DESCRIPTION Technical field The present invention relates to a support which is intended particularly for supporting video-photographic equipment and the like, including the characteristics mentioned in the preamble of claim 1.

Technological background US2007/0212163 describes a support for video-photographic equipment which has three or more legs which are formed by a plurality of contiguous spheroidal elements which are articulated to each other by means of spherical articulation joints. In turn, the legs converge towards and are articulated to a cross-member, on which an equipment item for video photographic recordings is mounted in conventional manner.

The spheroidal elements are articulated in order to configure the legs in various configurations for use. The articulation of the spheroidal elements of each leg is subjected to friction so as to maintain the desired configuration for use.

However, this system is not particularly stable and does not ensure a secure hold, particularly when the support is intended to be used with equipment items having substantial dimensions and/or weight. In fact, in this system the positioning of the legs is ensured only by the friction supplied by each of the spheroidal elements of the legs.

The legs of such a support device can be configured so as to be wound around a non-planar support structure, for example, a branch or a rod.

However, this support device, as mentioned, does not allow the production of a stable positioning, is not capable of preventing undesirable movements of the support device and such limitations are particularly evident when the device is wound around a branch or rod or generally on a non-planar support. In fact, it is not possible to prevent the device from sliding along the branch or rod. Furthermore, the grip of the single spheroidal elements is not particularly stable and, therefore, when it is wound on a branch or rod, the support device tends to move from the placement position.

Furthermore, the positioning of this support device is difficult.

The technical problem addressed by the present invention is therefore to provide a support for video-photographic equipment which is structurally and functionally configured to allow at least some of the drawbacks set out with reference to the cited prior art to be overcome.

Another object of the invention is to provide a support device which can be readily configured in any desired use configuration .

Another object of the invention is to provide a support device which is stable and which is suitable for supporting video photographic equipment which also have considerable dimensions and/or weight.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a support device for video-photographic equipment, comprising a central body arranged to be coupled to a video-photographic equipment item and at least two legs articulated to the central body by means of a respective joint. Each leg includes at least two segments which are articulated to each other about a respective joint.

The at least two segments are mutually interconnected by a stay-wire, the tensioning of which causes the segments to rotate about the respective joint in order to fold the respective leg, and the release of which allows the segments to be rotated about the respective joint in order to extend the corresponding leg.

There is thereby obtained a support device which can be prepared in a simple and rapid manner in various configurations of use.

The support device of the invention allows a desired use configuration to be maintained in a stable manner.

Tensioning the stay-wire brings about the folding of the leg while releasing the stay-wire makes it possible to extend the leg and to position it, for example, in an extended configuration, such as, for example, a substantially rectilinear configuration.

In the extended configuration of the legs, the support can be used, for example, as a "table-top tripod", but, by configuring the legs in a folded configuration, it is instead possible to grip the support in a stable manner with a branch or rod or other non-planar support structure.

The stay-wire is preferably conducted through the at least two segments in a position spaced apart from a centre of rotation of the respective joint in a radial direction of the rotational trajectory of the segment.

In this manner, the tensioning of the stay-wire generates a torque between the segments, the moment arm of which is a function of the radial distance between the stay-wire and the centre of rotation of the joint.

Advantageously, there is formed in each segment of the leg a guide channel, in which the stay wire is slidably housed. This allows the actuation of the stay-wire to be made more reliable by preventing undesirable blockages.

Each leg preferably comprises at least three segments which are connected one after the other through respective joints and which are all interconnected to the stay-wire. The presence of a plurality of leg segments allows an increase in versatility of the support device of the invention.

Each leg segment is articulated to the segment or to the contiguous segments by means of a respective joint.

Preferably, the joints of the segments have mutually parallel rotation axes.

Preferably, the plurality of segments of each leg comprise at least three segments.

The plurality of segments preferably comprise an articulation segment intended to be articulated to the central body, a support segment intended to be supported in a desired configuration for use on a support surface of the support device. The support segment is provided in an opposite position to the articulation segment. Preferably, the plurality of segments further comprise at least one intermediate segment which is interposed between the articulation segment and the support segment.

Preferably, there are provided a plurality of intermediate segments.

