WO2008031129A1 - Elbow-rest monopod - Google Patents

Abstract

An elbow-rest monopod (1) is characterized by a combination of the following features: a monopod column (4), a base (3) at a lower end (7), and an elbow support (5) at an upper end (6) for exclusive support of the elbow joint with free mobility of both the upper arm and the lower arm, said support having a central recess (9), at least under the weight of the elbow joint, wherein protrusions (10) disposed in a U-shape, when viewed from above, project above the central recess (9) on at least three sides, and which elbow support (5) is resiliently, and/or plastically flexible in the areas that come into contact with the elbow joint.

Description

 Einbeϊn marriage arm stand

The invention is based on a monopod-elbow stand.

There are already monopods known from the prior art.

For example, from the document US 5,819,461 A a tripod with height-adjustable telescopic rod, shown with an elbow holder and a standing aid with a mandrel, wherein the height can be fixed by means of a clamping mechanism. The elbow support is equipped with a tripod plate as intermediate piece to the elbow holder and camera as well as with an adjustable resistance fixable and horizontally rotatable turning mechanism.

A disadvantage of the known monopod is in particular the rigid positioning of the elbow joint of the user, in which both the forearm and the upper arm are fixed in position to each other and thus form a unit that is movable only from the shoulder joint. This posture is unnatural, which is likely to cause muscle spasms in the back and pain in the immovably fixed limb, negating the desired effect of stabilizing the device mounted on the tripod, as the user will attempt by partially involuntary movements to relax cramped muscles.

Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that the application and removal of the elbow support according to US Pat. No. 5,819,461 A is inconvenient and in some cases not possible without the help of a second person in the case of a complicated closure guide.

A natural movement of the user e.g. on a hike is considerably limited by the tripod. Likewise, the use of the tripod in a crowded crowd, for example, in sports / music events because of the risk of injury of bystanders is not possible or only very limited.

From JP 8-292489 A is known in monopod, at the upper end of an armrest with an elastically deformable insert is fastened. This armrest is fixed by means of a Velcro strip directly on the arm, so that the support is held on the arm. Due to the attachment to the upper arm, the leverage effect for load dissipation can only be used to a limited extent. The fixation of the tripod on the arm results in a restriction of the freedom of movement.

From US 6,773,071 Bl a support for the support of the upper arm of the elbow joint and the forearm is known, which is provided with an elastically deformable insert.

JP 2002-014418 A discloses an elbow pad as known which can be fixed to the upper body of the person using it. As a result, however, no free mobility of the upper arm and lower arm is given more.

From EP 1 570 764 A1 an armrest is known, which is fastened on a monopod.

It is an object of the invention to provide a monopod, which avoids the known disadvantages and allows a physiologically comfortable, loose operating position in conjunction with ease of use and secure stabilization of the device to be used. It is essential that, despite proper support of the elbow, free mobility of the user's arm is made possible, so that the held device is flawless, i. without jerking, with the arm can be moved in all directions, as well as an elbow is possible without the second hand is necessary to, for example, from tripod-assisted video or film recording in the mode of the pure handheld camera, without that this change in the recorded image becomes apparent. This option is of central importance for flexible camera work.

The object is achieved by a monopod-elbow stand of the type mentioned by this is provided with a tripod column, a base at a lower end and an elbow pad at an upper end for supporting only the elbow joint with free movement possibility of both the upper arm and the forearm wherein the elbow pad at least under load from the elbow has a central recess, wherein the central recess of at least three sides and in plan view U-shaped protrusions is surmounted, and which elbow pad at the contact surfaces with the elbow joint elastically and / or plastically yielding is. Thereby, a free movement possibility of both the upper arm and the forearm with the appropriate flexibility of movement, for example when Nachfuhr the camera during sports photography, while carrying a binoculars on migration or when taking pictures with long exposure, without the stability of the tripod or the quality the image suffers from the sharpness or the image detail. The fact that the camera is not attached directly to the tripod and there is no great weight at the top of the tripod, only a minimal stand help is needed to allow the tripod to stand alone.

Advantageous developments and embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Advantageously, the projections projecting beyond the central depression project beyond the depression by not more than 8 cm, preferably 5 cm, in particular 3 cm, so that a good supporting effect can be achieved without the risk of slipping off.

U-shaped protrusions on three sides around the central recess provide a very convenient form of elbow rest for long observation or recording periods.

