Patent Description:
In the current photography industry, a stand is a common support for photographic equipment, which has the advantage of being easy to carry. In order to meet the requirements of rotation photographing, close-range and long-range switchable shooting, dynamic photographing following an object, most of the stands commercially available can rotate in multiple directions about respective axes through a support point. However, the stand is required to be locked when the photographic equipment is operated in a stationary state for a long time. A locking assembly is used to achieve switch between a freely rotatable state and a locked state of the stand. The traditional locking assembly adopts screw fastening, which is complex and time-consuming to operate, failure to have a one-step process. When the screw locking assembly is frequently switched between the freely rotatable state and the locked states, it will be extremely inconvenient and low efficiency, which may result in missing of the best opportunity for shooting. Chinese Patent Publication No. <CIT> discloses a tripod support seat with a pedal locking function and capable of performing <NUM>-degree rotation adjustment and positioning locking on a connecting sleeve. United Stated Publication No. <CIT> discloses a joint fixation mechanism for a leg support member, which joint fixation mechanism enables fixation and release of a joint portion of the leg support member of an imaging equipment-grade tripod with a single action such that, when the joint portion is fixed, the imaging equipment can be supported in a stable state and when the joint portion is released, the angle can be freely adjusted. United Stated Publication No. <CIT> discloses a swivel mount including a relatively large swivel ball for the size of the total device and actuating means for instantly and easily locking the ball rigidly in a selected position. The actuating means is arranged such that the ball can be instantly released by operating a handle and then instantly relocked into the selected position merely by releasing the handle. German Publication No. <CIT> discloses a tripod ball head characterized by a detent at an exactly vertical axis position, which is brought about by the engagement of an auxiliary ball serving as a detent in a corresponding dent of the swivel ball connected to the support, a grip ring can be provided which provides the desired clamping of the swivel ball via a pressure piece and a pressure pan acting on the swivel ball; a cylindrical spring is provided between the pressure piece and the pressure pan, which results in a certain force being transmitted to the swivel ball even when the grip ring is loose.

In view of this, the present disclosure provides a stand for photographic equipment, configured for supporting the photographic equipment. The stand includes a connecting member, a pedestal; and a locking assembly connected between the connecting member and the pedestal. The locking assembly includes a support rod; a guiding member mounted around the support rod; a locking pin fixed on the support rod and engaged with the guiding member; a spring member located between the pedestal and the guiding member; and a driving member pivotally connected to the support rod. One end of the support rod and the connecting member are rotatably connected with each other by a universal ball, the locking assembly is configured to make the locking pin move along the guiding member to a first fixed position or a second fixed position by pressing the driving member, wherein when the locking pin is located at the first fixed position, a top end of the guiding member abuts against and locks the connecting member, and when the locking pin is located at the second fixed position, the guiding member releases the connecting member.

In some embodiments, the universal ball is mounted on a top end of the support rod, a bottom end of the connecting member facing the locking assembly is recessed at a central portion thereof to define a receiving chamber therein for receiving the universal ball, a limiting surface is formed on a circumferential edge of the receiving chamber, an abutting surface is formed on the top end of the guiding member corresponding to the limiting surface, and wherein the abutting surface and the limiting surface are configured to abut against each other.

In some embodiments, the guiding member is substantially cylindrical, and includes a base portion and an extending portion protruding from the base portion, a step is formed on a joint part of the base portion and the extending portion to support the driving member, and wherein the abutting surface is formed on a top end of the extending portion away from the base portion.

In some embodiments, a longitudinal mounting groove is defined in the extending portion along a length direction thereof, the driving member is pivotally connected to the support rod by a connecting pin, the connecting pin extends through the driving member, the mounting groove of the extending portion of the guiding member that is mounted around the support rod, and the support rod in sequence, and is movable up and down along the mounting groove when the guiding member is urged by the spring member to move.

In some embodiments, the spring member is mounted around the support rod with one end thereof received in the base portion, and the spring member is configured to elastically urge the base portion.

In some embodiments, the locking pin includes a fixing part and a hook, the fixing part is pivotally connected to the support rod, and the hook is received in the guiding member for engaging therewith.