The support device preferably comprises a fixing device which is configured to fix the stay-wire to at least one leg. Undesired movements of the stay-wire are thereby prevented.

The fixing device preferably comprises at least one spring which is fastened to the stay-wire and which is intended to tension the stay-wire.

Preferably, the spring is configured so that, by tensioning the stay-wire, the spring is preloaded so as to maintain the stay-wire under tension. The spring thereby allows the leg to be adapted to irregular support structures.

The presence of the spring allows any movements and/or loosening actions of the leg to be taken up.

The fixing device is preferably provided on the support segment or generally on the segment provided in a distal position with respect to the central body.

The support device advantageously comprises an adjustment device intended to act on the stay-wire in order to tension the stay-wire and to hold the stay-wire under tension.

The adjustment device allows the stay-wire to be locked in a desired position and therefore the tension of the stay-wire and consequently the configuration of each leg to be adjusted. This allows each leg to be locked in a desired configuration for use. The adjustment device is preferably of the self-locking type so that it is necessary to act on the adjustment device in order to unblock the stay-wire from a predetermined configuration . Preferably, each segment comprises a first and a second travel stop element, which are intended to limit the rotation of the leg in the direction of expansion rotation of the leg and in the direction of folding rotation of the leg, respectively.

The first travel stop element is preferably configured so as to limit the rotation of the segments of the leg in the extension direction of the leg and is configured so as to allow the positioning of the segments in a position substantially aligned with each other, that is to say, with the leg in a virtually rectilinear configuration. The second travel stop element is preferably configured so as to limit the folding rotation of the segments and is configured so as to allow the positioning of the segments in a maximum folding configuration.

The support device advantageously comprises a plurality of legs which are articulated to the central body, preferably three legs, each of which comprises at least two segments which are articulated to each other about a joint and which are mutually interconnected by a stay-wire, the tensioning of which generates the rotation of the segments about the respective joint in order to fold the legs of the plurality of legs.

In one version, each leg comprises a respective stay-wire.

In this case, there may be provided a single adjustment device, wherein the stay-wires of each leg converge in order to adjust the tension of all the stay-wires of each leg.

In this manner, by acting on the single adjustment device it is possible to simultaneously adjust the tension of all the stay-wires and therefore the position of all the legs of the support device.

This arrangement allows the operation of the support device to be simplified.

Preferably, the adjustment device is provided near the central body.

Alternatively, there may be provided an adjustment device for each leg in order to adjust the tension of the stay-wire of the respective leg.

In this manner, by acting on the various adjustment devices it is possible to adjust the tension of the various stay-wires and therefore the configuration of the legs of the support device.

This arrangement allows the configuration of each leg to be adjusted separately and therefore allows the positioning precision of the support device to be improved.

The adjustment devices are preferably provided near the central body.

In another version, there is provided a single stay-wire which extends between all the legs of the plurality of legs. In this case, there is provided a single adjustment device for adjusting the tension of the stay-wire, that is preferably provided near the central body.

The stay-wire preferably extends in a continuous manner through the legs of the plurality of legs and each leg is provided with at least one return member for returning the stay-wire on the various legs.

In a version, the stay-wire extends in an outgoing section and in a return section in each leg and is returned at the top of the leg at the side opposite the central body.

The return member is preferably an idle pulley.

In a version, the adjustment device comprises a rotating spool actuator. Preferably, the rotating spool is provided with a unidirectional locking rotation mechanism, the stay-wire preferably being anchored on the spool.

The segments of the legs of the support device are preferably of box-like form.

At least one of the segments is provided with a gripping device which is intended to increase the grip of the segment on a desired positioning surface.

Preferably, some or all of the segments of a leg or some legs are provided with this gripping device.

The gripping device is provided at the side of the segment which is intended to be directed internally in the folding direction of the leg.

The gripping device is preferably formed as an insert made from a material with a high friction coefficient, such as, for example, rubber, preferably a soft rubber. In other versions, the gripping device is formed as a sucker or similar device in order to increase the grip of the segment on a desired support surface.

The gripping device is advantageously provided with gripping elements which project from the gripping device and which are intended to increase the grip of the leg on a desired support surface.

Preferably, the gripping device has a knurled or notched surface.

The gripping device may be provided for at least partially covering the segments of the leg in order to increase the surface friction.

