AU2009201440B2

AU2009201440B2 - A mounting assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2009201440B2
Application number: AU2009201440A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Abelev; Sayee Ganjekar
Original assignee: RE Miller Pty Ltd
Current assignee: RE Miller Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-04-14
Filing date: 2009-04-14
Publication date: 2013-07-11
Anticipated expiration: 2029-04-14
Also published as: AU2009201440A1

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to tripods and in particular to tripods including a spreader mechanism for maintaining the legs of the tripod relative to one another. 5 A first aspect of the invention provides a mounting assembly for mounting a spreader arm to a tripod leg, the mounting assembly including: a coupling member adapted to be hingedly connected to the spreader arm and adapted to be rotatably mounted to the tripod leg, the coupling member having a neutral position relative to the tripod leg, 10 wherein rotation of the coupling member relative to the tripod leg is resisted such that at least a preset minimum level of torque is required to be applied to the coupling member in order to rotate the coupling member. A further aspect of the invention provides a tripod assembly including: a tripod including a central support and three radially outwardly extending 15 adjustable tripod legs hingedly connected to the support and adjustably rotatable with respect to the central support between an operative position and a collapsed position; a spreader mechanism including a central hub and three radially outwardly extending adjustable spreader arms hingedly connected to the hub, wherein each spreader arm is mounted to a respective tripod leg; and 20 at least one mounting assembly according to any one of claim I to 29, wherein the coupling member of each mounting assembly is hingedly connected to one of the spreader arms and rotatably mounted to the respective tripod leg.

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL Name of Applicant/s: R E Miller Pty Limited Actual Inventor/s: Sayee Ganjekar and Michael Abelev Address for Service is: SHELSTON IP 60 Margaret Street Telephone No: (02) 9777 1111 SYDNEY NSW 2000 Facsimile No. (02) 9241 4666 CCN: 3710000352 Attorney Code: SW Invention Title: A MOUNTING ASSEMBLY Details of Associated Provisional Application No. 2008901835 dated 14 Apr 2008 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: File: 57879AUP00 -2 A MOUNTING ASSEMBLY Background The present invention relates generally to tripods and in particular to tripods including a spreader mechanism for maintaining the legs of the tripod relative to one 5 another. The invention has been developed primarily for use with tripods for cameras and will be described primarily in this context. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. 10 Brief Description of the Prior Art The following discussion of the prior art is intended to place the invention in an appropriate technical context and to enable the advantages of it to be properly understood. However, any discussion of the prior art in this specification should not be 15 taken as an express or implied admission that such art is widely known, or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. Spreaders are used with tripods in a variety of applications. One such application, by way of example, is the use of spreaders with tripods for cameras. 20 Such spreaders comprise a central hub with three radially outwardly extending arms. Typically, the length of each spreader arm, as well as the relative spread of the spreader arms, is adjustable. Each arm is fixed to a leg of the tripod, thereby to maintain the legs of the tripod at a set position relative to each other. This allows a more rapid 25 tripod set up and pull down than would otherwise be possible. Spreaders typically also provide easier set up on steps, slopes and uneven rocky terrain. Spreaders are usually either mid-level spreaders, where each spreader arm attaches to an intermediate region of a tripod leg, or ground-level spreaders, which 30 attach directly to the lower end of the tripod leg and typically support the tripod via contact of the spreader with the ground below. Typically, mid-level spreaders allow for variable adjustment of the tripod height and size of the overall tripod footprint by adjusting the length of the spreader arms and the relative angle between the telescopic -3 spreader arms and the central hub. Ground level spreaders typically provide telescoping adjustment of each spreader arm to allow for differing height settings or uneven ground. To set up a tripod, outwardly directed forces are applied to one or more of the 5 tripod legs. It will be appreciated that, in practice, these forces are not necessarily equal. Typically, in a tripod utilising a spreader, the application of such forces to two of the tripod legs results in torque acting on the third tripod leg via the hinge joint connecting the tripod leg to the spreader. This allows the three tripod legs to deploy substantially simultaneously. Similarly, to collapse the tripod, inwardly directed forces are applied to 10 one or more of the tripod legs, thereby to bring the tripod legs closer together and collapse the tripod. One problem particular to spreaders having adjustable arms is that it is necessary to ensure that all spreader arms are either fully retracted or adjusted to exactly the same 15 length prior to the tripod being closed. It is often easy to overlook this step when closing a tripod, especially where the spreader arms appear, at least to the naked eye, to be set to an identical length. If this step is not performed, the action of collapsing the tripod often results in uneven and often substantial torques being applied to the arms of the spreader. This typically results in deformation or breakage of one or more of the relatively weak 20 hinge joints connecting each spreader arm to a respective tripod leg, often necessitating replacement of the spreader. In some cases, one or more of the spreader arms or tripod legs may deform or break, also necessitating component replacement. Care is also necessarily required where one or more of the tripod legs are 25 restrained in a closed position while a force is simultaneously applied to expand the other tripod leg or legs. This may occur, for example, where the tripod includes a latch to retain the tripod legs in a closed position and one or more latches are not released when the tripod is expanded. Breakage or deformation of one or more of the hinge joints is also likely to occur where the spreader arms are set to different lengths prior to 30 expansion of the tripod.

