related to stand systems for photography, i.e., for camera and accessory positioning supports. The most common form of support for cameras is the conventional camera tripod in which three legs are mounted to a central platform, which in turn receives a center post to which is mounted the camera supporting pan head. Accessories are often employed in taking photographs such as lights, parasols, screens, etc., each of which require their own supports. Also, the photographer desirably should be given maximum freedom in positioning the camera angle. 
     While the tripod legs telescope to a degree, this does not afford the photographer a complete range of freedom in selecting the position of the camera. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,297,927 discloses an arrangement in which the camera can be mounted to a lower portion of the center post which enhances the capability of the camera tripod but still does not enable maximum degrees of flexibility in selecting camera positions with respect to the subject matter. 
     While lights and/or other accessories can be clamped to the camera tripod legs, this would necessitate special clamping fixtures if the tripod support itself were to be employed as the accessory support. 
     It is of course important that the photographer have freedom in physically locating the camera accessories such as the lights, etc., in order that the desired arrangement of the photographer can be realized in order to achieve a desired effect. 
     In relatively more complex studio setups, a &#34;monkeybar&#34; framework arrangement is provided including framework to which is mounted the camera and accessories. This is often used for photographing objects as for technical photography. These structures are elaborate and necessitate entirely different fixturing than the camera tripod support. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a photography stand system which affords the photographer maximum flexibility in the arrangement of the camera and other accessories in a legged stand such as a camera tripod. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a photography stand system in which the tripod components can also be employed to erect other camera support configurations such as the aforementioned framework in which is employed the same components for securing the camera and accessories thereto. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide componentry for such photography stand system which is interchangeable in the tripod stands with such framework and which provides relatively economical fixturing for securing the camera and accessories thereto while enabling maximum flexibility in the positioning of the camera and various photographic accessories. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a camera stand system employing extremely simple, low cost components, which are readily assembled into various combinations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     These and other objects of the present invention, which will become apparent upon a reading of the following specification and claims, are achieved by a photography stand system assembled from elongate support members, each being formed with multiple tracks extending along the length thereof, such tracks being configured to receive T-bolts carried either by coupling members to which may be joined the camera or camera accessories allowing cameras and accessories to be positioned at any point along any of the support members. The support members are assembled by cooperation of T-members joined either to a tripod platform allowing telescoping and pivoting movement of the legs together. Or, alternatively, the end faces of the elongate coupling members are provided with end cap fittings which may be assembled in either reversible position of a T-bolt. 
     In one position, this enables end-to-end connection of the support members into vertical columns and in a reverse position the T-bolts are interfit into the support member side track to provide transverse assembly thereto. A snap-in spring retaining arrangement disposes the T-bolts with the threaded shanks extending outwardly to be utilized in the first instance by being received in a threaded bore in the end cap. 
     The elongate support members preferably are formed of lightweight metal extrusions formed with two or four oppositely located tracks extending substantially the full length thereof. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of a camera tripod system assembled with elongate support members according to the concept of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the camera tripod system shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the details of the attachment of the support members to the tripod platform as well as the coupling member utilized for mounting the camera and photographic accessories to the elongate members forming the legs of the camera tripod. 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a series of support members in transverse and end-to-end relationship to each other illustrating the mounting components therefor as well as the mounting components for clamping a camera or accessories to one of the support members. 
     FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view of an end cap fitting employed in the arrangement depicted in FIG. 3. 
     FIG. 5 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternate form of an elongate support member employed in the photographic stand system according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a series of elongate support elements assembled into a framework type photography stand system illustrating the mounting of cameras and photographic accessories thereto. 
     FIG. 7 is a partially sectional view of a special purpose coupling assembly adapted to be used in the camera tripod system according to the present invention for certain installations. 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of certain of the components of the coupling assembly shown in FIG. 7. 
     FIG. 9 is a plan view of the locking plate incorporated in the coupling system shown in FIG. 8. 
     FIG. 10 is an edgewise view of the locking plate shown in FIG. 9. 
     FIG. 11 is a fragmentary elevational view of the camera tripod system shown in FIG. 1 depicting an alternate assembly of the tripod legs to the platform. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, certain specific terminology will be employed for the sake of clarity and a particular embodiment described in accordance with the requirements of 35 USC 112, but it is to be understood that the same is not intended to be limiting and should not be so construed inasmuch as the invention is capable of taking many forms and variations within the scope of the appended claims. 
     As described above, the concept according to the present invention consists of the provision of elongate support members which are assembled to a platform to form a camera tripod and also which may be assembled to each other to form a framework. 
     The camera or accessories may be secured at any point along the length of any of the support members such as to provide great flexibility in selecting their location. This also enables the use of standardized components in setting up photographic equipment. 