The features and advantages of the invention will be better appreciated from the detailed description of a number of preferred though non-limiting embodiments thereof which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of a support device according to the invention in a first operating configuration and a second operating configuration, respectively;

- Figure 3 is a perspective view of another version of a support device according to the invention in an operating configuration;

- Figure 3A is a plan view of the support of Figure 3 in a different operating configuration;

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of another version of a support device according to the invention in an operating configuration;

- Figure 5 is a cross-section of a detail of the support of Figure 4 in an operating configuration;

- Figure 5A is a cross-section of a detail of Figure 5 showing two possible operating configurations.

The Figures show a support device 1 which is particularly intended to be used to support video-photographic devices and the like, such as, for example, the smart phone 50 which can be see in Figures 3 and 4.

The support device 1 comprises a central body which is configured in the manner of a cross-member 2 which is provided to be connected to the video-photographic equipment item 50 and which is provided with coupling means 51 for coupling the video-photographic equipment item 50 to the cross-member 2. The coupling means 51 can be constructed with one of the methods known in the sector and will not therefore be described in detail.

The cross-member 2 can be coupled, by way of the coupling means 51, to a positioning head 3 for video-photographic equipment, as in the version of Figures 3 to 5.

The term "video-photographic equipment" is intended to be understood to be video cameras, photographic cameras or generally electronic devices which are provided with video/ photographic cameras such as the smart phone shown in the Figures.

The support device 1 further comprises a plurality of legs 4, each of which is hinged to the cross-member 2 in order to be tilted about a respective first hinging axis X in both directions of the rotation arrow FI.

The cross-member 2 is formed so as to define a plurality of hinging extension pieces 2C, in the region of each of which there is provided a seat for a hinge pin 6 of a corresponding support leg 4.

By rotating each leg 4 about the first hinging axis X, it is possible to tilt each leg 4 with respect to the cross-member 2 between a closed configuration W, which is shown in Figure 2 and in which the legs 4 are arranged virtually parallel with each other, and various operating configurations, such as, for example, the operating configuration W' which is shown in Figure 1 and in which the legs 4 are moved apart with respect to the cross-member 2 and inclined with respect to the closed configuration W by a predefined opening angle.

In the closed configuration W, the support device 1 can be used as a handle for the video-photographic equipment item, as shown in Figure 2, for example, in order to carry out recordings while moving. The closed configuration W is further compact and suitable for the transport of the support device 1.

The support device is provided with travel stop means which cannot be seen in the Figures in order to limit the rotation of the legs with respect to the cross-member up to a predefined moved-apart configuration, in which the legs are arranged at a given angle of rotation with respect to the cross-member. The travel stop means are provided between each leg and the cross-member itself in a manner known in the field. The legs 4 of the tripod 1 are structurally and functionally identical, as a result of which only one will be described below for the sake of brevity.

Each leg 4 comprises a plurality of segments 5 which are articulated to each other and to the cross-member 2 about corresponding articulation joints 10 so as to be able to be rotated with respect to each other and with respect to the cross-member 2, as better explained below. In the version shown, the plurality of segments 5 of each leg 4 comprise an articulation segment 7 which is intended to be articulated to the cross-member 2, a support segment 8 which is intended to be supported, in a desired configuration for use, on a support surface of the support device 1, as shown in Figure 1. The support segment 8 is provided in an opposite position relative to the articulation segment 7, that is to say, in a distal position with respect to the cross-member 2. The plurality of segments 5 further comprise an intermediate segment 9 which is interposed between the articulation segment 7 and the support segment 8.

According to the invention each leg 4 is provided with at least two segments which are articulated to each other.

