MECHANISM

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present invention is in the field of photography equipment. More specifically the invention relates to a compact tripod having a novel telescopic central column and a central mechanism for opening/closing the tripod and extending/retracting the central column and the legs segments easy and conveniently to provide a user with a fast, simple and accurate way to open and deploy the tripod upon photographing, repositioning the tripod in the photography site, and packaging the tripod after the work is completed.

Tripod supports for photographic and other equipment are well known. Many variations have been developed to address issues of stability, weight, adjustability, reliability, cost, and ease of use. Trade-offs involving these factors have been made in the past in order to obtain the requirements of length of 40 cm when it is packed and height of 150 cm for camera positioning when it is open that define a compact tripod. However, there is much room for innovation as these trade-offs have reached diminishing returns.

Most developments in recent years has focused on providing tripods with enhanced stability and reliable operation. Little has been done to improve the ease of use that is cumbersome and occupies the photographer’s attention instead of allowing him/her to focus on the shots he/she should take. The time required for opening/closing and positioning the tripod is sometimes crucial when photographing a real-time event with no repeat options.

Currently, most tripods known in the art are opened and deployed at the photography site manually i.e., the user has to open each leg of the tripod separately and unlock/lock each leg segment separately and adjust the length of the tripod to the 'surface structure that it is positioned on.

US Patent No. 9,568,143 based on international patent publication number WO 2015/063754 of the same inventors that is incorporated herein by reference, provides a semi-automated tripod that is much less cumbersome and allows fast opening and closing of telescopic legs by a central locking mechanism while keeping eye contact with the object to be photographed. The tripod disclosed by that patent comprises a handle with a trigger that is preferably positioned on a central column. The legs of the tripod are telescopic legs allowing to minimize the dimensions of the tripod in a close retracted state and further to allow fast opening and closing of the tripod.

The following patents and publications are relevant to the field of the present invention: US20l53380l7(Al); US2009250567(Al); EP2708792(A2); and

https://www.kickstarter.com/proiects/peak-design/travel-t ripod-bv-peak- design?ref=discovery.&term=tripod

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is aimed to take the compact ability of tripod to its edge, by providing a compact tripod with compact telescopic central column in addition to the telescopic legs described in the former patent of the same inventors. The compact tripod disclosed herein may further comprise an automated opening mechanism in a manner that upon releasing and extending the telescopic central column, the telescopic legs are automatically being opened. Thus, allowing to automatically open the tripod from a closed retracted position into a fully open position in one step. In addition, the compact tripod provided herein allow for partial or complete insertion of the tripod head between the tripod legs by implementing a hollow multi lobes connecter (denoted hereinbelow as“spider”), that allows to further diminishing and minimization of the tripod dimensions in a folded position, thus, allowing insertion of the tripod into a user’ s bag, convenient holding of the tripod when moving from one location to the other and convenient storage. Detailed description of the novel compact tripod is provided hereinbelow in the exemplifying none-limiting drawings and description of the drawings. The subject matter described herein is directed to a novel compact tripod with innovative features that provides the user with a simple, fast and friendly way of carrying, opening, closing, and operating a tripod.

In one main aspect the present invention is directed to a compact tripod comprising at least: a) A central column having one or more telescopic segments; b) Two or more tripod legs, each leg having one or more telescopic segments, each of the segments maximally overlap in length and connected to the central column trough a side hinge positioned at the upper side of a multi lobes connector; c) A tripod head; d) A hollow multi lobes connector configure to connect the tripod legs to the central column and to allow at least partial insertion of the head into it in a folded compact state; and e) A central locking mechanism configured to allow opening of the telescopic segments of the central column, said central locking mechanism being operated by at least one opening handle said opening handle having at least one release button connected to a central piston positioned on the central column; wherein in a folded state the central column, the tripod legs and the tripod head are all aligned in one upper line to obtain minimal dimensions of the tripod in a compact close state while keeping a maximal length of the tripod in an open state. In some variations, in a folded position the tripod head may be partially protruding above said upper line.

Upon holding the tripod from the opening handle vertically to the ground and pressing on said release button, the central locking mechanism is unlocked and allows free fall of the tripod and opening of the telescopic segments of the central column by gravitation force, wherein the opening of the telescopic segments of the central column further activates the opening of each one of said tripod telescopic legs towards the ground according to the height of the ground in the vicinity of each of said legs.

The hollow multi lobes connector is connected to each one of the tripod legs by a side hinge, wherein each lobe is connected to a corresponding tripod leg.