Advantageously, the central recess may be surmounted by a projection projecting in a ring-shaped manner around the central depression, resulting in an easily produced round shape.

To make the application as comfortable as possible for the user, the elbow pad may be formed on the surfaces in contact with the elbows by an adaptable material such as a gel, granules, plastic, etc.

The elbow pad may have on the outside a hard and substantially unyielding in load shell, which can serve to stabilize the shape of the elbow pad.

Advantageously, the elbow pad is pivotally mounted on the stand column, wherein the pivoting movement is prevented by means of a fixing device, so that the user by a step without adjusting the tripod, for example with binoculars or with a camera, continue to observe a situation or continue to film from the hand can. In particular, it is advantageous that the pivoting movement can be adjusted with a resistance force that can be set with the fixing device, because undesired, too rapid rotation can thereby be avoided.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the elbow support of the tripod column is removable, as this is a simple method of adaptation to different tripod columns and / or other stand devices.

To connect the elbow pad with the tripod column advantageously serves a quick release coupling, such as a bayonet connection, a thread, a connector or a quick connector, etc., which allows quick and easy assembly and disassembly of the device on the tripod column.

In a particularly preferred embodiment it is provided that a stand aid is provided on the base, which is preferably releasably attachable, whereby an increased stability is achieved and a free standing of the tripod is made possible.

The stand aid can be designed in particular as a downwardly open mold with a flat edge, creating a larger footprint is created.

Advantageously, the stand aid is designed as a suction cup, which allows particularly on smooth surfaces, such as marble floors, a very reliable stabilization, which can also allow a stand without being held by the user.

Preferably, the length thereof by means of spring force can be extended, wherein suitably its length is variable by means of a gas spring.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In the figures show:

1 to 3 the use of various embodiments according to the invention designed monopods by a person,

4 compared to the FIGS. IA to IC the use of a monopod according to the prior art,

Replacement Blade (Rege! 26) Fig. 5-15 different views of four exemplary embodiments of

Elbow pads for inventively designed monopods,

16-22 different telescopic mechanisms for inventively designed monopods in different abstract stages, and

Fig. 23-29 different stand aids for inventively designed monopods.

Figs. 1 to 3 show the use of monopods according to the invention (hereinafter referred to as monopod). For comparison, the use of a monopod according to the prior art is shown in Fig. 4.

Referring to Fig. 4, in which a user has a device 2, e.g. a binoculars or - as shown in the embodiment - a photo or video camera or other device mounted on a monopod 1 according to the prior art, the main drawback of such a monopod is immediately apparent, namely the difficulty, the device in all directions without jerks to move or stabilize the monopod so that can be observed with the device 2 shake-free, photographed or filmed. Caulking a stand 3 of the monopod 1 in the ground for stabilization is not always possible (concrete, asphalt, pavement, etc. or even natural hard or rocky ground), and even with stalked base 3 stability is still insufficient in most cases ,

In contrast, 1 to 3 inventively designed monopods 1 are shown in Figs., With which in a simple manner, a stable attitude when observing, photographing or filming can be taken without the freedom of movement is limited or shaking are to be feared. In this case, a preferably telescoping tripod column 4 is provided with an elbow pad 5 at an upper end 6 for supporting only the elbow with free movement possibility of both the upper arm and the forearm of the user. At a lower end 7 of the pillar 4, a stabilizing standing aid 8 can additionally be arranged on the base 3, which allows stabilization on any surface. The individual components will be discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 29 and the associated description.

5 to 15 show schematic representations of the elbow pad 5 in each case in plan view, in at least one sectional view and in a lateral view. Allen described here elbow pads 5 is common that they have at least under load from the elbow of the user a central recess 9, which is surmounted at least on load on at least two opposite sides by a projection 10, wherein the elbow pads 5 at contact surfaces with the Elbow is elastic and / or plastically yielding or deformable.

As a result, a free possibility of movement of both the upper arm and the forearm and the two body parts relative to each other with the appropriate flexibility of movement, for example when tracking the camera 2 in sports photography, when shooting with long exposure time, etc. given without the stability of the monopod 1 or the quality of the pictures suffers from the sharpness or the picture detail.