-4 It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative. 5 Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting assembly for mounting a spreader arm to a tripod leg, the mounting assembly including: a coupling member adapted to be hingedly connected to the spreader arm and adapted to be rotatably mounted to the tripod leg, the coupling member having a neutral 10 position relative to the tripod leg, wherein rotation of the coupling member relative to the tripod leg is resisted such that at least a preset minimum level of torque is required to be applied to the coupling member in order to rotate the coupling member. 15 According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a tripod assembly including: a tripod including a central support and three radially outwardly extending adjustable tripod legs hingedly connected to the support and adjustably rotatable with respect to the central support between an operative position and a collapsed position; 20 a spreader mechanism including a central hub and three radially outwardly extending adjustable spreader arms hingedly connected to the hub, wherein each spreader arm is mounted to a respective tripod leg; and at least one mounting assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the coupling member of each mounting assembly is hingedly connected to one 25 of the spreader arms and rotatably mounted to the respective tripod leg. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments of the invention, the preset level of torque may be adjusted by a user, while in alternative embodiments, the preset level of torque is predetermined by the inherent design characteristics of the mounting 30 assembly. The mounting assembly preferably includes a body adapted to be fixedly connected to the tripod leg, wherein the coupling member is rotatably mounted to the - 5 body. Preferably, the body is sleevably mounted in use to the tripod leg. In other embodiments, the body is fixedly connected in use to the tripod leg by any other suitable structure. The body may be attached to the tripod leg by an adhesive, by welding, by mechanical fastening formations or by another suitable attachment technique. The 5 method of attachment may be dependent upon the material properties of the body and the tripod leg. In some embodiments, the body is disposed in use on a lower end of the tripod leg. In other embodiments, the body is disposed in use on a portion of the tripod legs 10 intermediate the ends of the tripod leg. In preferred embodiments, the coupling means includes a rotational stop means abuttingly engageable with the body for selectively limiting relative rotational movement of the coupling means with respect to the body. In some embodiments, the 15 body includes at least one complementary abutment means corresponding to the rotational stop means for engagement with the stop means. It will be appreciated that these and further references to the body throughout the specification may refer to the tripod leg in embodiments of the invention where the mounting assembly does not include a distinct body. That is, the abutment means may be located on the tripod leg in 20 the embodiments where the mounting assembly does not include a distinct body. Preferably, the rotational stop means and the corresponding abutment means are abuttingly engageable with each other when the coupling member is in a neutral position relative to the body, in order to resist relative rotation of the coupling member out of the 25 neutral position. In preferred embodiments, the abutment means includes at least one pair of mutually opposed outwardly directed abutment surfaces and the rotational stop means includes at least one complementary pair of mutually opposed inwardly directed stop 30 surfaces. Preferably, the rotational stop means is in the form of a channel interposed between a pair of spaced apart flanges, each flange including a stop surface. It will be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments the rotational stop means may be of -6 any suitable size, shape and configuration so as to resist relative rotation of the coupling member out of the neutral position. In preferred embodiments, the rotational stop means and the abutment means are 5 each integrally formed with the coupling means and the body respectively. It will be appreciated, however, that either one or both of the rotational stop means and the abutment means may instead be attached to a respective one of the coupling means and the body by any suitable fastening means. 10 In preferred embodiments of the invention, the coupling member is generally U-shaped in cross-sectional profile. Preferably, the coupling member includes a central crotch portion interposed between a pair of mutually opposed leg portions. Preferably, the spreader arm is hingedly disposed in use between the leg portions. In preferred embodiments, the coupling member is hingedly connected to one end of the spreader 15 arm. Preferably, the spreader arm is rotatable in use relative to the coupling member between an operating position and a collapsed position in which a longitudinal axis of the spreader arm lies in substantially the same plane as the longitudinal axis of the tripod leg. 20 Preferably, the leg portions in use allow bi-directional transmission of torque from the spreader arms to the coupling member. Preferably, bi-directional rotation of the coupling member relative to the body is resisted. It will be appreciated that the amount of torque required to overcome this resistance may be either the same or different for each direction. 