In some embodiments, a guiding groove is defined in an inner surface of the guiding member, a top end of the guiding groove towards the connecting member forms a first temporary limiting part and a second temporary limiting part spaced from the first temporary limiting part, a positioning part is formed below the first temporary limiting part and the second temporary limiting part, and the locking pin is engageable with the first temporary limiting part, the second temporary limiting part, and the positioning part.

In some embodiments, a longitudinal cross section of the first temporary limiting part and a longitudinal cross section of the second temporary limiting part are both in the form of an inverted V shape with an opening, and the openings are orientated towards a first direction, and a top end of the second temporary limiting part is located at a level above a top end of the first temporary limiting part.

In some embodiments, the guiding groove further includes a portion having a substantially Y-shaped longitudinal cross section, two top ends of the portion are respectively connected to the first temporary limiting part and the second temporary limiting part, wherein the top end of the portion that is connected to the first temporary limiting part is located at a level above the top end of the portion that is connected to the second temporary limiting part.

In some embodiments, a longitudinal cross section of the positioning part is substantially V-shaped with an opening inclined towards a second direction opposite to the first direction.

In some embodiments, the stand further includes a locking member lockable relative to the universal ball, wherein a receiving groove is defined in an outer periphery of the connecting member, the locking member includes a locking sleeve mounted around the connecting member, a locking block movably received in the receiving groove, and a locking element located at a bottom end of the universal ball; wherein an inner end of the locking block is capable of extending into the connecting member via the receiving groove and abutting against the locking element, wherein the locking member is configured such that when the locking sleeve is driven to move upwardly along a longitudinal direction of the connecting member to push the locking block to move inwardly, the locking block drives the locking element to move upwardly until the locking element is locked relative to the universal ball.

In some embodiments, the stand further includes a reset spring configured to provide an outward elastic force to the locking block, the reset spring is received in the receiving groove, one end of the reset spring abuts against a wall of the receiving groove, and the other end of the reset spring abuts against the locking block.

In some embodiments, the locking sleeve is annular and continuous in a circumferential direction thereof, and includes a locking section and a guiding section along an axial direction thereof, the locking section is configured to move up and down along the connecting member, the guiding section extends upwardly from a top end of the locking section, an inner diameter of the guiding section increases gradually from a bottom end connected to the locking section to a top end, a gap is defined between an inner surface of the guiding section and an outer surface of the connecting member, and a width of the gap increases gradually from bottom to top.

In some embodiments, the locking block includes a connecting portion and a protruding portion extending upwardly from the connecting portion, the connecting portion is received in the receiving groove, the protruding portion includes a pushing surface inclined towards the locking element, and the pushing surface extends upwardly and outwardly from a bottom end thereof to contact the locking element.

In some embodiments, the protruding portion is located at a top portion of the receiving groove, a bottom of the protruding portion is connected a top of the connecting portion, an outer side of the protruding portion extends out of the receiving groove into the gap between the locking sleeve and the connecting member, an outer surface of the protruding portion faces the inner surface of the guiding section, a top surface of the protruding portion connects top ends of the outer surface and the pushing surface of the protruding portion, an inner side of the protruding portion extends beyond an inner side of the connecting portion.

In some embodiments, the locking element includes a locking surface towards the universal ball and a contacting surface engaged with the pushing surface of the locking block, the locking surface is fitted with the universal ball and configured to conform the universal ball, and the contacting surface extends outwardly and upwardly from bottom to top.

In some embodiments, the locking element is annular and an inner diameter thereof decreases gradually from top to bottom, an opening is defined at a bottom end of the locking element, a size of the opening is smaller than a size of the universal ball, and thus the universal ball is partially receivable in the locking element without being detached from the opening, the contacting surface is formed at an outer periphery of a bottom of the locking element, the contacting surface extends inclinedly from a central portion of the locking element radially outwardly and upwardly to be engaged with the inclined pushing surface of the locking block.

In some embodiments, the stand further includes a gasket fixed on the universal ball, and the locking element is configured to directly contact the gasket.

In some embodiments, the locking member further includes a limiting member, the limiting member is fixed on a bottom of the connecting member to prevent the locking sleeve from screwing out from the connecting member.

In some embodiments, the stand further includes a protective sleeve mounted around a middle portion of an outer surface of the locking sleeve.

In the present disclosure, the stand can be switched between the locked state and unlocked state, i.e., the freely rotatable state, by pressing the driving member. The operation is convenient and high efficiency.