     Each of the elongate members is provided with lengthwise slots or T-tracks which act to receive the T-bolts included in coupling assemblies which may be clamped in position at any point along the length thereof. 
     Referring to the drawings and particularly FIGS. 1 and 2, application of the concept to a camera tripod arrangement is depicted. The camera tripod 10 includes a platform 12 which is supported by three elongate support members 14 comprising the tripod legs, each secured about the periphery of the tripod platform 12. A center post 16 is also provided which is secured to the central region of the platform 12 which may have a panning head 18 mounted to the upper portion thereof to mount the camera. Such panning heads are optional and the camera (not shown) may be directly mounted to center post 16. Each of the elongate support members 14 is formed with a plurality of tracks 20 which are T-shaped in section and disposed on opposite sides of the elongate support members. The elongate support members also have a flat outer portion 2 extending along the length thereof and on either side of the T-slots 20. 
     Preferably, each of the elongate support members 14 is, as indicated in FIG. 2, of a lightweight metal such as aluminum. Intermediate the T-slots 20 on either side thereof, there is provided a slotted protuberance 24 with a central slot 26 being suitably dimensioned to receive self-threading fasteners for securing the end caps to be described hereinafter. 
     Each of the T-slots 20 provide means for coupling the elongate support members 14 to the tripod platform 12 by means of a clamping assembly 28 pivotably mounted on projections 30 located on each corner of the platform 12. Each projection 30 receives a clevis portion 32 of each of the clamping assemblies 28 and is retained therein by means of a threaded thumb screw 34 which will frictionally engage the projection 30 such as to enable pivotal movement of each of the elongate support members 14 and securement in the adjusted position, such adjustment being indicated in phantom in FIG. 1. 
     Each clamping assembly 28 also includes a T-bolt 36 integral with the clevis portion 32 which is sized in order to be slidably fit within the T-slot 20. A clamping sleeve 38 is threadably received over a threaded shank portion of the T-bolt 36 having an end face which is frictionally drawn into engagement with the flat 22 above the elongate support member 14 such as to allow adjustment in the relative position of each of the legs to vary the height individually such that the legs forming the tripod may be varied in height as the location may require. 
     The opposite T-slot 20 is available for the mounting at any position along the length thereof of a coupling sleeve or cylinder 40 having a stud 41 providing a mounting for a standard ball swivel fitting 43 for mounting the various accessories and the camera itself. That is, to the threaded mounting pin 45 indicated in FIG. 3. 
     The T-bolt 42 is threadedly received by cylinder 40 which, when rotated towards the head of bolt 42, operates to clamp the two parts to opposite sides of flat 22. Thus, any of the respective elongate support members 14 may have mounted to it the lights, parasols, reflective screens or the camera itself offering the photographer extreme flexibility in arranging a photographic setup. 
     The camera itself is normally mounted to a panning head 18 with the center post 16 being of a similar configuration as the elongate support member 14 supporting the legs of the tripod and is height adjustable by means of an adjustment knob 44 passing into frictional engagement with the T-bolt in similar fashion to the clamping assembly 28. The camera may also be mounted to the region below the center post by means of a coupling arrangement with the coupling cylinder 40 and T-bolt 36. 
     The bottom end of each of the support members is provided with end caps 46, each of the end caps being of a suitable material as aluminum or steel and configured to have a plug portion 48 sized to snugly be fit within the inside surface 50 and opposite slotted protuberance 24 to prevent relative rotation therein. 
     The plug portion 48 is integral with a face portion 52 which is configured to conform to the peripheral shape of the elongate support members 14 and is secured by means of threaded fasteners 54 passing through holes 56 which are aligned with the central slot 26 of each of the slotted protuberances 24 such as to secure the same in position. 
     Each of the end caps 46 is also provided with a triangular shaped recess 58 and a T-slot 60 passing into one of the flat surfaces 62 corresponding to the surface flat 22 of the elongate support members 14. 
     The T-slot terminates at the central region of the end cap 46 and has a radiused end portion 64 centered on the centerline of the end cap 46. Concentrically located therein is a threaded bore 66 extending into the plug portion 48. 
     Mounted within the triangular recess 58 is a spring retainer 68 consisting of a pair of leg portions 70 formed by a loop section 72, each of the legs being radiused at 74 and having terminal divergent ends 76. 
     The loop section 72 is configured to receive a threaded fastener 78 passing into a threaded bore 80 formed in the apex of the triangular recess 58. The radius 74 provides a friction or snap fitting of a T-bolt 82 having a a threaded section 84, a shank portion 86 and a head portion 88. The shank portion 86 is snap fit into the recess and seat defined by the radius section 74 with the T-slot receiving the head portion 88 to thereby position the threaded section 84. 