25 In preferred embodiments, the coupling member is mounted to the body so as to resist relative rotation of the coupling member with respect to the body. Preferably, the mounting assembly includes a biasing means for resisting relative rotation of the coupling member with respect to the body. In preferred embodiments, the biasing 30 means is a bevel washer. In other embodiments, the biasing means may comprise, for example, a plurality of serrations on each of the coupling member and the body, wherein corresponding serrations interengage to resist rotation of the coupling member with respect to the body. It will be appreciated, however, that other suitable means may be -7 used to resist rotation including, for example, a spring washer, a disc washer or a helical gear. In some embodiments of the invention, relative rotation of the coupling member 5 with respect to the body occurs upon the application of at least a preset minimum torque to the coupling member. This advantageously allows the tripod to be set up and used with a reduced possibility that the coupling member, and thus the spreader arm, will be accidentally rotated relative to the tripod leg. This advantageously provides a relatively stable tripod structure. In still further embodiments, a larger torque is required to 10 initially rotate the coupling member from the neutral position to an intermediate position than is required to rotate the coupling member out of the intermediate position. In preferred embodiments, the body and coupling means are generally formed from a relatively rigid material, such as a die-cast alloy. In other embodiments, the 15 mounting assembly is at least partly formed from a wear resistant material. In some embodiments, the mounting assembly may be formed from a substantially softer material, while the rotational stop means and abutment means are formed from a wear resistant material. It should be appreciated, however, that any other suitable material or materials may alternatively be used, including metals, ceramics, plastics, glasses, 20 cements or composite materials. It should also be appreciated that the body and coupling means may be formed from the same or different materials. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the mounting assembly may be of any suitable size and shape. In at least one preferred form of the invention, the mounting assembly is adapted 25 to be detached from the tripod leg and spreader arm and replaced, when worn to a predetermined extent. In another preferred form of the invention, either one of the coupling member and the body are adapted to be detached from the assembly and replaced. In still further embodiments, one or both of the rotational stop means and abutment means may optionally be replaceable, preferably without the need to detach 30 the mounting assembly from the tripod leg and spreader arm. Advantageously, the invention in at least one preferred embodiment allows a tripod to be operated in the traditional manner without it being necessary to adjust the -8 length of the spreader arms when expanding or collapsing the tripod. This reduces the likelihood of breakage or deformation of the spreader arms, tripod legs and the connection between each arm and leg. 5 The invention in at least one preferred embodiment advantageously allows a tripod to be expanded in the usual manner. Specifically, the resistance to rotation of the coupling member relative to the tripod leg such that a preset level of torque is required to be applied to the coupling member in order to rotate the coupling member allows the third leg to expand when outwardly directed forces are applied to the other two legs. 10 This facilitates rapid set up of the tripod. Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 15 Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting assembly according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the mounting assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partly cut-away side elevation view of the mounting assembly of Figure 1, shown with the coupling member in the neutral position; 20 Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly taken on line A-A of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a tripod assembly showing a mounting assembly according to another embodiment of the invention mounted on each leg of the tripod; and 25 Figure 6 is a perspective view of another tripod assembly showing a mounting assembly in use. Preferred Embodiments of the Invention Referring to the drawings, the invention provides a mounting assembly 1, 30 adapted for mounting an arm 2 of a spreader 3 to a leg 4 of a tripod 5, thereby in use to support the spreader arm 2. The mounting assembly I includes a body 6 and a coupling member 7 rotatably mounted to the body 6 by a screw 8.