If, for example, FIGS. 5 to 10 show schematic views of two round elbow pads 5, a round recess 9 is likewise visible in these exemplary embodiments. These two forms are very simple and therefore inexpensive to produce. The illustrated in Fig. 5 elbow pad 5 is cup-shaped cylindrical, while the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 has a partially spherical shape. The first embodiment is slightly lower, so that the support for the elbow is better, but the radius of movement is slightly lower. The example shown in Fig. 8 is characterized by a high degree of comfort for the elbow even with prolonged support, however, the recess 9 of the elbow pad 5 is not so deep and therefore the risk of slipping or slipping slightly higher.

In the elbow pad 5, a padding 11 may further be provided from a material which adapts to the contour of the elbow. For example, materials such as gels, granules, plastically and / or elastically deformable plastic, etc., which can be inserted into the elbow rest 5, for example in the form of a pillow, are suitable for this purpose. The padding 11 may be fixed in the elbow pad 5, for example, by gluing or a similar suitable fastening, or loosely inserted, which facilitates the replacement. Such a padding 11 is apparent, for example, from FIGS. 8 and 11. The elbow pad 5 has on the outside a hard and under load substantially unyielding shell 12, so that the support function is maintained. The shell 12 at least partially forms the projections 10. From Fig. 11 shows a recess 9 is shown, which is surmounted by a U-shaped in plan view the recess 9 on three sides delimiting supernatants 10. The variant shown in FIG. 11 offers a very secure hold and a predefined direction of movement through the U-shaped projections 10, which can be helpful for example in the case of several exposures in certain positions and / or directions of movement.

The projections 9 projecting beyond the central recess 9 project beyond the recess 9 by not more than 8 cm, preferably 5 cm, in particular 3 cm. If the recess 9 is too deep compared to the protrusions 10 projecting beyond it, the flexibility of the elbow could be restricted too much.

Each of the elbow pads 5 shown in FIGS. 5 to 15 can be detachably connected to the stand pillar 4 of the monopod 1 via a coupling 13, so that the elbow pad 5 can be removed from the pillar 4. Particularly suitable in this case are quick release couplings 13, such as a bayonet threaded connections, a connector or a quick connector. The elbow pad 5 may further be pivotally mounted on the tripod column 4, wherein the resistance force may be adjustable. Furthermore, a fixing device is provided, by means of which the pivoting movement can be prevented.

16 to 22 show two exemplary embodiments of an inventively designed monopod 1, wherein the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 is shown in side view in three lengths and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 22 in a sectional view in four lengths ,

The tripod column 4 is fixed by different adjustment mechanisms 15. In Fig. 16 Schraubfixierungen are provided, in which the length of the pillar 4 by rotating the individual segments 16 to each other, pulling or pushing together of the segments and subsequent rotating locking in the desired position is adjustable, while in Fig. 19 clamping fixings are provided, which are solved be, after which the length of the pillar 4 is adjustable by pulling or pushing together and then closing the clamp fixings.

The exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 22 are each equipped with an elbow support 5 according to FIG. 8, but the support column 4 can be combined with any of the elbow supports 5 described above. A further advantageous measure for improving the handling and the stability of the monopod designed according to the invention can be seen from FIGS. 23 to 29, where various standing aids 8, which can be connected to the stand 3 of the stand column 4, are shown.

FIG. 23 shows an exemplary embodiment of a monopod 1 with a standing aid 8 in two extension lengths, which standing aid 8 is designed in the manner of a spherical segment with a smooth edge and faces the rounded side of the pillar 4. In particular, the stand aid 8 can also be a suction cup, which is particularly advantageous on smooth floors, such as marble, since the stand aid 8 can become fixed and stand alone. A connection between the auxiliary stand 8 and the base 3 of the monopod 1, which stand 3 may be further provided with a known steel or rubber tip, for example, by a plug or locking connection, by screwing, a bayonet connection or similar devices are made, in particular, the connection can be made in the same manner as the coupling 13 between the camera 2 and the pillar 4.

Fig. 25 shows a further standing aid 8, which is funnel-shaped. The connection may be similar to the connection of FIG. 23. The funnel shape can be higher or lower depending on requirements. As shown in FIG. 26, the elbow pad 5 may in particular also be mounted directly on the standing aid 8 with the tripod column 4 omitted, for example when the user is seated at a table and the standing aid 8 stands on the table top.

FIGS. 27 to 29 show further possible auxiliary aids 8. The exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 29 show firmly anchored standing aids 8, which are formed on a base plate 18 and in turn can be connected via a connection to the monopod 1. The connection can be produced in the case shown in FIG. 29 by simply plugging in, while in FIG. 29 an intermediate piece 19 is provided, which in turn can be plugged onto a pin 20 which is connected to the bottom plate 18.