In some optional embodiments, in a folded state the tripod head is fully inserted into the hollow multi lobes connector thereby obtaining minimal dimensions of the tripod and allowing a user to carry the tripod by holding the handle or by inserting the compact tripod into a bag. Alternatively, the compact tripod may be carried by the user by a shoulder strap.

In some optional embodiments, upon holding the tripod vertically relative to the ground and pressing on the release button, the opening handle changes its angle relative to the central column axis, and the upper area of the handle starts pushing a cup of a locking pipe within the central column so as to release the locking of the central column upper telescopic segment and to allow its free fall by gravitation forces, wherein during the free fall of said upper telescopic segment it pulls out the subsequent telescopic segment connected therethrough. During the free fall of the tripod toward the ground and opening of the central column telescopic segments the tripod legs locking mechanism is automatically being activated to allow subsequent opening of the telescopic segments of each one of the tripod legs. In some optional embodiment, the opening of the telescopic segments of each tripod leg is obtained by releasing of corresponding connecting arms each configured to connect the central column to a leg.

In one another aspect of the present invention, the compact tripod described herein further allowing the user to open said tripod in a photographing location while maintaining eye contact with an object to be photographed in one single action.

The present invention is further directed to a novel hollow multi lobes connector configure to allow to diminish a tripod dimensions in a folded form, by connecting between at least two telescopic tripod legs to a central column of a tripod, wherein each tripod leg upper segment is connected to the multi lobes connector trough a side hinge, each side hinge is positioned at the most upper area of the hollow multi lobes connector and connect to leg upper segment at the most upper area, thus allowing to obtain maximal overlap of the telescopic segments of each leg and to allow minimal dimensions of the tripod in a compact form, and maximal length of the tripod in an open state.

In some embodiments, at least part of a tripod head is inserted into the inner space of the hollow multi lobes connector, thus further allowing to diminish the tripod dimensions in a folded compact state. Preferably, in a folded state of the tripod the central column, the tripod legs and the tripod head are all aligned in one upper line to obtain minimal dimensions of the tripod in a compact close state while keeping a maximal length of the tripod in an open state.

In one further aspect, this invention is directed to a compact telescopic tripod comprising at least: a) central column having one or more telescopic segments; b) Two or more tripod legs, each leg having one or more telescopic segments, each of the segments maximally overlap in length and connected to the central column trough a side hinge positioned at the upper side of a multi lobes connector; c) A tripod head; d) A hollow multi lobes connector configure to connect the tripod legs to the central column and to allow at least partial insertion of the head into it in a folded compact state; and e) A central locking mechanism configured to allow opening of the telescopic segments of the central column, said central locking mechanism being operated by at least one opening handle said handle having at least one release button connected to a central piston positioned on the central column; wherein in a folded state the central column, the tripod legs and the tripod head are all aligned in one upper line to obtain minimal dimensions of the tripod in a compact close state while keeping a maximal length of the tripod in an open state, and wherein upon holding the tripod from the opening handle vertically to the ground and pressing on said release button, the central locking mechanism is unlocked and allows free fall of the tripod and opening of the telescopic segments of the central column by gravitation force, such that the opening of the telescopic segments of the central column further activates the opening of each one of said tripod telescopic legs towards the ground according to the height of the ground in the vicinity of each of said legs.

In some optional embodiments, the hollow multi lobes connector is connected to each one of the tripod legs by a side hinge, wherein each leg is connected to a corresponding lobe. Preferably but not necessarily, in a folded state, the head is fully inserted into the hollow multi lobes connector thereby obtaining minimal dimensions of the tripod and allowing a user to carry the tripod by holding the handle or by inserting the compact tripod into a bag or can be carried by a shoulder strap.

In some other embodiments, the head is only partially inserted between the legs into the hollow multi lobes connector.

Upon holding the tripod vertically relative to the ground and pressing on the release button, the opening handle changes its angle relative to the central column axis, and the upper area of the handle starts pushing a cup of a locking pipe within the central column so as to release the locking of the central column upper telescopic segment and to allow its free fall by gravitation forces, wherein during the free fall of said upper telescopic segment it pulls out the subsequent telescopic segment connected therethrough. During the free fall of the tripod toward the ground and opening of the central column telescopic segments the tripod legs locking mechanism is automatically being activated to allow subsequent opening of the telescopic segments of each one of the tripod legs.

In some embodiments, the opening of the telescopic segments of each tripod leg is obtained by releasing of corresponding connecting arms each configured to connect the central column to a leg.