-9 In the embodiment shown, a biasing means, in the form of a bevel washer 9 disposed around the screw 8, resists relative rotation of the coupling member 7 with respect to the body 6. This requires at least a minimum amount of torque to be applied to the coupling member 7 in order to rotate the coupling member relative to the body 6. 5 In other embodiments (not shown), the biasing means may comprise, for example, a plurality of serrations on each of the coupling member and the body, wherein corresponding serrations interengage to resist rotation of the coupling member 7 with respect to the body 6. It will be appreciated, that any other suitable means may be used to restrict rotation, including, for example, a spring washer, a disc washer or a helical 10 gear. In certain embodiments of the mounting assembly the means of restricting rotation of the coupling member 7 relative to the body 6 may be adjustable so that the minimum level of torque required in order to effect rotation can be varied by the user. In 15 alternative embodiments, the minimum level of torque required in order to effect rotation may be fixed (i.e. non-adjustable) and determined by nature of the design of the components. As best shown in Figure 4, the coupling member 7 is generally U-shaped in 20 cross-sectional profile and includes a central crotch portion 10 and a pair of mutually opposed leg portions 11, each leg portion extending from one side of the crotch portion and perpendicular to a respective end of the crotch portion. A rotational stop means, in the form of a channel 12 interposed between a pair of 25 spaced apart flanges 13, extends on the other side of the crotch portion 10. The flanges each include an inwardly directed stop surface 14. Each stop surface is abuttingly engageable with an abutment means, in the form of a complementary pair of mutually opposed outwardly directed abutment surfaces 15, on the body 6 for selectively resisting relative rotation of the coupling means with respect to the body when the coupling 30 means is in the neutral position shown in Figure 3. The stop surfaces 14 and the abutment surfaces 15 are each tapered. When sufficient torque is applied to the coupling member 7, this tapered configuration allows each stop surface 14 to slide over its -10 corresponding abutment surface 15, thereby allowing the coupling member 7 to rotate with respect to the body 6. In the embodiment shown, the rotational stop means and the abutment means are 5 each integrally formed with the coupling means 7 and the body 6 respectively. It will be appreciated, however, that either one or both means may instead be attached by any suitable fastening technique. In some embodiments (not shown), one or both means are optionally replaceable without the need to detach the mounting assembly from the tripod 5 and spreader 3. It will be appreciated, however that the coupling means 7 may 10 be of any suitable size, shape and configuration. In use, one end 16 of a spreader arm 2 is hingedly connected between the leg portions 11 by a pin 17. The spreader arm 2 is rotatable relative to the coupling member 7 to adjustably swing between an extended operating position and a collapsed 15 position in which a longitudinal axis of the spreader arm lies in substantially the same plane as the longitudinal axis of the tripod leg. The spreader arm 2 may also be adjustably swung between a number of different operative positions. This hinged connection advantageously allows the spreader arm 2 to hingedly rotate through at least 180 degrees. While this range of rotation may not necessarily be required during 20 operation, it advantageously provides a degree of flexibility so as to reduce the likelihood of deformation or breakage of the hinge joint or other components, for example if the tripod is crushed during transport or knocked. It should be appreciated, however, that the spreader arm 2 may be hingedly attached to the coupling means 7 by any other suitable means. 25 Advantageously, the leg portions 11 allow bi-directional transmission of torque from the spreader arm 2 to the coupling member 7. Preferably, bi-directional rotation of the coupling member 7 relative to the body 6 is resisted in either direction. It will be appreciated that the minimum amount of torque required to overcome this resistance is 30 preferably the same, but may be different, for each direction of rotation. As best shown in figure 5, the body 6 is connected in use to a leg 4 of a tripod 5 and, in the embodiment shown, includes a pair of sleeves 18 for connection with a - 11 corresponding pair of parallel strut portions 19 of the tripod leg 4. While the body shown in the drawings is of a particular shape and size, it will be apparent that any suitable configuration may be used. For example, the body may alternatively include one sleeve portion for connection with a single portion of a tripod leg. In other 5 embodiments, the body may connect to the tripod leg through any suitable fastening means, such a bracket or latch. The body may be fastened to the tripod leg by an adhesive, by welding, by mechanical fastening formations or by another suitable attachment technique. The method of attachment may be dependent upon the material properties of the body and the tripod leg. In other embodiments, the body is integrally 10 formed with the tripod leg. In the embodiment shown, the mounting assembly 1 is fixedly connected to a portion intermediate the ends of the tripod leg 4. In other embodiments (not shown), the mounting assembly is fixedly connected to a lower end of the tripod leg. 15 One preferred embodiment of a tripod assembly is shown in figure 6 and includes a mounting assembly I mounting each spreader arm 2 to a corresponding tripod leg 4. However, in some embodiments, respective mounting assemblies mount only one or two spreader arms to corresponding tripod legs. The remaining spreader arm/s may 20 be connected to the corresponding tripod leg/s by any other suitable means. In at least one preferred embodiment, the body 6 and coupling means 7 are generally formed from a relatively rigid material, such as a die-cast alloy. It should be appreciated, however, that other materials, or combinations of materials, can 25 alternatively be used. For example, the mounting assembly could be formed from metals, ceramics, plastics, rubbers or glasses, as well as composites such as fibreglass and carbon fibre. It will be appreciated that the body and coupling means may be formed from the same or different materials. 