| CLAIMS 1. Equipment support apparatus comprising: a first equipment support member arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment; a plurality of equipment support leg members; and an equipment support leg coupling mechanism arranged to collapsibly couple the plurality of equipment support leg members to the first equipment support member such that: in a first equipment support configuration each of the plurality of equipment support leg members extends at an angle from the equipment support member; and in a second equipment support configuration each of the plurality of equipment support leg members lies close to and parallel with the first equipment support member; wherein the equipment support apparatus further comprises a collapsible seating arrangement operably coupled to at least a first equipment support leg member, the seating arrangement comprising: a plurality of seating support leg members; a seating arrangement coupling mechanism arranged to operably couple the seating arrangement to the at least first equipment support leg member such that: in a first seating arrangement configuration the plurality of seating support leg members and the at least first equipment support leg member are arranged to provide a support structure for a seating element; and in a second seating arrangement configuration each of the plurality of seating support leg members lies close to and parallel with the at least first equipment support leg member; and the seating element is arranged to provide a seating surface when the at least first equipment support leg member and the plurality of seating support leg members are in the first seating arrangement configuration. 2. The equipment support apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the first equipment support member comprises an extendable elongate columnar configuration arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment at a first end thereof. 3. The equipment support apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein at least one from a group consisting of: at least one from the plurality of equipment support leg members, and at least one from the plurality of seating support leg members comprises an extendable elongate columnar configuration. 4. The equipment support apparatus according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein at least one from a group consisting of: the first equipment support member, at least one from the plurality of equipment support leg members, and at least one from the plurality of seating support leg members comprises a plurality of tubular sections arranged to be slidably nested one inside the other. 5. The equipment support apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 to 4 wherein the at least first equipment support leg member comprises an extendable/retractable elongate columnar configuration whereby by adjusting a length of the at least first equipment support leg member causes the distance between the seating arrangement and the equipment support leg coupling mechanism to be varied. 6. The equipment support apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein the equipment support leg coupling mechanism is arranged to detachably couple to the first equipment support member the at least first equipment support leg member to which the seating arrangement is operably coupled. 7. The equipment support apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein the seating arrangement coupling mechanism is arranged to operably couple the plurality of seating support leg members to the at least first equipment support leg member such that: in a first seating arrangement configuration each of the plurality of seating support leg members extends at an angle from the at least first equipment support leg member; and in a second seating arrangement configuration each of the plurality of seating support leg members lies close to and parallel with the at least first equipment support leg member. 8. The equipment support apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein the seating support leg coupling mechanism and the seating element are arranged to be detachably coupled to the at least first equipment support leg member. 9. The equipment support apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein the equipment support apparatus further comprises a second equipment support member arranged to be operably coupled at a first end thereof to at least one piece of equipment to be supported, and to be operably coupled at a second end thereof to the first equipment support member at a point remote from a first end of the first equipment support member at which the first equipment support member is arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment, and to extend at an angle from the first equipment support member such that at least a part of the first equipment support member and the second equipment support member form two sides of a triangle. 10. The equipment support apparatus of Claim 9 wherein the second equipment support member is arranged to be detachably coupled to the first equipment support member. 1 1. The equipment support apparatus of Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein the equipment support apparatus further comprises a tie element housed within one of the first and second equipment support members and arranged to be retractably extended from an aperture within a wall of the one of the first and second equipment support members in which it is housed. 12. The equipment support apparatus of Claim 1 1 wherein the tie element is further arranged to be detachably coupled to the other of the first and second equipment support members; and the equipment support apparatus further comprising a restraining mechanism configurable to restrain further issuing or retraction of the tie element from the one of the first and second equipment support members in which the tie element is housed. 13. The equipment support apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 8 wherein the equipment support apparatus comprises a second equipment support member comprising at least two elongate support elements arranged to be operably coupled at first ends thereof to at least one piece of equipment to be supported, and to be operably coupled at second ends thereof to an equipment support leg member. 14. The equipment support apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein the first equipment support member is arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment at a first end thereof; the equipment support apparatus further comprising a mounting offset element operably coupled to the first end of the first equipment support element and capable of rotational movement relative to the first equipment support element about an axis of the first equipment support element; the mounting offset element being arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment such that the at least one piece of equipment is capable of rotational movement relative to the mounting offset element about a second axis, the second axis being substantially parallel with, but offset from, the axis of the first equipment support element. 15. The equipment support apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein the seating arrangement further comprises a ground engagement component comprising foot elements, each foot element arranged to receive therein an end of a seating support leg member; the ground engagement component further comprising a ground engagement element of foldable material to which the foot elements are attached, and which is arranged to extend between the foot elements in an unfolded manner when the seating arrangement is in the first seating arrangement configuration. 16. The equipment support apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein the equipment support apparatus comprises three equipment support leg members, and the seating arrangement comprises two seating support leg members. 17. A collapsible seat apparatus for operably coupling to at least a first equipment support leg member of an equipment support apparatus, the seating arrangement comprising: a plurality of seating support leg member; a seating arrangement coupling mechanism arranged to operably couple the seating arrangement to the at least first equipment support leg member such that: in a first seating arrangement configuration the plurality of seating support leg members and the at least first equipment support leg member are arranged to provide a support structure for a seating element; and in a second seating arrangement configuration each of the plurality of seating support leg members lies close to and parallel with the at least first equipment support leg member; and the seating element is arranged to provide a seating su rface when the at least first equipment support leg member and the plurality of seating support leg members are in the first seating arrangement configuration. 18. A kit of parts for an equipment support apparatus, the kit of parts comprising parts for at least one of: an equipment support apparatus comprising: - a first equipment support member arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment; - a plurality of equipment support leg members; and - an equipment support leg coupling mechanism arranged to collapsibly couple the plurality of equipment support leg members to the first equipment support member such that: in a first equipment support configuration each of the plurality of equipment support leg members extends at an angle from the equipment support member; and in a second equipment support configuration each of the plurality of equipment support leg members lies close to and substantially parallel with the equipment support member; and a collapsible seating arrangement operably coupled to at least a first equipment support leg member, the seating arrangement comprising: - a plurality of seating support leg members; - a seating arrangement coupling mechanism arranged to operably couple the seating arrangement to the at least first equipment support leg member such that: in a first seating arrangement configuration the plurality of seating support leg members and the at least first equipment support leg member are arranged to provide a support structure for a seating element; and in a second seating arrangement configuration each of the plurality of seating support leg members lies close to and parallel with the at least first equipment support leg member; and - the seating element is arranged to provide a seating surface when the at least first equipment support leg member and the plurality of seating support leg members are in the first seating arrangement configuration. |
Field of the invention
The field of the invention relates to an equipment support apparatus. In particular the field of the invention relates to an equipment support apparatus comprising a collapsible seating arrangement.
Background of the Invention
Many activities require or benefit from the use of apparatus for supporting pieces of equipment. The purpose of such supports may range from, by way of example, providing stability for the pieces of equipment, freeing up a user's hands from having to hold the equipment to allow the user to perform other tasks, or simply to alleviate the need for the user to hold the equipment for prolonged periods of time. Examples of such activities may include, by way of example only, motion and/or still photography, shooting, bird/animal watching, etc. Often such activities are performed outdoors, and it is known for such activities to be performed in secluded areas, or simply areas located a distance from roads or the like. As a result, a person participating in such an activity may be required to carry all of their equipment, including any supporting apparatus, relatively long distances and/or for relatively long periods of time. Accordingly, an important feature of any piece of equipment used for such activities, including any supporting apparatus, is that such equipment is sufficiently light weight and portable.