The compact telescopic tripod described above may further allow the user to open said tripod in a photographing location while maintaining eye contact with an object to be photographed in one single action. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples illustrative of variations of the disclosure are described below with reference to figures attached hereto. In the figures, identical structures, elements or parts that appear in more than one figure are generally labeled with the same numeral in all the figures in which they appear. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are generally chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. The figures presented are in the form of schematic illustrations and, as such, certain elements may be drawn greatly simplified or not-to- scale, for illustrative clarity. The figures are not intended to be production drawings.

The figures (Figs.) are listed below.

Figure 1A is a schematic isometric view of a novel compact tripod with a telescopic central column, telescopic legs, and a hollow multi lobes connector (spider) in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Figure IB is a schematic illustration of the compact tripod of fig. 1A with the tripod head and first telescopic segment of the central column opened.

Figures 2A-2B are schematic illustrations of optional variations of compact tripods in accordance with embodiments of the invention, wherein Fig. 2A illustrates a compact tripod with a regular head that is not inserted between the tripod legs in a compact folded form; Fig. 2B illustrates a compact tripod with a square head partially inserted between the legs in a compact folded form.

Figures 3A-3F are schematic cross section views of tripod 100 of fig. 1 illustrating the sequence of the opening of the tripod from a close retracted position (most compact form) to a fully opened form, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, wherein, Fig. 3A is a schematic cross section view starting in which the release button is pressed, and the opening handle is pulled out to start the opening process of the tripod; Fig. 3B is a schematic cross section in which, the opening of the upper telescopic segment of the central column is in a partial extended position; Fig. 3C is a schematic cross section view in which, the upper telescopic segment of the central column is fully opened and the middle segment is in a partial extended position; Fig. 3D is a schematic cross section view in which, the opening handle is open, the upper middle segments is almost fully open and the connecting arms locking is released and automatically releasing the opening of the telescopic legs; Fig. 3E is a schematic closeup view of the central column junction with the connecting arms released and the telescopic legs opened; Fig. 3F is a schematic cross section view in which, tripod 100 of fig.l in a fully opened and extracted.

Figure 4 is schematic isometric view illustrations of a novel tripod head and a complementary adaptor configured to be attached from its bottom side to the tripod head and to be attached from its upper side to a camera, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Figure 5A is a schematic isometric view of the tripod head and the connector of fig. 4, wherein the adaptor is assembled with the tripod head.

Figure 5B is a schematic cross section view illustration of the tripod head of fig. 5A with the adaptor attached to it.

Figure 5C is a schematic isometric side view of the tripod head of Fig.5A and the adaptor attached to it in a position where the locking ring of the spherical base is released and enables to tilt the camera relative to the tripod head in any desired direction.

Figure 5D is a schematic isometric side view of the tripod head of Fig.5A and the adaptor attached to it in a position where the spherical base is tilted in 90 degree relative to the tripod base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

It is the aim of the present invention to provide a novel compact tripod with telescopic central column and telescopic legs, and with a hollow multi lobes connector (spider) that allows to obtain optional ratio between the compact folded form of the tripod to an open fully extracted form of the tripod.

In the following description, various aspects and variations of the compact tripod provided herein will be described. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention and further variations based on the general concepts described herein should be construed as part of this invention.

In accordance with some aspects of the invention, the tripod is compactly folded in a manner that it can be inserted into a backpack, and to be opened in a fast, one step process that releases segments of a telescopic central column and three telescopic tripod legs. In a folded state, the tripod central column comprises at least two segments.

Upon opening of the central column, the folded legs are automatically expended from a closed state in which the legs are parallel or almost parallel to the central to an open position in which the legs are deployed in an angle of about 15-60 degrees relative to the central column axis. It should be clear that the range degree of the legs relative to the central column may vary and the ranges mentioned above should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

The opening process of the central column telescopic segments, after initiated by pressing a on a release button is supported by gravitation forces that allow free fall of the segments. The opening of the central column telescopic segments further releases automatically the retracted telescopic segments of the tripod legs.

Although the description provided herein refers mainly to a tripod with a hollow spider that allows insertion of the head between the tripod legs in a folded state, the fast opening of the telescopic central column and telescopic legs may similarly be implemented with any regular, state in the art tripod head.

Reference is now made to the drawings:

Figure 1A is a schematic isometric view of a novel compact tripod 100 with a telescopic central column 100 and telescopic legs 116 that upon release of the telescopic central column locking mechanism, the telescopic central column 110 is extended and consequently the telescopic legs segments are also automatically opened thus, allowing a user to open/close and position the compact tripod 100 by a single action.