30 In some embodiments, the body 6 and coupling member 7 are formed from a suitable wear resistant material. Alternatively, these components may incorporate a wear-resistant lining or insert to minimise abrasive wear, particularly in the vicinity of contact between the rotational stop means and abutment means. Such linings or inserts - 12 may optionally be replaceable, so as to optimise the service life of the assembly, subject to appropriate periodic maintenance. In at least one form of the invention, the mounting assembly I is adapted to be 5 detached from the tripod leg 4 and spreader arm 2 and replaced, when worn to a predetermined extent. In at least one other form of the invention, either one of the coupling member 7 and the body 6 are adapted to be detached from the assembly I and replaced. In still further embodiments, one or both of the rotational stop means and the abutment means are arranged to permit their replacement without the need to detach the 10 mounting assembly I from the tripod leg 4 and spreader arm 2. In use, the expansion and collapse of a tripod 5 typically results in the application of a torque to at least one of the spreader arms 2, the torque being substantially transmitted to the coupling means 7 through contact between the spreader arm 2 and the 15 leg portions 1 I of the coupling means. This torque is usually higher where the spreader arms 2 are set to different lengths or where one or more of the tripod legs 4 are restrained from being expanded or collapsed. Initial rotation of the coupling means 7 with respect to the body 6 is resisted by the contact between the rotational stop means and the abutment means. Upon the application of a sufficient amount of torque to the 20 coupling member, the tapered stop surfaces 14 slide over their respective abutment surfaces 15, thus allowing the coupling member 7 to rotate with respect to the body 6 and out of the neutral position shown in figure 3. When the coupling member 7 is rotated out of the neutral position and into an 25 intermediate position, it lifts away from the body 6 so that the flanges 13 provide the only point of contact between the coupling member and the body. The subsequent application of sufficient torque to the coupling member in this intermediate position overcomes the inherent rotational resistance of the biasing means, thus causing the coupling member 7 to undergo controlled rotation with respect to the body 6. 30 In some embodiments, the necessary torque required to overcome the rotational resistance is the same for all positions of the coupling member 7 relative to the body 6. In other embodiments, however, a larger torque is required to initially rotate the - 13 coupling member from the neutral position shown in Figure 3 to an intermediate position than is required to rotate the coupling member out of the intermediate position. Advantageously, the invention allows a tripod 5 to be set up and used with a 5 reduced possibility that the coupling member 7, and thus the spreader arm 2, will be accidentally rotated relative to the tripod leg 4. This advantageously provides a relatively stable tripod structure and reduces the likelihood of damage to related equipment or component parts. In addition, because rotation of the coupling member relative to the tripod leg is resisted, the tripod 5 can advantageously be expanded in the 10 usual manner. That is, the application of outwardly directed forces to two of the tripod legs allows the third leg to expand. This advantageously facilitates rapid set up of the tripod. Advantageously, the invention allows use of the spreader in the traditional 15 manner without it being necessary to adjust the length of the spreader arms 2 when expanding or collapsing the tripod 5. In at least one embodiment, the mounting assembly allows the spreader arm 2 to rotate about either or both of the axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tripod leg 4, thus advantageously reducing the likelihood of deformation or breakage of the mounting assembly 1, spreader arm 2 or 20 tripod leg 4. The invention in its preferred embodiments provides a relatively simple, efficient, reliable, robust and cost-effective system. Most significantly, it reduces the likelihood of damage to or breakage of relative expensive equipment, such as spreaders 25 and tripods. On a commercial scale, this improvement represents consumer product satisfaction in terms of a reduction in the need for replacement parts and the associated inconvenience that may result. In these and other respects, the invention represents a practical and commercially significant improvement over the prior art. 30 Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A mounting assembly for mounting a spreader arm to a tripod leg, the mounting assembly including: 5 a coupling member adapted to be hingedly connected to the spreader arm and adapted to be rotatably mounted to the tripod leg, the coupling member having a neutral position relative to the tripod leg, wherein rotation of the coupling member relative to the tripod leg is resisted such that at least a preset minimum level of torque is required to be applied to the coupling 10 member in order to rotate the coupling member.