In other versions which are not shown, the support device is provided with a number of segments greater than three. The articulation segment 7 is provided at a first longitudinal end 7A with the hinge pin 6 which is intended to be received in the hinging extension piece 2C which is defined on the cross-member 2 in order to tilt the leg 4 and/or the articulation segment 7 with respect to the cross-member 2 about the first rotation axis X. The articulation segment 7 is provided at a second longitudinal end 7B thereof opposite the first longitudinal end 7A with a hinging extension piece 7C which is intended to be connected to a second hinge pin 6A which is provided on the intermediate segment 9 in order to rotate the intermediate segment 9 and the articulation segment 7 with respect to each other about a second rotation axis XI. Similarly, the intermediate segment 9 is provided at a first longitudinal end 9A of the second hinge pin 6A which is intended to be received in the hinging extension piece 7C which is defined on the articulation segment 7 and at a second longitudinal end 9B, which is opposite the first longitudinal end 9A, with a hinging extension piece 9C which is intended to be connected to a third hinge pin 6B which is defined on the support segment 8 in order to rotate the intermediate segment 9 and the support segment 8 with respect to each other about a third rotation axis X2.

Similarly, the support segment 8 is provided at a first longitudinal end 8A with the third hinge pin 6B which is intended to be received in the hinging extension piece 9C which is defined on the intermediate segment 9 and at a second longitudinal end 8B, which is opposite the first longitudinal end 8A, with a support portion 81. In this manner, the segments of the leg 4 are articulated to each other and to the cross-member 2 and can be tilted about a plurality of different rotation axes X, XI, X2 between an extended configuration K of the leg 4, such as the one shown in Figures 1 and 2, in which the segments 7 to 9 of the leg 4 are aligned with each other and at least one folding configuration K', such as the ones which can be seen in Figures 3 to 5, in which the segments 7 to 9 of the leg 4 are arranged in transverse planes, as better explained below. In the folding configurations K', the longitudinal axes Y, Yl, Y2 of each segment 7-9 of the leg 4 are inclined with respect to each other, in the extended configuration K the longitudinal axes Y, Yl, Y2 of each segment 7-9 of the leg 4 are substantially aligned.

The articulation pins 6, 6A, 6B identify mutually parallel rotation axes X, XI, X2 of each segment 7-9.

The hinging extension piece 2C, 7C, 9C and the respective articulation pin 6, 6A, 6B define an articulation joint 10 for each segment 7-9 of the leg 4.

The support portion 81 is provided with a gripping element 82 in order to increase the grip of the leg 4 on the desired support surface.

Each segment 7, 8, 9 is configured in the manner of a box- shaped member which is internally hollow and which defines a guide channel 11 which extends in the longitudinal direction Y, Yl, Y2 of the respective segment 7, 8, 9 and which is intended to slidingly receive a stay-wire 15 of the support device 1, as better explained below. The guide channel 11 of each segment 7, 8, 9 is formed so that the stay-wire 15 can extend continuously between all the segments 7, 8, 9 of the leg 4.

Each box-shaped member is delimited by two opposite lateral surfaces 12, an external surface 13 and an opposite internal surface 14.

The lateral surfaces 12 are interposed between the external surface 13 and the internal surface 14.

There is defined as the internal surface 14 the surface of each segment which is arranged internally during the rotation of the segments 7, 8, 9 about the respective rotation axes X,

XI, X2. During the folding rotation of the elements 7, 8, 9, the internal surfaces of the segments are moved towards each other.

In each leg, the internal surface 14 faces the other legs, that is to say, it is directed towards the interior of the spatial requirement defined by the legs of the support device 1, unlike the external surface 13 and the surface which is directed during use at the opposite side with respect to the other legs of the support device 1.

The internal surface 14 is provided with a pad 14A or other gripping device in order to increase the grip of the leg 4 on a desired support. The pad 14A is constructed from rubber or another material with a high friction coefficient so as to increase the grip of the leg 4 on a desired support, as better explained below.

The pad 14A is provided with a notching 14B which is intended to further increase the grip of the leg 4 on a support structure and to impede or prevent the movements thereof with respect to the support structure.

A pad 14A or similar gripping device is also provided on the internal surface of the cross-member 2, that is to say, on the surface of the cross-member opposite the coupling means 51. In other versions which are not shown, the pad may not be provided with the notching.

In other versions which are not shown, the pad is provided with a knurling or with one or more protrusions in order to increase the friction provided by the leg on the support structure on which the leg is gripped, as better explained below.

In other versions which are not shown, the support device 1 is provided with a different gripping device, for example, with a sucker.

Each segment is further provided with travel stop elements in order to limit the folding/extension of the segments with respect to each other. Each segment is provided with first travel stop elements in order to limit the rotation of the leg 4 in the extension direction of the leg 4 indicated by the arrow F2 in the Figures.