Lightweight and portable supporting apparatus are well known in such fields as photography, bird/animal watching, etc. Such supporting apparatus typically comprise collapsible, telescopic monopod or tripod arrangements which are made from lightweight materials such as aluminium or carbon fibre. The weight of a supported load, for example a camera, spotting scope, etc, is supported generally longitudinally through the segments of the structure. As a result, elongate, hollow, cylindrical support segments are sufficient to provide support for typical loads, resulting in strong/stable but lightweight constructions that are capable of being telescopically collapsed to improve portability.
It is often the case that activities that make use of such supporting apparatus may involve long periods of time in which a user is required to be stationary (e.g. sitting). In particular, when such activities involve wildlife, a user is often required to stay patiently still/quiet for prolonged periods of time in order to allow the wildlife to become used to their presence, or simply for a particular animal to appear. Even for activities that do not involve wildlife, a user may be required to remain in place for prolonged periods of time, for example whilst photographing sporting events, etc. Accordingly, it is often the case that a user of such supporting apparatus may be required, or may desire, to have some form of seating apparatus as well. As previously mentioned, an important feature of any piece of equipment used for many activities is that such equipment is sufficiently light weight and portable. Lightweight and portable seats/stools that fulfil this requirement are also known.
However, a problem experienced by many participants of the types of activities identified above is the need for a large amount of apparatus equipment, and the inconvenience of having to manually carry multiple pieces of apparatus and equipment, in addition to any other items such as additional clothing, food and water, etc. Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, the invention seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages singly or in any combination.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an equipment support apparatus comprising a first equipment support member arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment, a plurality of equipment support leg members, and an equipment support leg coupling mechanism arranged to collapsibly couple the plurality of equipment support leg members to the first equipment support member such that: in a first equipment support configuration each of the plurality of equipment support leg members extends at an angle from the equipment support member; and in a second equipment support configuration each of the plurality of equipment support leg members lies close to and parallel with the first equipment support member. The equipment support apparatus further comprises a collapsible seating arrangement operably coupled to at least a first equipment support leg member, the seating arrangement comprising a plurality of seating support leg members, a seating arrangement coupling mechanism arranged to operably couple the seating arrangement to the at least first equipment support leg member such that: in a first seating arrangement configuration the plurality of seating support leg members and the at least first equipment support leg member are arranged to provide a support structure for a seating element; and in a second seating arrangement configuration each of the plurality of seating support leg members lies close to and parallel with the at least first equipment support leg member, and the seating element is arranged to provide a seating surface when the at least first equipment support leg member and the plurality of seating support leg members are in the first seating arrangement configuration.
In this manner, an equipment support apparatus may be provided that combines a means for supporting a piece of equipment with a seating arrangement for a user therefor in a lightweight and portable manner. Significantly, by combing the functionality of a support apparatus and a seating apparatus into a single lightweight, portable and flexible piece of apparatus, the amount of equipment that a user is required to carry is reduced.
In one optional embodiment of the invention, the first equipment support member may comprise an extendable elongate columnar configuration arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment at a first end thereof. Furthermore, at least one from a group consisting of: at least one from the plurality of equipment support leg members, and at least one from the plurality of seating support leg members may comprise an extendable elongate columnar configuration. For example, at least one from a group consisting of: the first equipment support member, at least one from the plurality of equipment support leg members, and at least one from the plurality of seating support leg members may comprise a plurality of tubular sections arranged to be slidably nested one inside the other. In this manner, the equipment support apparatus may lightweight yet sufficiently strong support and/or leg members.
In one optional embodiment of the invention, the at least first equipment support leg member may comprise an extendable/retractable elongate columnar configuration whereby by adjusting a length of the at least first equipment support leg member causes the distance between the seating arrangement and the equipment support leg coupling mechanism to be varied. In this manner, because of the angle at which the at least first equipment support leg member extends when in use, the distance between a user seated on the seating arrangement and a piece of equipment supported by the equipment support apparatus may be adjusted.
In one optional embodiment of the invention, the equipment support leg coupling mechanism may be arranged to detachably couple to the first equipment support member the at least first equipment support leg member to which the seating arrangement is operably coupled. In this manner, the seating arrangement and first equipment support leg member may be used alone to provide a seat for a user.
In one optional embodiment of the invention, the seating arrangement coupling mechanism may be arranged to operably couple the plurality of seating support leg members to the at least first equipment support leg member such that: in a first seating arrangement configuration each of the plurality of seating support leg members extends at an angle from the at least first equipment support leg member; and in a second seating arrangement configuration each of the plurality of seating support leg members lies close to and parallel with the at least first equipment support leg member. I n this manner, the seating arrangement may be 'folded' out of the way, to allow the equipment support apparatus to be used without the seating arrangement.
In one optional embodiment of the invention, the seating support leg coupling mechanism and the seating element may be arranged to be detachably coupled to the at least first equipment support leg mem ber. I n this manner, the eq u ipment support apparatus may be used without the seating arrangement.
In one optional embodiment of the invention, the equipment support apparatus may further comprise a second equipment support member arranged to be operably coupled at a first end thereof to at least one piece of equipment to be supported, and to be operably coupled at a second end thereof to the first equipment support member at a point remote from a first end of the first equipment support member at which the first equipment support member is arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment, and to extend at an angle from the first equipment support member such that at least a part of the first equipment support member and the second equipment support member form two sides of a triangle. In this manner, additional/alternative support for a piece of equipment may be provided.
In one optional embodiment of the invention, the second equipment support member is arranged to be detachably coupled to the first equipment support member. In this manner, when not required the second equipment may be removed.
In one optional embodiment of the invention, the equipment support apparatus may comprise a tie element housed within one of the first and second equipment support members and arranged to be retractably extended from an aperture within a wall of the one of the first and second equipment support members in which it is housed . In this manner, the tie element may facilitate the setting up of the equipment support apparatus.
In one embodiment of the invention, the tie element may be further arranged to be detachably coupled to the other of the first and second equipment support members, and the equipment support apparatus further comprising a restraining mechanism configurable to restrain further issuing or retraction of the tie element from the one of the first and second equipment support members in which the tie element is housed. In this manner, the tie element may maintain a maximum distance between the points of the first and second equipment support members.
In one embodiment of the invention, the equipment support apparatus may comprise a second equipment support member comprising at least two elongate support elements arranged to be operably coupled at first ends thereof to at least one piece of equipment to be supported, and to be operably coupled at second ends thereof to an equipment support leg member. In this manner, the two elongate support elements provide increased lateral stability.
In one optional embodiment of the invention, the first equipment support member may be arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment at a first end thereof, and the equipment support apparatus may further comprise a mounting offset element operably coupled to the first end of the first equipment support element and capable of rotational movement relative to the first equipment support element about an axis of the first equipment support element. The mounting offset element may be arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment such that the at least one piece of equipment is capable of rotational movement relative to the mounting offset element about a second axis, the second axis being substantially parallel with, but offset from, the axis of the first equipment support element. In this manner, a 'line of sight' for a piece of equipment supported by the mounting offset member may be laterally offset.