In order to make the technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present disclosure apparent, the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It can be understood that the accompanying drawings are only for reference and illustration, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The dimensions shown in the accompanying drawings are only for the convenience of describing clearly, and do not limit the proportional relationship of the elements.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, which illustrate a stand for photographic equipment. The stand is used to support a photographic equipment, such as a video camera, a camera, and the like. The stand includes a connecting member <NUM>, a pedestal <NUM> spaced from the connecting member <NUM> and a locking assembly <NUM> located between the connecting member <NUM> and the pedestal <NUM>. The locking assembly <NUM> connects the connecting member <NUM> with the pedestal <NUM>. In this embodiment, the connecting member <NUM> may be connected to a platform (not labeled) can by a connecting rod <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to form a monopod, or the connecting member <NUM> may be directly connected to the platform to form an apparatus for low angle shooting. The locking assembly <NUM> includes a support rod <NUM>, a guiding member <NUM> mounted around the support rod <NUM>, a locking pin <NUM> fixed on the support rod <NUM> and engaged with the guiding member <NUM>, a spring member <NUM> located between the pedestal <NUM> and the guiding member <NUM>, and a driving member <NUM> pivotally connected to the support rod <NUM>. One end of the support rod <NUM> and the connecting member <NUM> are rotatably connected each other by a universal ball <NUM>. The locking assembly <NUM> is configured to make the locking pin <NUM> move along the guiding member <NUM> to a first fixed position or a second fixed position by pressing the driving member <NUM>. When the locking pin <NUM> is located at the first fixed position, a top end of the guiding member <NUM> abuts against and locks the connecting member <NUM>. When the locking pin <NUM> is located at the second fixed position, the guiding member <NUM> releases the connecting member <NUM>.

The universal ball <NUM> is fixedly mounted to a top end of the support rod <NUM>. The support rod <NUM> and the connecting member <NUM> are connected by the universal ball <NUM>. The universal ball <NUM> is movably received in the connecting member <NUM>, as such, the connecting member <NUM> and the locking assembly <NUM> are rotatably connected with each other.

When the driving member <NUM> is pressed downwardly, the driving member <NUM> presses the guiding member <NUM> or move away from the guiding member <NUM>, such that the guiding member <NUM> slides along the support rod <NUM> to elastically abut against the spring member <NUM>. When the guiding member <NUM> is moved upwardly to the top end of the support rod <NUM> and abuts against the connecting member <NUM>, the locking pin <NUM> slides relative to the guiding member <NUM> to the first fixed position. At that time, the stand is locked and in the locked state. When the guiding member <NUM> is released, the locking pin <NUM> slides relative to the guiding member <NUM> to the second fixed position. At that time, the stand is unlocked and in the freely rotatable state. The stand can be switched between the freely rotatable state and the locked state by pressing the driving member <NUM>, repeatedly. The operation is convenient and high efficiency. In this embodiment, the locking assembly <NUM> is an upright locking member, and can be locked in a vertical orientation. Specifically, when the pedestal <NUM> is arranged on the ground and the locking assembly <NUM> is locked, the locking assembly <NUM> is substantially oriented in the vertical direction, that is, it extends substantially in a direction perpendicular to the ground. In this embodiment, the driving member <NUM> is a pedal.

In particular, a bottom end of the connecting member <NUM> facing the locking assembly <NUM> is recessed at a central portion thereof to define a receiving chamber <NUM> therein. The receiving chamber <NUM> is used to receive the universal ball <NUM> therein. Preferably, the receiving chamber <NUM> is spherical corresponding to the universal ball <NUM>. A bottom end of the receiving chamber <NUM> is opposite to the top end of the guiding member <NUM>. A limiting surface <NUM> is formed on a circumferential edge of the bottom end of the receiving chamber <NUM>. The limiting surface <NUM> is an inclined surface. An abutting surface <NUM> is formed on the top end of the guiding member <NUM> corresponding to the limiting surface <NUM>. The limiting surface <NUM> can abut against the abutting surface <NUM>.