Each segment is provided in the region of the first longitudinal end 7A, 8A, 9A with a support extension piece 16 which is intended to be connected to a corresponding support seat 17 which is defined on the cross-member 2 or on the second longitudinal end 7B, 9B of the contiguous segment 7, 9. The support extension piece 16 and the support seat 17 act as first travel stop elements of the leg 4.

The support extension piece 16 is formed in order to be received in the support seat 17 in the extended configuration K of the legs 4. This prevents further rotation of the legs 4 in the direction of the arrow F2 from the extended configuration K shown in Figure 6A as broken lines.

This allows the support device 1 to be made stable in the extended configuration K of the legs 4, that is to say, in the substantially rectilinear configuration in which the segments 7-9 are substantially aligned.

Each segment 7, 8, 9 further comprises additional travel stop elements in order to limit the rotation of the leg 4 in the folding direction indicated by the arrow F3 in the Figures in order to fold the leg 4.

The intermediate segment 9 is provided with a pair of abutment surfaces 18, 19 which are provided in a longitudinally opposite position and which face additional abutment surfaces 18', 19' which are provided on the articulation segment 7 and on the support segment 8, respectively. The articulation segment 7 is provided with an abutment surface 17 which is intended to cooperate with an additional abutment surface 17' which is defined on the cross-member 2 in order to limit the folding rotation of the leg 4 with respect to the cross-member 2.

The abutment surfaces 17, 18, 19 and the additional abutment surfaces 17', 18', 19' are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of each segment.

The inclination of each abutment surface can be freely selected and may be different for each abutment surface.

During the rotation of the segments, the abutment surfaces 17, 18, 19 and the additional abutment surfaces 17', 18', 19' are moved together and can be rotated until they are moved into contact with each other. By varying the inclination of the various abutment surfaces and the additional abutment surfaces, the maximum rotation of the segments is varied in the direction of the arrow F3, that is to say, the configuration of maximum folding allowed for the legs 4.

The abutment surfaces 17, 18, 19 and the additional abutment surfaces 17', 18', 19' act as additional travel stop elements of the leg 4. As set out above, the segments 7, 8, 9 of each leg 4 are interconnected by a stay-wire 15, the tensioning of which causes the rotation of the segments of the leg 4 about the respective rotation axes X, XI, X2 in the direction of the arrow F3 in order to fold the leg 4. By releasing the stay-wire 15, however, it is instead possible to rotate the leg 4 in the direction of the arrow F2 in order to extend the leg 4 as far as the extended configuration K.

In this configuration, the support device 1 can be positioned in a positioning configuration, for example, the one shown in Figure 1.

The stay-wire 15 is slidingly received in the guide channel 11 which extends in the longitudinal direction Y, Yl, Y2 of the respective segment 7, 8, 9.

The guide channel 11 is positioned so that the stay-wire 15 is positioned in each segment 7, 8, 9 in a position spaced apart by a distance "D" from the rotation axis of the segment X, XI, X2.

In this manner, the tensioning of the stay-wire 15 generates a torque between the segments, the moment arm of which corresponds to the distance "D" between the stay-sire 15 and the rotation axis of the segment X, XI, X2.

The stay-wire 15 is positioned so as to be spaced apart in a radial direction from the rotation axis of the segment X, XI, X2 during the rotation of the folding trajectory of each segment 7, 8, 9.

The stay-wire 15 can be constructed from nylon or steel or from any material which is suitable for thin stay-wires. In a version of the support shown in Figures 5, 6 and 6A, each leg 4 of the support device is provided with a respective stay-wire 15.

Each stay-wire 15 is provided with a fixing device 20 which is configured to fix the stay-wire 15 to the support segment 8 of the leg 4. The fixing device 20 may comprise, as in the version shown, a spring 21 which is fixed at a first end thereof to the support segment 8 and to which an end of the stay-wire 15 is fixed.

The spring 21 ensures greater adhesion of the legs to the support structure, particularly in the case of a support structure with irregular surfaces and/or dimensions. The presence of the spring ensures the contact between the leg and the support structure to be ensured even in the presence of small bedding actions of the stay-wire or the support device. The support device 1 further comprises an adjustment device 30 which is intended to act on each stay-wire 15 in order to tension the stay-wire and to hold the stay-wire under tension and therefore to adjust the configuration of the leg 4.