Compact tripod 100 can be easily carried within a bag thanks to its small dimensions in a folded state, and therefore it is suitable for travelers and professional photographers that take photos in various locations. In the specific example illustrated in this figure, the tripod head 126 is fully inserted between the tripod legs 116 through a multi lobes connecter 112 that is also denoted hereinbelow interchangeably:“a spider” and“a spider element”. Detailed description and definitions of the spider are provided with reference to fig. 1B. In some other optional variation, the tripod head 126 may be partially inserted between the legs as illustrated on fig. 2A.

Tripod 100 further comprise an opening handle 120 that can function additionally as a carrying handle. Opening handle 120 comprise a releasing button 122 that functions also as a safety button and keeps tripod 100 when it is in a compact closed form locked. To open the folded compact tripod, a user should hold the tripod in the opening handle 120 in a vertical position to the ground and press on the release button 122. Gravitation forces further release the locking mechanism of the central column telescopic segments and allow the free fall of the telescopic segments of the central column. The opening of the central column telescopic segments further release connecting arms 118 and activate the release of the telescopic segments of the tripod legs. Detailed description of the opening mechanisms of the central column will be described in detail with reference to figures 3A-4F. Since the tripod head is hidden in this specific example, the opening handle 120 also assist to position the tripod in a vertical position for opening and also assist to close the tripod back to its compact form. Also shown in this figure are decoration strips 132 that optionally embrace the bottom part and the upper part of each tripod leg. At the bottom part of the leg, decoration strip 122 is connected to the leg by lower leg hinge 1161 that functionally connect the tripod leg to the corresponding connecting arm 118. At the upper part of the tripod, upper leg hinge 1161 is connecting the upper part of the leg 1165 to the spider element 112 and optionally used for attaching decoration strip 132. The upper area of the tripod legs 1165 may be covered by a cover 133. Also shown, hinge 1181 that connect each of the connecting arms 118 with a central piston 114. Central piston 114 is configured to move upward and downward along the central column and is responsible for the opening and closing of compact tripod 100. Detailed description of the major components attached to the central piston will be described hereinbelow with reference to the relevant drawings. A stabilizing handle 124 may optionally be added and connected to the central column 110 to further stabilize it and minimize movement in an open extracted form.

At the upper part of tripod 100, camera adaptor 128 is partially shown. Camera adaptor 128 is configured and operable to be inserted into the tripod head 126 and to allow attachment of a camera trough camera screw 129. Detailed description of the tripod head and adaptor are provided with reference to figs. 4 and 5A-5D hereinbelow. In the specific example illustrated herein camera adaptor 128 has a round shape. However, other shapes of the adaptor may also be used as illustrated in figs. 2A-2B. The ability to insert the tripod head, either fully or partially, between the tripod legs allows to decrease and minimize optimally the high of the tripod in a compact retracted form while keeping the desired height in an open extracted form.

To obtain optimal ratio between the folded form and the open form of the tripod the following should be achieved: the length of the segments of each leg of the tripod should be fully overlapping; the tripod’s head should be at least partially inserted between the legs and preferably fully inserted between the legs; the legs hinges and profiles should be positioned at the most upper area of the leg, in a manner that do not disrupt the overlapping of the segments. The usage of a hollow spider with the multi lobes, each lobe connected to a corresponding tripod leg by a side hinge allows to obtain the optimal compact dimensions.

Figure IB is a schematic isometric top view illustration of the compact tripod of fig. 1A with the tripod head 126 and first segment of the central column 1101 open. In this view, hollow spider 112 that functionally allows the insertion of the tripod head between the legs in a close position is shown. Practically, spider 112 is the junction area of the tripod legs and the central column upper end. In all prior art tripods, the spider is a solid, none-hollow area that connect the tripod legs at the bottom and allows the connection of the tripod head on top of it. By positioning the head between the legs within the hollow body of the spider 112 it minimizes the dimension of the tripod in the compact close folded form. By designing a hollow spider, the inventors of the present invention allowed to fully insert the tripod head between the legs and substantially decrease the dimensions of the tripod in a folded compact form. Alternatively, partial insertion of the head between the tripod legs is also an optional variation of this invention. In the specific example illustrated in this drawing spider 112 comprises a hollow body with three leaf like upper lobes, each lobe connected to a corresponding leg at its upper area. Additionally, the hollow spider allows to shift the connection point between the central column and the legs to the side near the spider, to allow maximal overlap of the telescopic legs segments height that further contribute substantially to diminish the tripod size in a compact form, while keeping a desired height when open.