In one optional embodiment of the invention, the seating arrangement may further comprise a ground engagement component comprising foot elements, each foot element arranged to receive therein an end of a seating support leg member. The ground engagement component may further comprise a ground engagement element of foldable material to which the foot elements are attached, and which is arranged to extend between the foot elements in an unfolded manner when the seating arrangement is in the first seating arrangement configuration. In this manner, the ground engagement component provides an increased surface area for engaging with a ground surface.
In one optional embodiment of the invention, the equipment support apparatus comprises three equipment support leg members, and the seating arrangement comprises two seating support leg members.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a collapsible seat apparatus for operably coupling to at least a first equipment support leg member of an equipment support apparatus. The seating arrangement comprising a plurality of seating support leg members, a seating arrangement coupling mechanism arranged to operably couple the seating arrangement to the at least first equipment support leg member such that: in a first seating arrangement configuration the plurality of seating support leg members and the at least first equipment support leg member are arranged to provide a support structure for a seating element; and in a second seating arrangement configuration each of the plurality of seating support leg members lies close to and parallel with the at least first equipment support leg member, and the seating element is arranged to provide a seating surface when the at least first equipment support leg member and the plurality of seating support leg members are in the first seating arrangement configuration.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for an equipment support apparatus. The kit of parts comprises parts for at least one of: an equipment support apparatus comprising a first equipment support member arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment, a plurality of equipment support leg members, and an equipment support leg coupling mechanism arranged to collapsibly couple the plurality of equipment support leg members to the first equipment support member such that: in a first equipment support configuration each of the plurality of equipment support leg members extends at an angle from the equipment support member; and in a second equipment support configuration each of the plurality of equipment support leg members lies close to and substantially parallel with the equipment support member; and
a collapsible seating arrangement operably coupled to at least a first equipment support leg member, the seating arrangement comprising a plurality of seating support leg members, a seating arrangement coupling mechanism arranged to operably couple the seating arrangement to the at least first equipment support leg member such that: in a first seating arrangement configuration the plurality of seating support leg members and the at least first equipment support leg member are arranged to provide a support structure for a seating element; and in a second seating arrangement configuration each of the plurality of seating support leg members lies close to and parallel with the at least first equipment support leg member, and the seating element is arranged to provide a seating surface when the at least first equipment support leg member and the plurality of seating support leg members are in the first seating arrangement configuration.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described hereinafter.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG's 1 to 5 illustrate an example of an equipment support apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an equipment support apparatus adapted in accordance with some alternative embodiments of the present invention.
FIG's 7 and 8 illustrate an example of an equipment support apparatus adapted in accordance with some further alternative embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an equipment support apparatus adapted in accordance with some still further alternative embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a leg extension mechanism for the equipment support apparatus of FIG. 9.
FIG's 1 1 and 12 illustrate an example of an equipment support apparatus adapted in accordance with some still further alternative embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an equipment support apparatus adapted in accordance with some still further alternative embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention
Embodiments of the invention described herein find particular applicability in the fields of photography (motion photography and still photography), animal watching, shooting, etc. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that the inventive concept may equally be adapted from the specific embodiments described herein to apply to other fields. Accordingly the specifics of the illustrated examples are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and that the teachings set forth herein are applicable in a variety of alternative settings.
Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1 , a perspective view of an example of an equipment support apparatus 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The equipment support apparatus 100 comprises a first equipment support member 1 10 arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment, such as a camera 105 as illustrated in FIG. 1. For the illustrated example, the first equipment support member 1 10 comprises an elongate columnar configuration arranged to provide support for the least one piece of equipment at a first end 1 1 1 thereof. The equipment support apparatus 100 further comprises a plurality of equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 and an equipment support leg coupling mechanism 1 15 arranged to collapsibly couple the plurality of equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 to the first equipment support member 1 10 such that, in a first equipment support configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 , each of the plurality of equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 extends at an angle a from an axis A 102 of the equipment support member 1 10.
As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the equipment support apparatus 100 is arranged such that, when in the first equipment support configuration, the axis A 102 of the first equipment support member 1 10 may be orientated substantially vertically such that the weight of, for the illustrated example, a camera 105 is supported substantially longitudinally through the axis of the first equipment support member. In this manner, the first equ ipment support member 1 10 may comprise a generally elongate columnar configuration, and specifically may comprise a hollow cylindrical configuration allowing a lightweight yet sufficiently strong support member to be provided.
The equipment support apparatus 100 further comprises a collapsible seating arrangement 130 operably coupled to at least a first equipment support leg member 120. The seating arrangement 130 comprises a plurality of seating support leg members 140, 145, and a seating arrangement coupling mechanism 150 arranged to operably couple the seating arrangement 130 to the at least first equipment support leg member 120 such that, in a first seating arrangement configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 , the plurality of seating support leg members 140, 145 and the first equipment support leg member 120 are arranged to provide a support structure for a seating element 160, whereby the seating element is arranged to provide a seating surface when the first equipment support leg member and the plurality of seating support leg members are in the first seating arrangement configuration.
For the illustrated example, the seating arrangement coupling mechanism 150 is arranged to operably couple the seating support leg members 140, 145 to at least the first equipment support leg member 120 such that the first equipment support leg member 120 and the seating support leg members 140, 145 are pivotally coupled to one another at points along their lengths. The seating element 160 is operably coupled to each of the seating support leg members 140, 145 towards first ends 142, 147 thereof, and to a corresponding point 121 of the first equipment support leg member 120. Accordingly, in the first seating arrangement configuration, the seating element 160 acts as a tie between each pair of the first equipment support leg member 120 and the seating support leg members 140, 145, restricting further movement of the first ends 142, 147 of the seating support leg members 140, 145 and the corresponding point 121 of the first equipment support leg member 120 away from one another. For the illustrated example, the seating arrangement coupling mechanism 150 and the seating element 160 may be arranged to couple the seating support leg members 140, 145 and the first equipment support leg member 120 such that, in the first seating arrangement configuration, they each extend at an angle β with respect to one another, whereby the angle β is substantially equal to an angle at which the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 extend with respect to one another when in the first equipment support configuration.