Specifically, the limiting surface <NUM> is an annular surface enclosing a hole communicating with the receiving chamber <NUM>. Preferably, the limiting surface <NUM> is a truncated conical surface, and a diameter of the hole is gradually increased from top to bottom. That is, the hole has a flared opening. Referring also to <FIG>, the guiding member <NUM> is substantially cylindrical, and includes a base portion <NUM> and an extending portion <NUM> protruding from a middle of a top surface of the base portion <NUM>. A diameter of the extending portion <NUM> is smaller than that of the base portion <NUM>. A step <NUM> is formed on a joint part of the base portion <NUM> and the extending portion <NUM> to support the driving member <NUM>. The abutting surface <NUM> is formed on a top end of the extending portion <NUM>, which is away from the base portion <NUM>. The abutting surface <NUM> is an annular surface and enclosed a chamber therebetween. Preferably, the abutting surface <NUM> is an inclined surface, and a diameter of the top end of the extending portion <NUM> gradually increases from top to bottom. That is, the top end of the extending portion <NUM> is slightly converged. The outer diameter of the abutting surface <NUM> is greater than the minimum diameter of the hole defined by the limiting surface <NUM> and is smaller than the maximum diameter of the hole so as to ensure that the top end of the extending portion <NUM> can extend into the hole, and the abutting surface <NUM> and the limiting surface <NUM> can abut against each other.

A longitudinal mounting groove <NUM> is defined in the extending portion <NUM> along a length direction of the extending portion <NUM>. The driving member <NUM> is pivotally connected to the support rod <NUM> by a connecting pin <NUM>. The connecting pin <NUM> extends through the driving member <NUM>, the mounting groove <NUM> of the extending portion <NUM> of the guiding member <NUM> in sequence, and can move up and down along the mounting groove <NUM> when the guiding member <NUM> is moved by the spring member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the driving member <NUM> includes two spaced arms (not labeled). The arms are located at opposite sides of the support rod <NUM>, respectively. The connecting pin <NUM> extends through one of the arms, the support rod <NUM>, the mounting groove <NUM> in sequence, and is then inserted into the other arm. It should be understood that, in other embodiment, the driving member <NUM> includes only one arm.

Referring also to <FIG>, a guiding groove <NUM> is defined in an inner surface of the guiding member <NUM>. A top end of the guiding groove <NUM> towards the connecting member <NUM> forms a first temporary limiting part <NUM> and a second temporary limiting part <NUM> spaced from each other. A positioning part <NUM> is formed below the first temporary limiting part <NUM> and the second temporary limiting part <NUM>. The locking pin <NUM> is movable along the guiding groove <NUM> to abut against the first temporary limiting part <NUM> or the second temporary limiting part <NUM>, or engaged at the positioning part <NUM>.

A longitudinal cross section of the first temporary limiting part <NUM> and a longitudinal cross-section of the second temporary limiting part <NUM> are both in the form of an inverted V shape, the opening of which are orientated inclinedly downwardly towards a first direction. A top end of the second temporary limiting part <NUM> is located at a level above a top end of the first temporary limiting part <NUM>. The positioning part <NUM> is located below a junction between the first temporary limiting part <NUM> and the second temporary limiting part <NUM>, closer to the second temporary limiting part <NUM>. A longitudinal cross section of the positioning part <NUM> is substantially V-shaped and is inclined towards a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are opposite.

A longitudinal cross section of a bottom portion of the guiding groove <NUM> is substantially Y-shaped, two top ends of which are connected to bottom ends of the first temporary limiting part <NUM> and the second temporary limiting part <NUM> at a second junction and a third junction, respectively. The second junction is located at a level above the third junction.

The spring member <NUM> is mounted around the support rod <NUM>, with one end thereof received in the base portion <NUM>. The spring member <NUM> is used to elastically push the base portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the spring member <NUM> is a coil spring.

The locking pin <NUM> includes a fixing part <NUM>, a connecting part <NUM> extending from the fixing part <NUM>, and a hook <NUM> formed on a free end of the connecting part <NUM>. The fixing part <NUM> is pivotally connected the support rod <NUM>. The hook <NUM> is received in the guiding member <NUM> for engaging therewith. The locking pin <NUM> may be formed by bending a linear material. In this embodiment, the fixing part <NUM> is a ring, and is pivotally connected to the support rod <NUM> by a screw <NUM>. The locking pin <NUM> is rotatable about the screw <NUM>. The hook <NUM> and the fixing part <NUM> are respectively located at opposite ends of the connecting part <NUM> and arranged in an angle. The hook <NUM> is used to be engaged with the guiding groove <NUM>.