It should be clear that other structural variations of the head and spider are also within the scope of this invention and the specific optional design is for illustrative purposes only. Also shown in this view are the tripod legs 116, connecting arms 118, central piston 114, upper area of the tripod legs 1165, spider element 112, tripod head 126, camera adaptor 128, camera screw 129, opening handle 120, and release button 122.

Figures 2A-2B are schematic illustrations of optional variations of compact tripods in accordance with embodiments of the invention, wherein, Fig. 2A illustrates a compact tripod 200 having a regular prior art head 226 that in the most compact form it protrudes above the tripod legs. On top of head 226 a square adaptor 228 is assembled. All other components of this version are similar to the components illustrated in fig.1 A. Fig. 2B illustrates another optional variation of a compact tripod 300 that it is very similar to tripod 100 illustrated in fig.lA but differ from it in the adaptor 328 connected thereto that differ from the one illustrated in fig. 1A. Compact tripod 300 comprises a partially inserted head 326 that is not aligned with the upper part of the tripod legs 116 due to a square adaptor 328 that is“sitting” on top of the head and legs and not fully inserted between the legs due to its square shape, unlike the round adaptor 128 illustrated in Fig. 1A that can be fully inserted between the tripod legs.

Figures 3A-3F are schematic cross section views of tripod 100 of fig. 1 showing the sequence of the opening of the tripod from a close retracted position (most compact form) to a fully opened form, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In brief, Fig. 3A is a schematic cross section view starting in which the release button is pressed, and the opening handle is pulled out to start the opening process of the tripod; Fig. 3B is a schematic cross section in which, the opening of the upper telescopic segment of the central column is in a partial extended position; Fig. 3C is a schematic cross section view in which, the upper telescopic segment of the central column is fully opened and the middle segment is in a partial extended position; Fig.3D is a schematic cross section view in which, the opening handle is open, the upper middle segments is almost fully open and the connecting arms locking is released and automatically releasing the opening of the telescopic legs; Fig. 3E is a schematic closeup view of the central column junction with the connecting arms released and the telescopic legs opened; Fig. 3F is a schematic cross section view in which, tripod 100 of fig.l in a fully opened and extracted.

Figures 3A-3F are schematic cross section views of tripod 100 of fig. 1 showing the sequence of the opening of the tripod from a close retracted position (most compact form) to a fully opened form, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In brief, Fig. 3A is a schematic cross section view starting in which the release button is pressed, and the opening handle is pulled out to start the opening process of the tripod; Fig. 3B is a schematic cross section in which, the opening of the upper telescopic segment of the central column is in a partial extended position; Fig. 3C is a schematic cross section view in which, the upper telescopic segment of the central column is fully opened and the middle segment is in a partial extended position; Fig. 3D is a schematic cross section view in which, the opening handle is open, the upper middle segments is almost fully open and the connecting arms locking is released and automatically releasing the opening of the telescopic legs; Fig. 3E is a schematic closeup view of the central column junction with the connecting arms released and the telescopic legs opened; Fig. 3F is a schematic cross section view in which, tripod 100 of fig.l in a fully opened and extracted.

As shown in this fig. 3A the telescopic legs 116 of the tripod and the tripod head 126 with the adaptor 128 for connecting a camera are position on one line 20. As shown in this figure, the telescopic tripod leg comprises three (3) segments that are inserted one into the other up to the upper edge of the first segment, on the same upper line 20 with the tripod head and the camera connector 128. The ability to position the legs and the head of the tripod on the same line in a compact folded state provides this tripod the optimal ratio between the compact folded smallest tripod and the extended open biggest tripod. Insertion of the tripod head into a hollow spider 112 allows to obtain the most minimal dimensions of tripods in a folded state together with optimal dimensions of the tripod in an open extended position. The hollow spider 112 can be implemented in a tripod with automated, semi-automated and manual opening tripods.