For the illustrated example, each of the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 is further operably coupled at a point 150, 123, 125 along its respective length to a lower end 1 12 of the first equipment support member 1 10 by a strut 170, 172, 174. Each strut 170, 172, 174 is pivotally coupled at each end thereof to the lower end 1 12 of the first equipment support member 1 10 and to the respective eq u ipment su pport leg mem ber 120 , 122, 124. I n addition, the equipment support leg cou pling mechanism 1 15 is pivotally coupled to each equipment support leg member 120, 122, 124, and the struts 170, 172, 174 are slidably coupled to the first equipment support member 1 10 such that they are capable of sliding in an axial direction along at least a part of the first equipment support member 1 10. In this manner, the equipment support leg coupling mechanism 1 15 and struts 170, 172, 174 cooperate to allow the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 to be pivotally extended from a position substantially parallel with the axis A 102 of the equipment support member 1 10 up to an angle a (as illustrated in FIG. 1 ), at which point the struts 170, 172, 174 restrict further pivotal movement of the respective equipment support leg member 120, 122, 124.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a plan view of the equipment support apparatus 100 of
FIG. 1 (without the camera 105 for clarity) in the first equipment support configuration and the first seating arrangement configuration. As can be seen, the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 are arranged such that, in the first equipment support configuration, they extend from the first equipment support member 1 10 at generally equally spaced intervals. Thus, for the illustrated example in which the equipment support apparatus 100 comprises three equipment support leg members, the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 are spaced at intervals such that they extend (in the horizontal plane) at angles of approximately 120° with respect to one another, as indicated generally at 210. In this manner, the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 provide a stable base for the first equipment support member 1 10, and provide an even distribution of the weight of the supported equipment through the eq uipment support leg members 120, 122 , 124. I n particu lar, the tripod arrangement of the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 enables the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 to comprise a generally elongate columnar configuration, and specifically to comprise a hollow cylindrical configuration. In this manner, a lightweight yet sufficiently strong supporting structure may be provided when the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 are in the first equipment support configuration. As also illustrated in FIG. 2, the seating support leg members 140, 145 are also arranged such that, in the first seating arrangement configuration, the seating support leg members 140, 145 and the at least first equipment support leg member 120 extend relative to one another at generally equally spaced intervals. Thus, for the illustrated example in which the seating arrangement 130 comprises two seating support leg members 140, 145 and the at least first equipment support leg member 120, the seating support leg members 140, 145 and the at least first equipment support leg member 120 are spaced at intervals such that they also extend (in the horizontal plane) at angles of approximately 120° with respect to one another. In this manner, seating support leg members 140, 145 and the at least first equipment support leg member 120 provide a stable support structure for the seating arrangement 130, and provide an even distribution of the weight of a user there through. Thus, the three-way arrangement of seating support leg members 140, 145 and the at least first equipment support leg member 120 enables the leg members to comprise a generally elongate columnar configuration, and specifically to comprise a hollow cylindrical configuration. In this manner, a lightweight yet sufficiently strong structure may be provided.
As can be seen from FIG's 1 and 2, when in the first equipment support configuration, the equipment support apparatus 100 provides a means for supporting a piece of equipment, such as the camera 105 illustrated in FIG. 1. Furthermore, when in the first seating arrangement configuration, the equipment support apparatus 100 further provides a seating apparatus for a user of the piece of equipment. In particular, the equipment support apparatus 100 of the illustrated embodiment is capable of providing both a means for supporting a piece of equipment and a seating apparatus by way of a single, integrated, lightweight apparatus.
The seating arrangement coupling mechanism 150 is further arranged to operably couple the seating arrangement 130 to the at least first equipment support leg member such that, in a second seating arrangement configuration, each of the seating support leg members 140, 145 lies close to and substantially parallel with the first equipment support leg member 120, for example as illustrated in FIG. 3. In this manner, and as can be seen from FIG. 3, the seating arrangement 130 may be 'folded' out of the way, to allow the equipment support apparatus 100 to be used without the seating arrangement 130. For the illustrated example, the seating element 160 comprises a foldable material, and as such simply folds up with the seating support leg members 140, 145, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
For the illustrated example, the seating arrangement coupling mechanism 150 is arranged to pivotally couple the seating support leg members 140, 145 to the first equipment support leg member 120 such that the seating support leg members 140, 145 are able to pivot between the first seating arrangement configuration (as illustrated in FIG. 1 ) and the second seating arrangement configuration (as illustrated in FIG. 3).
Furthermore for the illustrated example, each of the seating support leg members 140, 145 comprises a plurality of tubular sections arranged to be slidably nested one inside the other such that each seating support leg member 140 145 comprises an elongate columnar configuration telescopically extendable and retractable along an axis thereof. In particular for the illustrated example, each of seating support leg members 140, 145 comprises a first tubular section slidably nested inside a second a second tubular section. In this manner, the first and second tubular sections of each seating support leg member 140, 145 may be telescopically extended, for example as illustrated in FIG. 1 when the seating arrangement 130 is in the first seating arrangement configuration, and may be telescopically retracted, for example as illustrated in FIG. 3, when the seating arrangement 130 is in the second seating arrangement configuration. By providing extendable/retractable seating support leg members 140, 145, the seating arrangement 130 may be reduced in size into a smaller and less cumbersome configuration when not required.
For the illustrated example, the seating arrangement coupling mechanism 150 comprises a locking mechanism for each seating support leg member 140, 145, such as the locking mechanism 155, to lock the respective seating support leg member 140, 145 in an extended or retracted position as required. For example, each locking mechanism 155 may comprise an aperture 155 arranged to engage with at least one spring loaded pin (not shown) within the first tubular section of the respective seating support leg member 140, 145 when the seating support leg member 140, 145 is in an extended position. In this manner, when the spring loaded pin is engaged with the aperture 155, the first tubular section is restrained from being further extended or retracted within the second tubular section of the respective seating support leg member 140, 145. However, a user is able to apply pressure to the spring loaded pin such that it no longer restrains the first tubular section from sliding within the second tubular section, allowing the first tubular section be, for example, retracted into the second tubular section.
It is noted that one example of a coupling mechanism suitable for implementing the seating arrangement coupling mechanism 150 of the illustrated examples of the present invention may comprise the coupling mechanism currently used within Walkstool™ portable folding stools (www. wal kstool . com ) manufactured by Scandinavian Touch AB. Significantly, the seating arrangement 130, and thereby the seating arrangement coupling mechanism 150, is required to support a weight of a person thereon.
The equipment support leg coupling mechanism 1 15 is further arranged to collapsibly couple the plurality of equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 to the first equipment support member 1 10 such that, in a second equipment support configuration each of the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 lies close to and parallel with the first equipment support member 1 10, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In particular for the illustrate example, the equipment support leg coupling mechanism 1 15 and struts 170, 172, 174 cooperate to pivotally couple the plurality of equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 such that the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 may be pivoted between the first equipment support configuration (e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 1 ) and the second equipment support configuration (e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 4).
For the illustrated example, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the first equipment support member 1 10 comprises an extendable/retractable elongate columnar configuration. For example, the first equipment support member 1 10 may comprise a plurality of tubular sections arranged to be slidably nested one inside the other, and to telescopically extend and retract in order to vary the height of the first equipment support member 1 10. For example, referring back to FIG. 1 , the first equipment support member 1 10 of the illustrated example comprises three nested tubular sections 1 12, 1 14, 1 16. A first tubular section 1 12 is arranged to receive therein a second tubular section 1 14. A locking mechanism, illustrated generally at 1 13, is provided at an end of the first tubular section 1 12 and arranged to engage with the second tubular section 1 14 and allow sliding movement between the first and second tubular sections 1 12, 1 14 in a first state, and to restrict movement between the first and second tubular sections 1 12, 1 14 in a second state. Such locking mechanisms are well known in the field of monopods and tripods for cameras, spotting scopes, etc. For example, such a locking mechanism may comprise a twist lock mechanism, lever locking mechanism, etc. Similarly, the second tubular section 1 14 is arranged to receive therein a third tubular section 1 16. A locking mechanism, illustrated generally at 1 17, is provided at an end of the second tubular section 1 14 and arranged to engage with the third tubular section 1 16 and allow sliding movement between the second and third tubular sections 1 14, 1 16 in a first state, and to restrict movement between the second and third tubular sections 1 14, 1 16 in a second state. Significantly, the first equipment support member 1 10, and thereby the locking mechanisms 1 13, 1 17, are only required to support the weight of a piece of equipment, which typically will be significantly less than that of a person.