The pedestal <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> connected the support rod <NUM> and a plurality of legs <NUM> arranged on the periphery of the main body <NUM>. In this embodiment, the pedestal <NUM> includes three legs, and the three legs are evenly arranged on the periphery of the main body <NUM>.

In the present disclosure, the guiding member <NUM> is elastically pushed by the spring member <NUM> and is moved towards the connecting member <NUM>. When the abutting surface <NUM> of the extending portion <NUM> abuts against the limiting surface <NUM> of the connecting member <NUM>, the hook <NUM> of the locking pin <NUM> is moved along the guiding member <NUM> to the first fixed position, and the hook <NUM> is located at a bottom of the Y-shaped structure of the guiding groove <NUM>. The stand is locked by the locking assembly <NUM>.

When the driving member <NUM> is pressed downwardly, which in turn presses the step <NUM> of the guiding member <NUM> to move the guiding member <NUM> downwardly along the support rod <NUM>, the hook <NUM> is moved rightwards and upwardly along the bottom of the Y-shaped structure of the guiding groove <NUM> to the first temporary limiting part <NUM>, and abuts against the top end of the first temporary limiting part <NUM>, which prevents the guiding member <NUM> from moving downwardly further. As a result, the driving member <NUM> can not to be pressed downwardly further, that is, the operator finishes one operation. At that time, the spring member <NUM> is compressed by the guiding member <NUM>. Then, the driving member <NUM> is released, the guiding member <NUM> moves upwardly under the upward force provided by the spring member <NUM>, the hook <NUM> moves downwardly from the top end of the guiding groove <NUM> to the positioning part <NUM> and abuts against the bottom of the positioning part <NUM>. At that time, the hook is blocked, as such, the guiding member <NUM> is unable to further move upwardly and thus is locked there. At that time, the guiding member <NUM> is spaced from the connecting member <NUM>, and the connecting member <NUM> is unlocked and can rotate about a center of the universal ball <NUM>.

When the driving member <NUM> is pressed again, the driving member <NUM> moves downwardly and presses the step <NUM> of the guiding member <NUM> to drive the guiding member <NUM> slide downwardly. The hook <NUM> is moved upwardly along the guiding groove <NUM> from the positioning part <NUM> to the second temporary limiting part <NUM> until the hook <NUM> abuts against the top end of the second temporary limiting part <NUM>. In this state, the guiding member <NUM> is blocked and the guiding member <NUM> cannot be pressed downwardly further. That is, the driving member <NUM> cannot move downwardly further, and the operator finishes one operation. Then, the driving member <NUM> is released, the guiding member <NUM> moves upwardly under an upward force provided by the spring member <NUM>, the hook <NUM> moves downwardly along the guiding groove <NUM> from the second temporary limiting part <NUM> to the bottom of the Y-shaped structure of the guiding groove <NUM>. In this state, the abutting surface <NUM> of the extending portion <NUM> abuts against the limiting surface <NUM> of the connecting member <NUM>, the connecting member <NUM> is locked and cannot rotate, and the hook <NUM> is located at the bottom of the Y-shaped section and free of force. In the present disclosure, the driving member <NUM> can be pressed repeatedly, the stand can be switched between the locked state and the freely rotatable state quickly as the hook <NUM> moves along the guiding groove <NUM> to limit positions. The operation is convenient and high efficiency, without using hands.

Referring to <FIG>, a stand for photographic equipment of a second embodiment is shown. This stand is similar to the stand of the first embodiment, but differs from the stand of the first embodiment in that the stand of the second embodiment further includes a locking member <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> is mounted around the connecting member <NUM> to interact with the universal ball 20a. When the stand is unlocked, the connecting member <NUM> can rotate relative to the universal ball 20a. The locking member <NUM> is configured to lock the universal ball 20a at the required angle, to fix the connecting member <NUM> relative to the universal ball 20a. As such, the connecting member <NUM> can be fixed at the required angle.