By acting on the adjustment device 30, it is possible to vary the tension of the stay-wire 15 and to lock the stay-wire 15 in a desired position and therefore to adjust the configuration of the leg 4.

The presence of a dedicated adjustment device 30 for each leg 4 and therefore for each stay-wire 15 allows mutually independent adjustment of the configuration of the various legs 4 of the support device 1. This allows the production of a support device which is particularly versatile and suitable for being positioned on various support structures of various forms, such as, for example, a branch or a rod.

Each adjustment device 30 is connected to each stay-wire 15 in a position opposite the fixing device 20.

Each adjustment device 30 is positioned in the region of the cross-member body 2 of the support device 1. This allows the actuation of the various adjustment devices 30 provided to be made easier.

The adjustment device 30 is provided on the cross-member in a position opposite the leg 4 to be actuated but, in this case, the guide channel 11 comprises an additional guide channel 11A which is provided on the cross-member 2 for each stay-wire 15 to be actuated.

In other versions which are not shown, the adjustment device is arranged on the cross-member 2 in a position near the leg 4 to be actuated.

The adjustment device 30 is one of the known existing types.

In the version shown, the adjustment device 30 comprises a conical seat 31, in which the stay-wire 15 can slide and a locking member 32 for locking the sliding of the stay-wire 15 in the conical seat 31. The locking member is formed in the manner of a set of contractile pincers.

The locking device 30 is of the self-locking type, that is to say, it is necessary to act on the locking member 32 in order to open the conical seat 31 and therefore to allow the stay- wire 15 to slide therein.

The stay-wire 15 is locked in a desired position for use when the action on the locking member 32 is finished. The locking device 30 is arranged so that the conical seat 31 and the locking member 32 are provided in the region of an outlet opening of the additional guide channel 11A provided on the cross-member 2.

The locking device 30 is provided with a locking head 33 which has greater dimensions than the through-hole of the conical seat 31 and which is intended to prevent undesirable unscrewing of the stay-wire 15.

The locking head 33 is provided at an end of the stay-wire 15 opposite the end in which the fixing device 20 is provided. The locking head 33 is intended to be actuated by a user in order to be pulled in the direction of the traction arrow F5 in Figure 6 in order to tension the stay-wire 15 and thereby to fold the leg 4.

The locking head 33 further allows the actuation of the stay- wire 15 by a user to be made easier.

There can be identified in the stay-wire 15 an internal section 15' which extends inside the guide channel 11 and an external section 150 which is arranged outside the guide channel 11 near the locking head 33. By acting on the adjustment device 30 of the stay-wire 15, the user varies the extension of the internal section 15' and the external section 150 of the stay-wire 15, therefore varying the configuration of the leg 4. By pulling the stay-wire 15, that is to say, pulling the adjustment head 33 in the direction of the arrow F5 so as to increase the extension of the external section 150 of the stay-wire 15, the extension of the internal section 15' of the stay-wire 15 is reduced and the extension of the external section 150 of the stay-wire 15 is increased.

Consequently, the leg 4 is folded and caused to rotate in the direction of the arrow F3 so as to fold the segments 7-9 by moving together the respective abutment surfaces 17, 18, 19 and additional abutment surfaces 17', 18', 19'. The extension of the internal section 15' of the stay-wire is shortened and therefore the leg 4 is folded in a corresponding manner.

The leg is therefore configured in a folding configuration suitable for gripping the leg on a support structure 100 which has an irregular form and/or which does not define a planar or virtually planar support surface.

By releasing the stay-wire 15, however, it is possible to extend the leg 4 by increasing the extension of the internal section 15' and consequently decreasing the extension of the external section 150 of the stay-wire 15.

In other versions which are not shown, the adjustment device may be constructed with one of the methods known in the sector for adjusting the tension of wires or lines.

There may be provided in the support device an adjustment device, for example, of the type comprising a slider which is provided with a slot which is intended to slidingly receive a first closure element and a locking member which is movable with respect to the slider in order to open/close in order to lock/unlock the stay-wire.