In this manner, the tubular sections 1 12, 1 14, 1 16 may be fully or partially extended and retracted with respect to one another in order to vary the height of the first equipment support member 1 10. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the tubular sections 1 12, 1 14, 1 16 may be fully or partially extended to provide a relatively tall first equipment support member 1 10. Conversely, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the tubular sections 1 12, 1 14, 1 16 of the first equipment member 1 10 may be substantially fully retracted to minimise the height of the first equipment support member.
In a similar manner to the first equipment support member 1 10, the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 may each comprise an extendable/retractable elongate columnar configuration. For example, each of the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 may comprise a plurality of tubular sections arranged to be slidably nested one inside the other, and to telescopically extend and retract in order to vary the height of the respective equipment support leg member 120, 122, 124. For example, each equipment support leg member 120, 122, 124 may comprise a plurality of nested tubular sections, with locking mechanisms (for example similar to the locking mechanisms of the first equipment support member 1 10) arranged to engage between nested sections, and to allow sliding movements between the nested sections in a first state, and to restrict movement between the nested sections in a second state. In this manner, when the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 are in the first equipment support configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 , and each of the plurality of equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 extends at an angle a from an axis A 102 of the equipment support member 1 10, the equipments support leg members 120, 122, 124 may be fully or partially extended to provide a broad, stable platform for the equipment support apparatus 100. Conversely, when the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 are in the second equipment support configuration illustrated in FIG. 5, the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 may be retracted such that they are reduced in size into a smaller and less cumbersome configuration.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, by retracting the first equipment support member 1 10, the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 and the seating support leg members 140, 145, and configuring the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 into the second equipment support configuration and the seating arrangement 130 into the second seating arrangement configuration, the equipment support apparatus 100 may be significantly reduced in size into a significantly less cumbersome configuration, greatly improving the portability thereof.
Referring back to FIG's 1 to 4, it can be seen that the equipment support apparatus 100 is capable of being used in a variety of configurations. For example, when configured as illustrated in FIG's 1 and 2, the equipment support apparatus 100 provides a free standing means for supporting a piece of equipment such as a camera, with an integrated seating apparatus for a user thereof. Advantageously, the weight of a user supported by the seating arrangement 130 provides additional stability to the equipment support apparatus 100, for example during windy conditions etc. Conversely, when configured as illustrated in FIG. 3, the equipment support apparatus 100 provides a free standing means for supporting a piece of equipment such as a camera, but with the seating arrangement folded out of the way to allow unhindered use of the support apparatus 100. Furthermore, when configured as illustrated in FIG. 4, the equipment support apparatus 100 provides a monopod style of means for supporting a piece of equipment such as a camera, enabling a user to more freely use the equipment support apparatus 100.
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated an example of the equipment support apparatus 100 adapted in accordance with some alternative embodiments of the present invention. For the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the equipment support apparatus 100 further comprises a second equipment support member 610 arranged to be operably coupled at a first end 61 1 thereof to at least one piece of equipment to be supported, and to be operably coupled at a second end 612 thereof to the first equipment support member 1 10 at a point remote from the first end 1 1 1 of the first equipment support member 1 10. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second equipment support member 610 is further arranged to extend at an angle from the first equipment support member 1 10 such that at least a part of the first equipment support member 1 10 and the second equipment support member 610 form two sides of a triangle. In this manner, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, additional support for a piece of equipment may be provided, such as for a camera 605 comprising a long lens or the like.
As will be appreciated, when a single piece of equipment, such as the camera 605, is coupled to each of the first and second equipment support members 1 10, 610 as illustrated in FIG. 6, the piece of equipment forms the third side of the triangle, maintaining a distance between the first end 1 1 1 of the first equipment support member 1 10 and the first end 61 1 of the second equipment support member 610. To facilitate assembly, it is contemplated that the equipment support apparatus 100 may comprise a tie element 620, which may be housed within one of the first and second equipment support members 1 10, 610 and arranged to be retractably extended from an aperture within a wall of the one of the first and second equipment support members 1 10, 610 in which it is housed. For the illustrated example, the tie element 620 is housed within the first equipment support member 1 10, and arranged to be retractably extended from an aperture 625 located within a wall of the first equipment support member 1 10 toward the first end 1 1 1 thereof. The retractability of the tie element 620 may be achieved by any suitable manner. For example, whilst a first end 622 of the tie element 620 may be arranged to be extended from the first equipment support member 1 10, a second end (not shown) may be elastically coupled within the first equipment support member 1 10 such that when a force extracting the tie element 620 from the first equipment support member 1 10 is removed, the tie element 620 is retracted back into the first equipment support member 1 10 by the elasticity of the coupling.
The first end 622 of the tie element 620 is arranged to detachably couple to, for the illustrated example, the second equipment support member 610. For example, a hook or similar coupling mechanism may be provided on the first end 622 of the tie element 620 and arranged to be attached to, for example, a ring or similar element provided, say, toward the first end 61 1 of the second equipment support member 610. In this manner, the tie element 620 may be 'pulled out' from the first equipment support member 1 10 and the first end 622 thereof attached to the second equipment support member 610 to form the third side of the triangle when a piece of equipment is not being supported by the equipment support apparatus 100. It is contemplated that such a hook or similar coupling mechanism provided on the first end of the tie element 620, and the aperture 625, may be arranged such that the coupling mechanism is too large to pass through the aperture 625, thereby preventing the first end 622 of the tie element 620 from being retracted into the first equipment support element 610. In this manner, the first end 622 of the tie element 620 remains accessible by a user. The first equipment support member 1 10 may further be provided with a restraining mechanism 627 near to the aperture configurable to retrain further issuing or retraction of the tie element 620. For example, such a restraining mechanism 627 may comprise a gripping mechanism configurable by a user to grip the tie element 620 to prevent further issuing or retraction thereof, and a release mechanism to allow a user to subsequently release the tie element 620. In this manner, the tie element 620, when restrained by the restraining mechanism 627, maintains a maximum distance between the points of the first and second equipment support members 1 10, 610 to which it is coupled, facilitating the setting up of the equipment support apparatus 100, and in particular the mounting of a piece of equipment 610 thereto.
In accordance with some example embodiments of the present invention, the second equipment support member 610 may be arranged to be detachably coupled to the first equipment support member. For example, the second equipment support member 610 may comprise a protruding element 630 extending from, say, the second end 612 thereof and arranged to be received within an aperture or recess (not shown) provided by the first equipment support member 1 10. In this manner, the protruding element 630 of the second equipment support member 610 and the aperture/recess of the first equipment support member 1 10 are able to cooperate with one another to detachably couple the second end 612 of the second equipment support member 610 to the first equipment support member 1 10, whilst ,for the illustrated example, the tie element 620 is capable of maintaining a maximum distance between the points of the first and second equipment support members 1 10, 610 to which it is coupled as described above.