The opening sequence of compact tripod 100 can be summarized in the following main steps that are mixture of active actions and passive actions that occur due to gravity forces:

Step 1: Holding a tripod 100 in perpendicular axis relative to the ground in a distance from the ground that provides enough space to open the tripod (preferable at the shoulder level) by holding the opening handle 120;

Step 2: Pressing the release button 122; Step 3: The angle between the central column 110 and the opening handle 120 changes due to the gravity force that operates on the tripod and the position of the handle axis shifts outside from the center of the tripod;

Step 4: As a result of changing the angle of the opening handle 120, the upper part of the handle that function as a pushing element 1103 presses the cup of locking pipe 1102’ and causes its small displacement downward;

Step 5: A locking stationary cone 1106 that is connected to the bottom of the central column 110 is distant away from an inverse-grooved expending cone 1105 connected to the bottom of the upper segment 110U of the central column that releases a friction lock against the middle segment of the central column 110M;

Step 6: Tripod 100 begins to fall free fall as a result of gravity when the upper segment of the central column is revealed while the user is still holding the opening handle;

Step 7: The upper segment of the central column 110U is now being stuck at stopper 140 top of the middle segment 110M and begins to pull the middle segment out of the third lower segment 110L that is connected to the spider, while overcoming three (3) friction balls 1108 that are embedded in a lower bearing 1109 at the bottom of middle central column segment 110M, while continuing the free fall of the tripod toward the ground;

Step 8: when lower bearing 1109 is passing through a central piston locker (latch) 1141 positioned in the third lower segment of the central column, it pushes it out of a locking opening at the lower central column segment that is stable, and causes the piston spring 1144 to be release;

Step 9: The released piston spring 1144 pushes the central piston 114 against the bottom of the spider 112 toward the ground when at the same time, and regardless of the lower bearing 1109 of the middle segment 110M is being stopped by the spider with the brake on spider, so that the middle telescopic segment 110M is being exposed entirely;

Step 10: The central piston 114 pushes the connecting arms 118 from a closed lock form to a semi-open form and brings the tripod legs 116 to an angle of about 15 degrees in relation to the axis of the tripod center, in this situation the locks of the telescopic segments of the tripod legs are released (as described international patent application WO 2015/063754 in details in of the same inventors, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference; Step 11: At this stage, the telescopic segments of the tripod legs complete a free fall toward the ground, and each leg opens to its maximal length when the tripod is held in the air or each expends to a length according to the ground field and the height of the user’s hand that holds the tripod above the ground;

Step 12: The user smooths the central piston 114 downward towards the ground with the other hand while continuing holding the opening handle with the first hand until connecting arms 118 are aligned and the tripod legs 116 are locked;

Step 13: The user lays the tripod on the ground if it was held above the ground during opening.

Figure 3A illustrate steps 1-2, where opening handle 120 starts moving in a angle away from the central column 110 upon pressing on release button 122. The subsequent changes are shown Figs. 3B-3F, while in this figure, the other components are still as in the contracted form. Additional components that are shown in this view are: central column 110 with three telescopic segments, spherical base 134, camera adaptor 128, camera connecting screw 129, tripod head 126, spider 112, central column pushing element 1103 that is actually the upper part of the central column that serves as a lever and pushes the cup of locking pipe 1102’ upon pressing on release button 122, to further push downward locking pipe 1102. Also shown are tripod legs 116 with 3 telescopic segments, connecting arms 118 central piston 114, central piston locker 1141 and central piston locker spring 1143, and central piston spring 1144, expanding cone 1105, stationary cone 1106, lower bearing 1109, friction ball 1108, and upper central column segment locker 1104.

Figure 3B shows the next steps 3-4 in the opening process where, tripod head 134 is shown, the opening handle 120 is fully opened and pushing locking pipe 1102 downward, central column upper segment is partially exposed, expanding cone 1105 and stationary cone 1106 are distance from the lower bearing 1109, and stopped by stopper 140, while the other components are still in a compact position.

Figure 3C shows additional progress in the opening sequence described in steps 5-7, where the upper segment of the telescopic central column is fully shown, and the middle segment of the central column is partially shown. Lower bearing 1109 is becoming distanced from the ground, and the two cones 1105 and 1106 are one within the other in a locking position.

Figure 3D illustrated the steps 8-10 where the central piston 114 pushes the connecting arms 118 from a closed lock form to a semi-open form and brings the tripod legs 116 to an angle of about 15 degrees in relation to the axis of the tripod center, in this situation the locks of the telescopic segments of the tripod legs are released, and free fall of the telescopic segments of the legs occur.