Specifically, the connecting member <NUM> includes a thread section <NUM> with outer screw threads formed at the bottom end of the connecting member facing towards the locking assembly <NUM>. A central portion of an outer surface of the connecting member <NUM> is recessed in the radial direction of the connecting member <NUM> to define a receiving groove <NUM> therein. In this embodiment, the receiving groove <NUM> is formed in the thread section <NUM>.

The locking member <NUM> includes a locking block <NUM> which is partially movably received in the receiving groove <NUM>, a locking sleeve <NUM> mounted around the bottom end of the connecting member <NUM> and thread connected with the connecting member <NUM>, and a locking element <NUM> received in the receiving chamber <NUM> of the connecting member <NUM> and located at a bottom end of the universal ball 20a. An inner part of the locking block <NUM> can extend into the bottom end of the connecting member <NUM> through the receiving groove <NUM> and abut against the locking element <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> is configured to lock the universal ball 20a by means of driving the locking sleeve <NUM> upwardly along the longitudinal direction of the connecting member <NUM> to push the locking block <NUM> moved inwardly, and in turn the locking block <NUM> pushes the locking element <NUM> upwardly until the locking element <NUM> is locked with respect to the universal ball 20a.

Specifically, an aperture is defined in the connecting member <NUM> at an area where the receiving groove <NUM> is located, and extends through the wall of the connecting member <NUM>. The inner part of the locking block <NUM> can extend through the aperture into the receiving chamber <NUM> and is located below the locking element <NUM>. An outer part of the locking block <NUM> protrudes radially outwardly from the receiving groove <NUM>. The locking sleeve <NUM> is screwed in to move upwardly along the bottom end of the connecting member <NUM>, so as to push the locking block <NUM> to move inwardly, and the locking block <NUM> pushes the locking element <NUM> upwardly to make the locking element <NUM> move towards the universal ball 20a until the universal ball 20a is locked by the locking element <NUM>. As such, the connecting member <NUM> is locked relative to the universal ball 20a.

Preferably, the locking member <NUM> of this embodiment further includes a reset spring <NUM>. The reset spring <NUM> is configured to provide an outward elastic force for the locking block <NUM> and assist the locking block <NUM> to reset when the reset spring <NUM> is released. In this embodiment, the reset spring <NUM> is received in the receiving groove <NUM>, one end of the reset spring <NUM> abuts against the bottom of the connecting member <NUM>, and the other end of the reset spring <NUM> abuts against the locking block <NUM>. In this embodiment, the reset spring <NUM> is a helical spring.

In this embodiment, the locking sleeve <NUM> is annular and continuous in the circumferential direction. The locking sleeve <NUM> includes a locking section <NUM> and a guiding section <NUM> along an axial direction thereof. The locking section <NUM> has a uniform inner diameter with inner screw threads to engage with the outer screw threads of the connecting member <NUM>. The guiding section <NUM> extends upwardly from a top end of the locking section <NUM>. An inner diameter of the guiding section <NUM> gradually increases from a bottom end connected to the locking section <NUM> to a top end. Thus, an inner surface of the guiding section <NUM> is tapered and inclined outwardly from bottom to top. When the locking sleeve <NUM> is mounted around the connecting member <NUM>, a gap <NUM> is defined between the inner surface of the guiding section <NUM> and the outer surface of the connecting member <NUM>. Because the inner surface of the guiding section <NUM> is inclined, a width of the gap <NUM> is increased gradually from bottom to top.

It is understood that, in other embodiments, the locking sleeve <NUM> may be in the form of a plurality of separated arcuate plates provided that the arcuate plates can work with the locking block <NUM>.

A protective sleeve <NUM> may be mounted around an outer surface of the locking sleeve <NUM> to protect the locking sleeve <NUM> and improve user experience. The protective sleeve <NUM> is a leather sleeve or a plastic sleeve.

The locking block <NUM> includes a connecting portion <NUM> and a protruding portion <NUM> extending upwardly from the connecting portion <NUM>. The connecting portion <NUM> is received in the receiving groove <NUM> and abuts against the respective reset spring <NUM>. In this embodiment, the connecting portion <NUM> is substantially rectangular.