For the illustrated example, the second equipment support member 610 comprises an extendable/retractable elongate columnar configuration. For example, the second equipment support member 610 may comprise a plurality of tubular sections 640, 645 arranged to be slidably nested one inside the other, and to telescopically extend and retract in order to vary the height of the second equipment support member 610, in a similar manner as for the first equipment support member 1 10 described above. In this manner, the tubular sections 640, 645 may be fully or partially extended and retracted with respect to one another in order to vary the height of the second equipment support member 610. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the tubular sections 640, 645 of the second equipment support member 610 may be fully or partially extended to provide a relatively tall second equipment support member 610. Conversely, the tubular sections 640, 645 of the second equipment member 610 may be substantially fully retracted to minimise the height of the first equipment support member. Furthermore, it is contemplated that, by varying the heights of the first and second equipment support members 1 10, 610, a horizontal alignment of the piece of equipment being supported may be varied. In this manner the piece of equipment may be tilted 'up' or 'down' as required.
Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated an example of the equipment support apparatus 100 comprising an example of a second equipment support member 705 adapted in accordance with a further alternative example of the present invention. For the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the second equipment support member 705 comprises two elongate support elements 710, 715, each arranged to be operably coupled at a first end 71 1 , 714 respectively thereof to at least one piece of equipment to be supported, and to be operably coupled at a second end 712, 717 respectively thereof to an equipment support leg member 122, 124 as illustrated in FIG. 7. In this manner, and as illustrated more clearly in conjunction with FIG. 8 which illustrates a plan view of the equipment support apparatus arrangement of FIG. 7, the two elongate support elements 710, 715 form two sides of a triangle, providing increased lateral stability to the camera 605.
For the example illustrated in FIG's 7 and 8, when a piece of equipment such as the camera 605 comprising the long lens, is supported by both the first equipment support member 1 10 and the second equipment support member 610, the two elongate support elements 710, 715 substantially inhibit lateral rotation of the camera 605 (or other piece of equipment), for example about the axis A 102 of the first equipment support member 1 10. However, by only supporting the camera 605 using the second equipment support member 705 (with the tie element 620 coupled to the second equipment support member 705 and restrained from further issuing or retraction), the camera 605 (or other piece of equipment) may be laterally rotated about the point at which it is supported by the second equipment support member 705. Furthermore, the first equipment support member 1 10 may be shorted slightly to prevent it from obstructing the rotation of the camera 605.
Referring not to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a perspective view of an example of an equipment support apparatus 900 adapted in accordance with some alternative embodiments of the present invention. The equipment support apparatus 900 comprises a first equipment support member 910 arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment, such as camera 905 as illustrated in FIG. 9. For the illustrated example, the first equipment support member 910 comprises an elongate columnar configuration arranged to provide support for the at least one piece of equipment at a first end 91 1 thereof. The equipment support apparatus 900 further comprises a plurality of equipment support leg members 920, 922, 924 and an equipment support leg coupling mechanism 915 arranged to collapsibly couple the plurality of equipment support leg members 920, 922, 924 to the first equipment support member 910 such that, in a first equipment support configuration (such as illustrated in FIG. 9) each of the plurality of equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 extends at an angle from an axis of the equipment support member 910, and in a second equipment support configuration (for example in a similar manner to the example illustrated in FIG. 4) each of the plurality of equipment support leg members 920, 922, 924 lies close to and parallel with the first equipment support member 910.
The equipment support apparatus 900 further comprises a collapsible seating arrangement 930 operably coupled to at least a first equipment support leg member 920. The seating arrangement 930 comprises a plurality of seating support leg members 940, 945, and a seating arrangement coupling mechanism 950 arranged to operably couple the seating arrangement 930 to the at least first equipment support leg member 920 such that, in a first seating arrangement configuration (such as illustrated in FIG. 9) the plurality of seating support leg members 940, 945 and the first equipment support leg member 920 are arranged to provide a support structure for a seating element 960, and in a second seating arrangement configuration (for example in a similar manner to the example illustrated in FIG. 3) each of the plurality of seating support leg members 940, 945 lies close to and parallel with the at least first equipment support leg member 920.
For the illustrated example, the seating arrangement coupling mechanism 950 is arranged to operably couple the seating support leg members 940, 945 to at least the first equipment support leg member 920 such that the first equipment support leg member 920 and the seating support leg members 940, 945 are pivotally coupled to one another at points along their lengths. The seating element 960 is operably coupled to each of the seating support leg members 940, 945 towards first ends 942, 947 thereof, and to a corresponding point 921 of the first equipment support leg member 920.
For the illustrated example, each of the equipment support leg members 920, 922, 924 is further operably coupled to a lower end 912 of the first equipment support member 910 by a strut 970, 972, 974. Each strut 970, 972, 974 is operably coupled to the respective equipment support leg member 920, 922, 924 via a leg extension mechanism (as described in greater detail below), and is pivotally coupled at each end thereof to the lower end 912 of the first equipment support member 910 and to the respective equipment support leg member 920, 922, 924. In addition, the equipment support leg coupling mechanism 915 is pivotally coupled to each equipment support leg member 920, 922, 924, and the struts 970, 972, 974 are slidably coupled to the first equipment support member 910 such that they are capable of sliding in an axial direction along at least a part of the first equipment support member 910. In this manner, the equipment support leg coupling mechanism 915 and struts 970, 972, 974 cooperate to allow the equipment support leg members 920, 922, 924 to be pivotally extended from a position substantially parallel with the axis of the equipment support member 910 up to an angle such as illustrated in FIG. 9, at which point the struts 970, 972, 974 restrict further pivotal movement of the respective equipment support leg member 920, 922, 924.
For the illustrated example, the equipment support leg members 920, 922, 924 each comprise an extendable/retractable elongate columnar configuration. In particular, each of the equipment support leg members 920, 922, 924 comprises a plurality of tubular sections arranged to be slidably nested one inside the other, and to telescopically extend and retract. For example, the equipment support leg member 920 comprises a first tubular section 962 nested within a second tubular section 964, and a leg extension mechanism 966 arranged to engage between nested sections, and to allow sliding movements between the nested sections 962, 964 in a first state, and to restrict movement between the nested sections 962, 964 in a second state. For the illustrated example, the seating arrangement 930 is operably coupled to the second tubular section 964, whilst the equipment support leg coupling mechanism 915 is operably coupled to the first tubular section 962. In this manner, by adjusting the length of the equipment support leg member 920, the distance between the seating arrangement 930 and the equipment support leg coupling mechanism 915 may be varied. In this manner, because of the angle at which the equipment support leg member 920 extends when in use, the distance between a user seated on the seating arrangement 930 and a piece of equipment supported by the equipment support apparatus 900 may be adjusted.
For example, in FIG. 9 the equipment support apparatus 900 is supporting a camera 905 comprising a long lens. As is known in the field of photography, such long lens camera arrangements require the camera apparatus to be supported at a point along the lens, as generally illustrated in FIG. 9. If the equipment support leg members 920, 922, 924 for the illustrated example are in a retracted configuration, such as indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 9, the equipment support leg coupling mechanism 915 is located close to the seating arrangement 930. Since the first equipment support member 910 is oriented such that it extends generally vertically, the mounting point provided at the first end 91 1 of the first equipment support member 910 will be located substantially over the front of the seating arrangement 930. Because of the need for the camera 905 to be supported at a point along the lens, part of the lens and the camera body will extend over the seating arrangement, intruding into the space that would be occupied by a user seated on the seating arrangement 930 and sitting in a conventional sitting position. As a result, such a user would be required to take up a less conventional sitting position, for example leaning back at an uncomfortable angle, in order to accommodate for the position of the body of the camera 905, and in order to position themselves in an appropriate way to use the camera 905.