     Alternatively, the T-bolt 82 may be mounted as seen in FIG. 3 with the threaded section 84 being threaded into the bore 66, for purposes to be described hereinafter. 
     In the tripod application, the end cap 46 in the upper region is not equipped with T-bolts, but merely provides a smooth finishing end cap for the upper end of the elongate support member 14. The lower end cap 46 receives feet 90 threaded into the threaded bore 66. 
     Each of the T-slots 20 is formed in the upper end with widened sections 92 such as to enable the T-bolts to pass thereinto in order to assemble the T-bolts into the slots with the end caps 46 in position. 
     The mounting of T-bolts 82 in the end caps 46 affords either end-to-end or transverse assembly of elongate support members 14 to each other as illustrated in FIG. 3, which elongate support members 14A and 14B are secured together in endwise relationship and elonfate support member 14C is assembled as shown in position for assembly in transverse relationship. 
     An endwise connection is provided with the T-bolt 82 snap fit into the end cap 46 assembled into the lower elongate support member 14A. Thus, the threaded section 84 may be received in the threaded bore 66 of the end cap 46 associated with the upper elongate support member 14B. 
     Rotation therebetween draws the elements into secure abutment with the faces of the flange portion in firm contact to provide the endwise connection. 
     The transverse connection is provided by the T-bolt 82 in reverse position with the head portion 88 outward which can be received within the T-slot 20 of the elongate support member 14A and clamping thereinto provided by rotation of the crossing or transverse elongate support member 14C until the end face of the end cap 46 is provided in secure abutment with the flat 22 associated with T-slot 20 in any adjusted position. 
     Accordingly, the elongate support members 14 may be utilized to erect a framework such as to provide a &#34;monkeybar&#34; studio set up. 
     Advantageously, an elongate support member 100 (FIG. 5) is employed in which T-slots 102 are provided on each of the four sides thereof, each having flats 104 on respective sides in alignment with a respective T-slot 102 in order to allow a three-dimensional framework to be erected. 
     In order to tighten T-bolts 82 mounted on either end of an elongate support member 14, it is desirable to provide a coupling at one end enabling independent rotation to clamp either T-bolt 82. 
     A suitable coupling 106 is depicted in FIGS. 7 through 10. Coupling 106 includes a pair of coupling cylinders 108 and 110, each rotatable on either end of a connector pin 112, axially secured thereon by cross pins 114 and 116 mating with arcuate grooves 118 and 120, respectively, formed on either end of the connector pin 112. Cross pins 114 and 116 are disposed in cross drilled openings in each of the cylinders 108 and 110, each aligned with arcuate grooves 118 or 120 with the cylinders 108 and 110 axially spaced with a predetermined clearance therebetween. 
     Disposed in this clearance space is a steel looking disc 122 which is rotatable by manipulation of a formed lever 124 between lock and unlock positions. In the unlocked position, a series of arcuate ramps 126, punched out of the disc body 128 along a circle centered on the disc body 128, are aligned with a series of correspondingly shaped and located recesses 130 formed in the end face of one of the cylinders 110. Thus, in this position, the locking disc 122 exerts no force on the other of the cylinders 108 tending to resist relative rotation. 
     In the locked position, the locking disc 122 is rotated to a position in which the arcuate ramps 126 have been rotated out of the recesses 130, camming the locking disc 122 axially away from the one cylinder 110. 
     The predetermined axial clearance is such as to result in the locking disc 122 frictionally engaging the end face of the other cylinder 108, creating a snubbing lock and preventing relative rotation between each cylinder 108 and 110. 
     Accordingly, one T-bolt 82 of a coupling 106 may be anchored in an end cap 46 of one of the elongate members and the other disposed in a T-bolt of a transversely extending elongate member. The end opposite the one end of the one elongate member is also provided with a T-bolt received into a T-slot of a second transverse elongate member. By utilizing the coupling 106 to anchor one of the T-bolts mating with the respective T-slots, independent tightening rotation may be executed to clamp both T-bolts in their respective T-slots. The coupling 106 may then be locked to preclude inadvertent rotation of the assembled elongate member due to the offset weight of a mounted camera or accessory. 
     Referring to FIG. 11, an alternate arrangement is depicted for assembling the elongate support members 14 to the platform 12 in providing a tripod stand 10. This arrangement may be utilized where length adjustment of the legs is not required, and comprises assembly by connecting the ends of elongate members to the projections 30. This is achieved by assembling the clamping assembly 28 to the end cap 46 as shown. 
     In order to provide bracing of each of the legs, a brace member 132 may be provided for each leg pinned at one end to the center post 16 and at the other to the clevis of a clamping assembly 28 disposed in the inside T-slot of the respective elongate support member 14. This enables a height adjustment of the tripod.