In order to connect the reset spring <NUM> more firmly, in this embodiment, preferably, the bottom wall of the receiving groove <NUM> is further recessed to define a first hole <NUM>. The first hole <NUM> is a blind hole. An inner surface of the connecting portion <NUM> is also recessed to define a receiving hole <NUM> therein. Two opposite ends of the reset spring <NUM> are received in the first hole <NUM> and the receiving hole <NUM>, respectively. Alternatively, in other embodiments, at least one of the bottom wall of the receiving groove <NUM> and the corresponding connecting portion <NUM> of the locking block <NUM> is provided with a post, an end of the reset spring <NUM> is mounted around the post to form a stable connection and positioning.

The protruding portion <NUM> includes a pushing surface <NUM> inclined towards the locking element <NUM>. The pushing surface <NUM> extends upwardly and outwardly from a bottom end thereof that faces the connecting portion <NUM> to contact the locking element <NUM>. In this embodiment, the protruding portion <NUM> is substantially wedge-shaped, located at a top portion of the receiving groove <NUM> and aligned with the aperture. The bottom of the protruding portion <NUM> is connected the top of the connecting portion <NUM>. An outer side of the protruding portion <NUM> extends out of the receiving groove <NUM> into the gap <NUM> between the locking sleeve <NUM> and the connecting member <NUM>. An outer surface of the protruding portion <NUM> faces the inner surface of the guiding section <NUM>. A top surface of the protruding portion <NUM> connects top ends of the outer surface and the pushing surface <NUM>. An inner side of the protruding portion <NUM> extends beyond an inner side of the connecting portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, a width of the bottom of the protruding portion <NUM> is larger than that of the connecting portion <NUM>. Specifically, a width of the protruding portion <NUM> decreases gradually from bottom to top. Therefore, when the locking sleeve <NUM> is moved upwardly, the inclined inner surface of the guiding section <NUM> of the locking sleeve <NUM> pushes the locking block <NUM> inwardly, and thus the locking block <NUM> is moved inwardly to push the locking element <NUM> upwardly.

In this embodiment, the outer surface of the protruding portion <NUM> is an inclined surface, extending upwardly and outwardly from the top end of the outer surface of the connecting portion <NUM>. Preferably, the outer surface of the protruding portion <NUM> and the inner surface of the guiding section <NUM> are mutually inclined. Therefore, a contact area between the outer surface of the protruding portion <NUM> and the inner surface of the guiding section <NUM> is increased, such that the force applied on the locking block <NUM> is uniform. Optionally, the pushing surface <NUM> may be a curved surface or a flat surface. In this embodiment, the pushing surface <NUM> is a curved surface. The pushing surface <NUM> is concaved along a circumferential direction of the locking sleeve <NUM>.

In this embodiment, three receiving grooves <NUM> are defined in the connecting member <NUM> at the thread section <NUM>, which are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction. Three locking blocks <NUM> are received in the receiving grooves <NUM>, respectively. The connecting member <NUM> defines two first holes <NUM> at the bottom wall of each receiving groove <NUM>. Two reset springs <NUM> are respectively received in the two first holes <NUM> in the corresponding receiving grooves <NUM> and abut against the locking block <NUM>.

It should be understood that, in other embodiments, the locking member <NUM> may include two receiving grooves <NUM> symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the bottom end of the connecting member <NUM>. The number of the receiving groove <NUM> may be one or more, which is selected as required, and the number of the reset springs and the shape of the reset spring can be adjusted accordingly.

The locking element <NUM> includes a locking surface <NUM> towards the universal ball 20a and a contacting surface <NUM> engaged with the pushing surface <NUM> of the locking block <NUM>. The locking surface <NUM> is fitted with the universal ball 20a and conforming the universal ball 20a. The contacting surface <NUM> extends upwardly and outwardly from bottom to top.

Specifically, the locking element <NUM> is annular, and an inner diameter thereof decreases gradually from top to bottom. An opening is defined at a bottom end of the locking element <NUM>. A size of the opening is smaller than that of the universal ball 20a, and thus, the universal ball 20a can be partially received in the locking element <NUM> without being detached from the opening. The contacting surface <NUM> is formed at an outer periphery of a bottom of the locking element <NUM>. The contacting surface <NUM> extends upwardly and radially outwardly from a central portion of the locking element <NUM> to be fitted with the pushing surface <NUM> of the locking block <NUM>. Each of the contacting surface <NUM> and the pushing surface <NUM> is a slope. When the locking block <NUM> is pushed by the locking sleeve <NUM> to move inwardly, the contacting surface <NUM>, and thus the locking element <NUM>, is pushed upwardly by the locking block <NUM> until the locking element <NUM> contacts and locks the universal ball 20a.