However, by extending the equipment support leg members 920, 922, 924, and in particular by extending the first equipment support leg member 920 to which the seating arrangement 930 is operably coupled, such as indicated by the sold lines in FIG. 9, the equipment support leg coupling mechanism 915, and thereby the first equipment support member 910, is moved away from the seating arrangement 930. As a result, the distance between the first equipment support member 910 and a user seated on the seating arrangement 930 is increased, as illustrated generally by the arrow 980. Accordingly, by extending the first equipment support leg member 920 by a sufficient amount, the first end 91 1 of the first equipment support member 910 may be positioned such that the camera 905 no longer extends over the seating arrangement, and more significantly no longer intrudes into the space that would be occupied by a user seated on the seating arrangement 930 and sitting in a conventional sitting position. In this manner, the distance between a user seated on the seating arrangement and the first end 91 1 of the first equipment support member 910 arranged to provide support for a piece of equipment may be adjusted as required.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, by extending the equipment support leg members 920, 922, 924 as illustrated, the equipment support leg coupling mechanism 915, and thereby the first equipment support member 910, are not only moved in a generally horizontal direction away from the seating arrangement, but also in a generally vertical direction upwards. Accordingly, the first end 91 1 of the first equipment support member 910, and thereby the piece of equipment being supported, is also going to be moved in a generally upwards direction. It is therefore contemplated that the first equipment support member 910 may comprise an extendable/retractable configuration similar to that of the first equipment support member 1 10 of FIG. 1. In this manner, the height of the first equipment support member 910, and thereby the height at which a piece of equipment is supported, may be adjusted as required, as indicated generally by arrow 985. Referring now to FIG. 10 there is illustrated an example of the leg extension mechanism 966 of FIG. 9. The leg extension mechanism 966 is arranged to engage between the first and second tubular sections 962, 964 of, for the illustrated example, the first equipment support leg member 920, with the first tubular section 962 being nested within the second tubular section 964. A nested end 1062 of the first tubular section 962 has affixed thereto a locating element 1010, the locating element 1010 being arranged to slidably fit within the second tubular section 964 and to locate the nested end 1062 of the first tubular section 962 generally centrally within the second tubular section 964. A cap element 1020 is provided over an end 1064 of the second tubular section 964 through which the first tubular section 962 protrudes, and is provided with an aperture through which the first tubular section 962 slidably extends such that the first tubular section 962 is located generally centrally with respect to the end 1064 of the second tubular section 964.
The leg extension mechanism 966 comprises a collar element 1030 arranged to be slidably located circumferentially around the outside of the second tubular section 964. The collar element 1030 is operably coupled to the locating element 1010 such that, as the first tubular section 962 slidably moves into and out of the second tubular section 964, the collar element 1030 and locating element 1010 are arranged to jointly slide axially along the second tubular section 964 with the nested end 1062 of the first tubular section 962. For the illustrated example, the collar element 1030 is operably coupled to the locating element 1010 by way of a screw 1035 which passes through an elongate aperture 1065 running axially along the second tubular section 964 to allow movement of the screw 1035 axially along the second tubular section 964. It will be appreciated that the screw 1035 is only one example of a means for connected the collar element 1030 to the locating element 1010, and any other suitable means may be implemented.
The collar element 1030 comprises an aperture 1037 there through, the aperture 1037 in the collar element 1030 being generally aligned with a recess 1012 within the locating element 1010. A retaining pin 1070 is pivotally connected to an outer surface of the collar element 1030 and arranged, when in a first position (illustrated by solid lines in FIG. 10), to extend through the aperture 1037 of the collar element 1030 and to be received within the recess 1012 of the locating element 1010. In particular, the retaining pin 1070 is arranged such that, when the aperture 1037 of the collar element 1030 and the recess 1012 of the locating element 1010 are aligned with an aperture within the second tubular section 964, such as the aperture 1066 illustrated in FIG. 9, and the retaining pin 1070 is in the first position as illustrated by the solid lines in FIG. 10, the retaining pin 1070 substantially inhibits the collar element 1030 and the locating element 1010 from moving axially along the second tubular section 964, and as such restrains the first tubular section 962 from sliding further into or out of the second tubular section 964. However, when the retaining pin 1070 is pivoted into a second position (illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 10), such that the retaining pin is at least withdrawn from the recess 1012 of the locating element 1010 and the aperture 1066 within the second tubular section 964, the collar element 1030 and locating element 1010 are no longer inhibited from moving axially along the second tubular section 964, and as such the first tubular section 962 is able to slide further into or out of the second tubular section 964. In this manner, by providing apertures, such as the aperture 1066, along at least partially along the length of the second tubular section 964, the leg extension mechanism 966 is able to 'lock' the equipment support leg member 910 at a plurality of lengths, such as a fully retracted length, and one or more extended lengths.
For the illustrated example, the strut 970 is pivotally coupled to the retaining pin 1070. In this manner, when a load is applied to the first equipment support member 910, a force is applied by the strut 970 to the retaining pin 1070, substantially preventing the retaining pin 1070 from inadvertently being withdrawn from the recess 1012 of the locating element 1010 and the aperture 1066 within the second tubular section 964.
Referring now to FIG. 1 1 there is illustrated an example of an equipment support apparatus, such as the equipment support apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 , adapted in accordance with some alternative embodiments of the present invention. For the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 1 , the equipment support apparatus 100 comprises a mounting offset member 1 100 operably coupled to the first end 1 1 1 of the first equipment support member 1 10 and capable of rotational movement relative to the first equipment support member 1 10 about the axis A 102 thereof. The mounting offset member 1 100 is arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment, which for the illustrated example comprises the camera 105, such that the at least one piece of equipment is capable of rotational movement relative to the mounting offset member 1 100 about a second axis B 1 102, the second axis B 1 102 being substantially parallel with, but offset from, the axis A 102 of the first equipment support member 1 10.
In this manner, and as more clearly illustrated in FIG. 12, a 'line of sight' 1200 for a piece of equipment such as the camera 105 supported by the mounting offset member 1 100 may be offset relative to a 'line of sight' 1210 for a piece of equipment supported by the first equipment support member 1 10 alone, such as illustrated in FIG. 1 . As can be seen from FIG. 12, for a piece of equipment supported by the first equipment support member 1 10 alone, such as illustrated in FIG. 1 , if the piece of equipment is rotated about the axis A 102 of the first equipment support member 1 10 by a significant amount, in order for a user of the equipment support apparatus 100 seated on the seating arrangement 130 to view along the 'line of sight' 1210 of the piece of equipment, it is necessary for the user to lean around into an unconventional and potentially uncomfortable position. In contrast, for a piece of equipment supported by the mounting offset member 1 100, such as illustrated in FIG. 1 1 , the mounting offset member 1 100 enables a user to reposition the piece of equipment such that the piece of equipment may be rotated by a significantly greater angle (about the axis B 1 102) before a user of the equipment support apparatus 100 seated on the seating arrangement 130 is required to lean around to view along the 'line of sight' 1200 of the piece of equipment.