In the version of Figures 3 and 3A, the support device 1 is provided with a single stay-wire 15, which can better be seen in Figure 3A and which extends between all the segments 7-9 of the three legs 4 of the support device 1.

To this end, there is provided in each leg 4 a return member 40 for modifying the trajectory of the stay-wire 15 in each leg. The return member 40 is positioned in the region of the support segment 8 and is configured so that in each leg 4 the internal section 15' of the stay-wire comprises a first and a second internal stay-wire section 15A' which extends between the cross-member 2 and the return member 40, respectively.

In this version, the support device 1 is further provided with two additional return members 41 which are provided near the cross-member 2 and which are arranged to modify the trajectory of the stay-wire 15 in order to convey it towards the adjustment device 30. The presence of the additional return members 41 allows an improvement in the introduction of the stay-wire 15 into the adjustment device 30 and the adjustment thereof.

In this version, therefore, the stay-wire 15 forms a closed- ring-like path between the legs 4 and the locking head 33 having an internal section 15' and an external section 150. In this version, the adjustment device 30 can be constructed as discussed above.

Alternatively, in this version the adjustment device can also be constructed with one of the methods known in the sector for adjustment devices and tensioning for cables or stay-wires. The return members 40 and the additional return members 41 are idle pulleys which allow the trajectory of the stay-wire 15 to be changed.

The provision of a single adjustment device 30 allows the positioning operations for the support device of the invention to be made more rapid.

Furthermore, the presence of return members 40, 41 simultaneously continues to enable independent adjustment of the folding/extended configuration of each leg 4 while having a single adjustment device 30.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an additional version of an adjustment device 30' to be used with the support device 1 of the invention.

In this version, the adjustment device 30' is provided near the cross-member 2 and comprises a rotatable spool 35, about/from which the stay-wire 15 is wound/unwound in order to fold/extend the legs 4.

In this version, there is provided in the support device 1 a single stay-wire 15 for adjusting the position of all the legs 4.

The stay-wire 15 is configured so that the opposite ends of the stay-wire 15 converge towards and are fixed to the rotatable spool 35 in order to be able to tension the stay- wire 15 by acting on the rotatable spool 35. The spool 35 is rotatable with respect to the cross-member 2 in both directions of the arrow F4 in Figure 2.

The adjustment device 30' is provided with a locking member which cannot be seen in the Figures and which is intended to lock the rotation of the rotatable spool 35 in order to lock the stay-wire 15 in a desired position.

In this case, the adjustment device 30' is also of the self locking type so that the operator has to act on the adjustment member 30' in order to unlock the rotation of the rotatable spool 35 and, therefore, to unlock the stay-wire 15 from a desired position.

The spool 35 is rotatable and is operatively connected to a unidirectional retention mechanism which can be activated in order to allow the rotation of the rotatable spool 35 or, alternatively, the complete release thereof (idle position) in accordance with requirements.

The stay-wire 15 converges towards the rotatable spool 35 so as to be tensioned following the rotation of the rotatable spool 35 or to be released when the spool 35 is unlocked in an idle position.

In this case, therefore, by acting on the single adjustment device 30' it is also possible to adjust the position of all the legs 4 of the support device 1. As discussed above, in this case with a single adjustment device 30' it is also possible to configure the legs 4 of the support device 1 in different configurations from each other by configuring them in different folding configurations. Therefore, it is possible to adapt the legs to the formation of the support structure to which the support device 1 is intended to be gripped.

Alternatively, by rotating the spool in opposite directions the stay-wire 15 is wound/unwound, modifying the configuration of the legs 4.

By rotating the spool 35, the extension of the internal section 15' of the stay-wire 15 is varied and that of the external section which is wound on the spool 35 and therefore the configuration of the leg 4.

In another version which is not shown, the adjustment device with a rotatable spool is also used if the support device is provided with a stay-wire for each leg. In this case, each stay-wire converges towards the rotatable spool 35 so as to be able to be tensioned by means of the rotatable spool 35. Advantageously, an end of the stay-wire is fixed to the rotatable spool 35.

In a version which is not shown, the support device is provided with two legs which can be folded in order to fasten the support to a desired support.