Preferably, the inner surface of the locking element <NUM> is a concave curved surface, acting as the locking surface <NUM> fitted with the universal ball 20a.

In order to avoid an abrasion of the universal ball 20a, in this embodiment, a gasket <NUM> is provided at the bottom end of the universal ball 20a. The locking element <NUM> directly contacts an outer surface of the gasket <NUM> when the locking element <NUM> locks the universal ball 20a. The shape of the gasket <NUM> is corresponding to the bottom end of the universal ball 20a. Preferably, a periphery of the bottom end of the universal ball 20a is recessed to receive the gasket <NUM> therein. Therefore, on the one hand, it is convenient for quick alignment when gasket <NUM> is installed on the universal ball 20a, and on the other hand, the height difference between the fixed gasket <NUM> and the rest outer surface of the universal ball 20a can be reduced. The gasket <NUM> is fixed with the universal ball 20a by screws <NUM>. In this embodiment, the screws <NUM> are engaged with the screw holes of the universal ball 20a after extending through holes of the bottom end of the gasket <NUM>.

Preferably, the locking member <NUM> also includes a limiting member <NUM>. The limiting member <NUM> is fixed on the bottom of the thread section <NUM> to prevent the locking sleeve <NUM> from screwing out from the thread section <NUM>. In this embodiment, the limiting member <NUM> is a circlip surrounding the thread section <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in use, the stand can be connected to the platform by the connecting pod <NUM>. Specially, a top end of the connecting pod <NUM> is used to connect the platform, and a bottom end of the connecting pod <NUM> is connected the top end of the connecting member <NUM> which is away from the universal ball 20a. The camera equipment can be fixed on the platform for long-range shooting. It is understood that in close-range shooting, the connecting rod <NUM> can be removed, and the platform is directly fixed on the top of the connecting member <NUM>, and the camera is fixed on the platform, so as to form an apparatus for low angle shooting.

In this embodiment, when the connecting member <NUM> is required to be locked relative to the universal ball 20a, the locking sleeve <NUM> is moved upwardly such that the inner surface of the guiding section <NUM> of the locking sleeve <NUM> move along an outer surface of the connecting portion <NUM> to the outer surface of protruding portion <NUM> of the locking block <NUM>. As the inner diameter of the guiding section <NUM> decreases gradually from top to bottom, the locking block <NUM> is pushed by the guiding section <NUM> and moved inwardly, and the locking element <NUM> is pushed by the pushing surface <NUM> of the locking block <NUM> and moved upwardly to the gasket <NUM> along the pushing surface <NUM>. The locking element <NUM> is moved upwardly until the locking surface <NUM> of the locking element <NUM> abuts against the outer periphery of the top gasket <NUM>. As such, the locking element <NUM> is locked relative to the universal ball 20a, and the connecting member <NUM> can be fixed in a required position.

Claim 1:
A stand for photographic equipment, comprising: a connecting member (<NUM>); a pedestal (<NUM>); and a locking assembly (<NUM>) connected between the connecting member (<NUM>) and the pedestal (<NUM>); characterized in that the locking assembly (<NUM>) comprises: a support rod (<NUM>); a guiding member (<NUM>) mounted around the support rod (<NUM>); a locking pin (<NUM>) fixed on the support rod (<NUM>) and engaged with the guiding member (<NUM>); a spring member (<NUM>) located between the pedestal (<NUM>) and the guiding member (<NUM>); and a driving member (<NUM>) pivotally connected to the support rod (<NUM>); wherein one end of the support rod (<NUM>) and the connecting member (<NUM>) are rotatably connected with each other by a universal ball (<NUM>) , the locking assembly (<NUM>) is configured to make the locking pin (<NUM>) move along the guiding member (<NUM>) to a first fixed position or a second fixed position by pressing the driving member (<NUM>) , wherein when the locking pin (<NUM>) is located at the first fixed position, a top end of the guiding member (<NUM>) abuts against and locks the connecting member (<NUM>), and when the locking pin (<NUM>) is located at the second fixed position, the guiding member (<NUM>) releases the connecting member (<NUM>).