For the various example embodiments hereinbefore described and illustrated in the drawings, the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124 have been operably coupled at a point 150, 123, 125 along their respective lengths to a lower end 1 12 of the first equipment support member 1 10 by a strut 170, 172, 174. For the illustrated examples, the struts 170, 172, 174 comprise a substantially fixed length. However, it is contemplated that struts capable of having their lengths adjusted may alternatively be implemented. In this manner, when in a first equipment support configuration (such as illustrated in FIG. 1 ), the lengths of the struts 170, 172, 174 may be adjusted to adjust the angle at which the first equipment support member 1 10 extends relative to the equipment support leg members 120, 122, 124. Alternatively, it is further contemplated that the struts 170, 172, 174 may be omitted if the equipment support leg coupling mechanism 1 15 is itself arranged to limit the angle through which each of the equipment support leg member 120, 122, 124 is able to pivot therein. Such equipment support leg coupling mechanism 1 15 are well known within the field of photographic support equipment and the like, and in particular are typically used for high end tripod camera supports.
The equipment support members 1 10, 610, 710, 715, 910, equipment support leg members 720, 722, 724, 920, 922, 924 and the seating arrangement leg members 740, 745, 940, 945 illustrated in the accompanying drawings have been described as comprising telescopically extendable, whereby each such member comprises a plurality of nested tubular sections. However it is contemplated that alternative mechanisms for providing extendable members may be implemented. For example, such a member may comprise a plurality of tubular sections pivotally connected end on end to one another and arranged to be folded and unfolded in order to retract or extend the member as required.
Referring now to FIG. 13, there is illustrated a further example of the equipment support apparatus 100 adapted in accordance with some alternative embodiments of the present invention. For the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the seating arrangement 130 further comprises a ground engagement component 1300 comprising foot elements 1320, 1340, 1345, each foot element 1320, 1340, 1345 arranged to receive therein an end of one of the first equipment support leg member 120 and the seating support leg members 140, 145. The ground engagement component 1300 further comprises a ground engagement element 1310 of foldable material to which the foot elements 1320, 1340, 1345 are attached, and which is arranged to generally extend between the foot elements 1320, 1340, 1345 in an unfolded manner when the seating arrangement 130 is in the first seating arrangement configuration, as illustrated in FIG 13. In this manner, the ground engagement component 1300, and in particular the ground engagement element 1310, provides an increased surface area for engaging with a ground surface. The increased surface area provided by the ground engagement component 1300 increases the area over which the weight of the seating arrangement 130 and a user seated thereon is supported, significantly reducing the likelihood of the first equipment support leg member 120 and a seating support leg member 140, 145 from sinking into soft ground, for example in muddy or sandy conditions.
For the various example embodiments herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings, a camera has been used as an example of a piece of equipment being supported. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to an equipment support apparatus for supporting a camera, and in particular a camera used for still photograph, and it is contemplated the an equipment support apparatus adapted in accordance with aspects of the present invention may be used for supporting any of a variety of different types of equipment. Examples of uses for an equipment support apparatus adapted in accordance with aspects of the present invention may include, by way of example only, still and motion photography, animal watching, shooting, vehicle speed monitoring, painting, etc. Accordingly, it is contemplated that pieces of equipment that may be supported by an equipments support apparatus adapted in accordance with aspects of the present invention may include, by way of example only, still and motion picture cameras, spotting scopes and telescopes, rifles or other types of gun, speed detection 'guns', artist easels, etc. As will be appreciated by a skilled artisan, for pieces of equipment such as a camera, a piece of equipment may be supported via a coupling mechanism such as a ball or pan and tilt head, for example arranged to enable 3-dimensional panning and tilting movement of the camera. Conversely, a piece of equipment being supported may be directly supported by the equipment supporting apparatus, and may be coupled by way of a fixing mechanism such as, say, a screw fixing or the like. Alternatively, a piece of equipment may simply be rested on or within a supporting configuration (such as an inverted 'V formation or the like), for example as may be the case when providing a support for the barrel of a rifle of the like.
Furthermore, for the various example embodiments herein described, it is contemplated that the seating arrangement 130, and the seating element 160, may be detachably coupled to the first equipment support leg member 120. In this manner, the equipment support apparatus 100 may be used without the seating arrangement. Additionally/alternatively, it is contemplated that the equipment support leg coupling mechanism 115 may be arranged to detachably couple to the first equipment support member 110 the at least first equipment support leg member 120 to which the seating arrangement 130 is operably coupled. In this manner, the seating arrangement 130 and first equipment support leg member 120 may be used alone to provide a seat.
The equipment support apparatus herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings has been described as comprising an equipment support leg coupling mechanism arranged to collapsibly couple the plurality of equipment support leg members to the first equipment support member such that:
- in a first equipment support configuration each of the plurality of equipment support leg members extends at an angle from the equipment support member; and
in a second equipment support configuration each of the plurality of equipment support leg members lies close to and parallel with the first equipment support member
It will be appreciated that the equipment support apparatus is not limited to the plurality of equipment support leg members and the equipment support member being arranged into just these two configurations, and it is contemplated that any number of additional configurations may be achievable. For example, equipment support leg coupling mechanism may further be arranged to enable pivotal/rotation movement of the equipment support member relative to the equipment support leg members.
Thus, it is contemplated that the equipment support apparatus may be provided by way of, for example, a kit of parts. The kit of parts may comprise parts for, say, one or more of:
(i) an equipment support apparatus comprising a first equipment support member arranged to provide support for at least one piece of equipment, a plurality of equipment support leg members, and an equipment support leg coupling mechanism arranged to collapsibly couple the plurality of equipment support leg members to the first equipment support member such that: in a first equipment support configuration each of the plurality of equipment support leg members extends at an angle from the equipment support member; and in a second equipment support configuration each of the plurality of equipment support leg members lies close to and substantially parallel with the equipment support member; and
(ii) a collapsible seating arrangement operably coupled to at least a first equipment support leg member, the seating arrangement comprising a plurality of seating support leg members, a seating arrangement coupling mechanism arranged to operably couple the seating arrangement to the at least first equipment support leg member such that: in a first seating arrangement configuration the plurality of seating support leg members and the at least first equipment support leg member are arranged to provide a support structure for a seating element; and in a second seating arrangement configuration each of the plurality of seating support leg members lies close to and parallel with the at least first equipment support leg member, and the seating element is arranged to provide a seating surface when the at least first equipment support leg member and the plurality of seating support leg members are in the first seating arrangement configuration. Although the invention has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention.
Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by, for example, a single component or element. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly be advantageously combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. Also, the inclusion of a feature in one category of claims does not imply a limitation to this category, but rather the feature may be equally applicable to other claim categories, as appropriate.
Furthermore, the order of features in the claims does not imply any specific order in which the features must be performed and in particular the order of individual steps in a method claim does not imply that the steps must be performed in this order. Rather, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Thus, references to 'a', 'an', 'first', 'second', etc. do not preclude a plurality.
Thus, an equipment support apparatus, and parts therefor, has been described that may alleviate at least some of the shortcomings of past and present techniques and/or mechanisms.
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