In Fig. 28, a special stand aid 8 is shown in the form of a carriage 21, which allows a displacement of the monopod 1 by back and forth roles. The displacement can either be free or, as shown in Fig. 28, rail-mounted rails 22 done. According to a preferred variant, the monopod is variable in length, that the contact pressure is changed to the elbow pad, that is shortened by a pressure of the arm down the tripod, but nevertheless the weight of the arm is supported with the held device. This can be achieved by a gas spring whose gas pressure can be adjusted to the weight of the arm together with the device. To some extent, this can also be achieved by springs or a hydraulic suspension, which are installed in the tripod. It is expedient if the tripod can be fixed in certain lengths to avoid extension of the monopod to the maximum length when lifting the arm of the elbow pad.

According to the invention, e.g. Move a camera vertically downwards by applying pressure on the tripod and thus on the gas spring with the upper arm and elbow. According to the prior art, it is necessary to interrupt the recording in order to reduce the height of the tripod, and one must go to his knees, whereby in this situation, not so quiet camera work is possible.

Therefore, according to the invention results in a different kind of image aesthetics, since the shots are not as shaky as only by means of a handheld camera, and not as rigid as when the camera is mounted directly on a tripod.

The monopod of the invention is inconspicuous and flexible in handling, e.g. when shooting at difficult locations.

- An advantage lies in the fluid change between tripod and freehand shots, because the elbow and the elbow pad are not fixed together and because of the stand help the tripod stops, so when watching movies the change between tripod shots and free-hand shots not can recognize.

- It allows a person to work as a cameraman, editor and assistant. The monopod is optionally possible in an embodiment in which a height adjustment is triggered automatically by pressing a button or lever operation, such. by a gas spring.

- The fact that the elbow pad has little weight, a free standing of the tripod with a minimal stand help is possible.

ERSATZBLAH (Rule 26) The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. All monopods 1 can be additionally equipped with other tools such as a wrist strap 14 and / or an ergonomically shaped handle 23 for better security and easier handling.

Claims

claims: 1. single-legged elbow stand, characterized by the combination of the following features: a tripod column (4), a base (3) at a lower end (7) and an elbow pad (5) at an upper end (6) for supporting only the Elbow joint with free movement possibility of both the upper arm and the forearm, which has at least under load from the elbow joint a central recess (9), wherein the central recess (9) arranged on at least three sides and in plan view U-shaped projections (10) is surmounted, and which elbow pad (5) at the contact surfaces with the elbow joint is elastically and / or plastically yielding. 2. monopod-elbow stand according to claim 1, characterized in that the central recess (5) projecting supernatants (10) the recess (9) by no more than 8 cm, preferably 5 cm, in particular 3 cm, project beyond. 3. monopod-elbow stand according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the central recess (9) of a plan view of the central recess (9) annularly projecting overhang (10) is surmounted. 4. Single-legged elbow stand according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the elbow pad (5) is formed at the reaching with the elbows in contact surfaces of an adjustable material, such as a gel, granules, plastic, etc. , 5. Single-legged elbow stand according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the elbow support (5) on the outside has a hard and under load substantially unyielding shell (12). 6. monopod-elbow stand according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the elbow pad (5) on the stand column (4) is pivotally mounted, wherein the pivoting movement can be prevented by means of a fixing device. 7. One-legged elbow stand according to claim 6, characterized in that the elbow support (5) on the stand column (4) is pivotable with an adjustable with the fixing resistance force. 8. monopod-elbow stand according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the elbow pad (5) from the stand column (4) is removable. 9. monopod-elbow stand according to claim 8, characterized in that for connection of the elbow pad (5) with the pillar (4) a rapidly releasable coupling (13) is provided, such as a bayonet connection, a thread, a connector or a Quick connector etc. 10. One-legged elbow stand according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that on the base (3) a stand aid (8) is provided, which is preferably releasably attachable. 1 1. One-legged elbow stand according to claim 10, characterized in that the standing aid (8) is designed as a downwardly open mold with a flat edge. 12. monopod-elbow stand according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the standing aid (8) is designed as a suction cup. 13. monopod-elbow stand according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the length thereof by means of spring force and extendable against a spring force can be shortened. 14. One-legged elbow stand according to claim 13, characterized in that its length is variable by means of a gas spring.