Figure 3E is a closeup view of the central column junction with the connecting arms released and the telescopic legs semi opened in the step illustrated in fig. 3D. In this closeup view the steps 8 to 10 are well shown, as lower bearing 1109 is passing through central piston locker (latch) 1141 that is positioned in the third lower segment of the central column, and pushes it out of a locking opening and causes the piston spring 1144 to be release; the released piston spring 1144 pushes the central piston 114 against the bottom of the spider 112 toward the ground when at the same time, and regardless of the lower bearing 1109 of the middle segment 110M is being stopped by the spider with the brake on spider, so that the middle telescopic segment 110M is being exposed entirely; the central piston 114 pushes the connecting arms 118 from a closed lock form to a semi-open form and brings the tripod legs 116 to an angle of about 15 degrees in relation to the axis of the tripod center, in this situation the locks of the telescopic segments of the tripod legs are released.

Figure 3F shows tripod 100 in a fully opened and extracted position, where connecting arms are fully opened, the tripod legs has reached their maximal length and the tripod is standing on the ground stable and open. This drawing illustrates steps 11- 13 in which, the telescopic segments of the tripod legs complete a free fall toward the ground, and each leg opens to its maximal length when the tripod is held in the air or each expends to a length according to the ground field; at this point the user smooths the central piston 114 downward towards the ground with the other hand while continuing holding the opening handle with the first hand until connecting arms 118 are aligned and the tripod legs 116 are locked. If the tripod was held above the ground, the user should now lay the tripod on the ground. In this position, opening handle returns to its“close” position parallel to the central column axis and releasing button is relock to ensure that the tripod will remain open and stable until the user will press the button again to re-fold it to a compact closed form.

Figure 4 is a schematic isometric view illustrations of a novel tripod head 126 and a complementary round adaptor 128 configured to be assembled with the tripod head from its bottom side and to be attached to a camera on its upper side through a camera connecting screw 129. The novel tripod head 126 and the complementary adaptor 128 allow a fast attachment and detachment of a camera to a tripod and further allows the camera to move around its axis to PAN and TILT photographing functionalities without a need to add additional components as required by other prior art tripods designs that are available in the market thanks to its unique structure.

In the specific example illustrated in this figure, tripod head 126 comprises two locking tooth 161 configured to click the adaptor 128 upon pressing it into a complementary niche at the upper side of the tripod head. Adaptor 128 can be rapidly detached from the tripod head 126 upon pressing on releasing buttons 160 positioned in this specific example below each of the locking tooth 161.

As mentioned above, adaptor 128 has a round shape that allows it to turn around on spherical base 134. As a result of its unique round structure, adaptor 128 provided herein can be used to turn and direct the camera to a desired direction without a need for additional components. In other words, the novel adaptor provided herein is configured and operable to have a functional role in the movement of the camera attached to it during photographing. This function does not exist in any of the current adaptors available in the market.

Tripod head 126 comprises a spherical base 134 integrated into a leg 135 and connected to the upper segment of the central column 110U as shown in figs. 3A-3F. Spherical base 134 is covered from top by spherical elbow seating 136 that provides the tripod head the ability to move to all directions and functionally it is enabling the camera movement to any desired direction. Niche 136’ allows movement in a vertical axis, thus it enables the user to bend the tripod head for photographing in a Portrait state. A locking ring 164 is configured to lock spherical base 134 of the tripod head 126 and to limit the movement of the head only horizontally. When this locking ring is released, movement is possible to all directions. When tightening locking ring 167 the spherical elbow seating 136 is being locked and movement is limited. Upon release of the locking ring 164, movement is further enabled to all directions. Securing ring 167 is aimed to secure the locking of adaptor l28in addition to the locking tooth 161, and thereby secure the camera when connected. When this ring is released, the adaptor can be ejected by pressing on the tooth releasing buttons 160. This double protection mechanism ensures that the adaptor will not be detached from the tripod head by mistakenly pressing on the releasing buttons. The round structure of adaptor 128 illustrated above is a unique development of the inventors as most common adaptor has a square shape or a trapezoid shape. The advantage of a round adaptor over other optional shapes that it has the ability to circle around its axis. For example, when the adaptor is clicked to the head and the securing ring 167 is released, the camera can be rotated on the same horizontal plan and take pictures in PAN (Panoramic) mode. Thus, the novel adapter disclosed herein is the only camera adapter know in the art that is responsible and enable to take pictures in PAN mode without the need to add additional components. In other words, the present invention in one main aspect, is directed to a novel tripod head and a complementary camera adapter that allow photographing in panoramic mode by enabling movement of the adaptor in an horizontal axis (right to left -left to right) by simply securing the adaptor within the tripod head with securing ring 167 to avoid a vertical movement. The locking ring enables lacking and release of the rotation movement character on horizontal plan (PAN) or upward/downward movements, or full release for detachment of the camera and the adaptor from the tripod head by further pressing the tooth releasing buttons.