In this version of the configuration, the legs of the support can be folded in order to be gripped to a support structure by encircling it at opposite sides.

During use, the support device 1 according to the invention is formed to be configured in the closed transport configuration W which is shown in Figure 2 and in which the legs 4 are arranged virtually parallel with each other.

In this configuration, the legs 4 are arranged in the extended configuration K. In this configuration, the support device 1 is particularly compact and can be readily gripped by a user and be used as a rod-like handle for the video-photographic device 50 supported . This configuration is particularly suitable for taking recordings while moving.

In the extended configuration K, the segments 7-9 of each leg are positioned so that the longitudinal axes Y, Yl, Y2 of the segments are arranged substantially parallel with each other and each support extension piece 16 is received in the corresponding support seat 17.

The legs 4 of the support device 1 can be further moved apart in order to configure the support device 1 in an operating configuration in which the legs 4 are moved apart with respect to the cross-member 2 and inclined with respect to the closed configuration W by a predetermined opening angle, for example, in the operating configuration shown in Figure 1.

In this configuration, the legs 4 are arranged in the extended configuration K.

In the operating configuration W, the support device 1 can be supported on a desired planar support surface, such as a table, in order to support the video-photographic device 50. In this operating configuration, the support device is used as a tripod.

Furthermore, the support device 1 is suitable for being configured in various operating configurations in order to be gripped with a non-planar support structure 100, such as, for example, in the grip configurations M, M' shown in Figures 3 and 4.

In the grip configurations M, M', the legs 4 are in a folding configuration K' and are suitable for being gripped to a support structure 100. By acting, by means of the adjustment device 30, 30' of the support device 1, it is possible to tension the stay-wire 15 or stay-wires 15 in order to modify the configuration of the legs 4. By tensioning the stay-wire 15, it is possible to fold the legs 4 from the extended configuration K to the folding configuration K'.

In order to fold the leg 4, the user acts on the adjustment device 30, 30' in order to draw back the stay-wire 15 so as to shorten the internal stay-wire section 15' which extends in the leg 4. This brings about a rotation of the segments 7-9 of the leg 4 about the respective rotation axes X, XI, X2 in order to fold the leg 4.

The leg 4 is rotated in the direction of the arrow F3. In accordance with the adjustment device provided, the stay- wire 15 can be wound on the rotatable spool 35 or caused to leave the guide channel 11 towards the exterior. In any case, the extension of the external section 150 of the stay-wire 15 is increased and, consequently, the extension of the internal section 15' of the stay-wire or stay-wires 15 is reduced.

By tensioning the stay-wire 15, the leg 4 is progressively folded. Each leg 4 can therefore be configured in a folding configuration K' which is suitable for gripping the support device 1 with a support structure 100, such as a branch or a rod, which is shown schematically in Figures 3 and 4.

By varying the tensioning of the stay-wire 15, it is possible to modify the folding configuration K' of the leg 4 and therefore to adapt it to the formation of the specific support structure 100 with which it is desirable to grip the support device 1.

By varying the tensioning of the stay-wire 15, it is possible to grip in a stable manner each leg 4 with a support structure 100 having different dimensions and/or shape.

In particular, it is also possible to grip the support device 1 with a support structure 100 which is not horizontal and/or not regular.

In this manner, it is possible to grip the support device 1 with chance or found support structures at the location where it is desirable to take the recordings.

The presence of the gripping devices ensures a stable hold of the leg with respect to the support structure 100 which exists in situ and which can be constituted by a branch, a rod, a pole, a rock or any other support structure suitable for being gripped between the legs of the support device.

The presence of the spring allows an increase in the stability of the support device on the support structure by allowing attenuation of any irregularities of the support structure. By tensioning the stay-wire, the folding of the leg is brought about and, conversely, by releasing the stay-wire it is possible to extend the leg towards the extended configuration K'.

In order to bring the leg into an extended configuration K', the user provides for releasing the stay-wire and rotating the leg 4 in the direction of the arrow F2 in order to extend it until it is brought into the extended configuration K.

By varying the extension of the internal section of the stay- wire 15, the extension which can be obtained for the leg 4 is varied, the maximum extension being in any case limited by the travel stop elements and corresponding to the extended configuration K.