Alternatively, the tripod head 126 may be positioned in a Portrait mode i.e., by positioning leg 136 within niche 136’ of spherical elbow seat 136 to allow photographing on the vertical axis upward and downward only.

It should be clear that the compact foldable tripod described herein may be implemented with the novel tripod head and adaptor described above or it may be implemented with any other tripod head and complementary adaptors known in the art as illustrated in figs. 2A-2B. the novel tripod head and round adaptor are preferred embodiment but should not limit the scope of this invention as the compact features described herein may also be used with other kind of heads and adaptors as well.

Further details and positioning of the tripod head 126 and the round adaptor 128 will be demonstrated in the following drawings.

Figure 5A is a schematic isometric view of the tripod head 126 and the adaptor 128 of fig. 4, wherein the adaptor 128 is connected (clicked) to the tripod head 126. Shown in this view are the spherical base 134 of the tripod head, spherical elbow seating 136, niche 136’, leg 135 that connects the head to the central column, adaptor releasing button 160 that can also be implemented as a handle, securing ring 167 for the camera adaptor that is aimed to secure the adaptor and the camera when assembled. As mentioned above, when this ring is tightened it locks the adaptor to the tripod head and secure that it will not be detached from it upon pressing on tooth releasing buttons 160. Also shown in this drawing is a locking ring and the round camera adaptor. The locking ring 164 is configured to lock the spherical base 134 of the tripod head when it is tightened and to allow only horizontal movement of the tripod head and the adaptor. When this locking ring is released, movement is possible to all directions.

Figure 5B is a schematic cross section view illustration of tripod head 126 of fig. 5A with adaptor 128 attached to it. Adaptor 128 comprises a camera connecting screw 129 on its upper side at the centre, on which the camera is positioned. In the cross-section view, the notchesl28l created by the two locking teeth 161 are shown that functionally allows to click the adaptor to the head, one notch at the right side and the other at the left side. Upon insertion of the adaptor into the tripod head the tooth clicks on the notch created. Also shown are tooth releasing spring sl60l attached to each tooth releasing button 160 to release the adaptor from the camera head upon pressing on the buttons from each side. This mechanism allows fast attachment and detachment of the camera to the tripod. Also shown in this cross section, spherical ball 134 integrated to leg 135, and spherical elbow seating 136. The spherical elbow seating 136 is shaped as the negative of the spherical base 134 and capable of circling around the sphere upon release of the locking ring. When the lock of the adaptor and the tripod is released movement of the camera to all directions is enabled.

As mentioned above, the novel spherical adaptor provided herein is capable to turn around its axis and provide rotation ability on horizontal axis, and by this ability it can save the need for additional particles that provide such movement as in prior art adaptors. This unique structure further allows to decrease the tripod head dimensions and to make it more compact and convenient to be carried for travellers and professionals. Thanks to these special abilities the novel adaptor described herein, is part of the position tuning mechanism of the tripod in addition to its role in fast connection and positioning of the camera to the tripod. Also shown in this view are locking ring 164 and securing ring 167, and the tooth releasing button hinge 1602. The ability of adaptor 128 to turn around its axis allows the camera horizontal movement. In other words, it allows the camera to turn left and right along the horizontal axis of the tripod head. The adaptor allows to maintain horizontal movement (PAN) of the camera without sliding downward. Figure 5C is a schematic isometric side view of the tripod head of Fig.5A and the adaptor attached to it in a position where the locking ring 164 of the spherical base 134 is released and enables to tilt the camera up to axis A- A relative to the tripod head 126 axis B-B (angle b) in any desired direction.

Figure 5D is a schematic isometric side view of the tripod head of Fig.5A and the adaptor 128 attached to it in a position where the spherical base is tilted in 90 degree relative to the tripod base along line C-C. The adaptor 128 in this position is located vertically relative to the tripod head 126 and the camera is in a Portrait photographing mode. Since the novel rounded adaptor can rotate around its axis, in the position shown in this drawing the camera can be tilted upward and downward straightly without sliding to the sides. The novel adaptor 128 can serve as a rotating axis for elevating the camera in a vertical position.

The adaptor in this position is located vertically relative to the tripod head and the camera is in a Portrait state. At the side view the angle of 90 degree between the adaptor (and the camera when attached) and the tripod are clearly shown.

It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope. It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification could make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the present invention.