2. A mounting assembly according to claim 1 wherein the mounting assembly includes a body adapted to be fixedly connected to the tripod leg, wherein the coupling member is rotatably mounted to the body.

3. A mounting assembly according to claim 2 wherein the body is sleevably 15 mounted in use to the tripod leg.

4. A mounting assembly according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the coupling means includes a rotational stop means abuttingly engageable with the body for selectively limiting relative rotational movement of the coupling means with respect to the body. 20

5. A mounting assembly according to claim 4 wherein the rotational stop means is integrally formed with the coupling means.

6. A mounting assembly according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the body includes at least one complementary abutment means corresponding to the rotational stop means for engagement with the stop means. 25

7. A mounting assembly according to claim 6 wherein the at least one abutment means is integrally formed with the body.

8. A mounting assembly according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the rotational stop means and the at least one abutment means are abuttingly engageable with each other - 15 when the coupling member is in the neutral position, in order to resist relative rotation of the coupling member out of the neutral position.

9. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the rotational stop means includes at least one pair of mutually opposed inwardly directed 5 stop surfaces and the at least one abutment means includes at least one complementary pair of mutually opposed outwardly directed abutment surfaces.

10. A mounting assembly according to claim 9 wherein the rotational stop means is in the form of a channel interposed between a pair of spaced apart flanges, each flange including a respective one of the pair of inwardly directed stop surfaces. 10

11. A mounting assembly according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the stop surfaces and the abutment surfaces have a tapered configuration to allow each stop surface to slide over its corresponding abutment surface, thereby allowing the coupling member to rotate with respect to the body.

12. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims I to 11 wherein the 15 mounting assembly is disposed in use on a lower end of the tripod leg.

13. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to I I wherein the mounting assembly is disposed in use on a portion of the tripod leg intermediate the ends of the tripod leg.

14. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the 20 coupling member is generally U-shaped in cross-sectional profile.

15. A mounting assembly according to claim 14 wherein the coupling member includes a central crotch portion interposed between a pair of mutually opposed leg portions.

16. A mounting assembly according to claim 15 wherein the spreader arm is 25 hingedly disposed in use between the leg portions.

17. A mounting assembly according to claim 16 wherein the leg portions in use allow bi-directional transmission of torque from the spreader arm to the coupling member. - 16

18. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims I to 17 wherein the coupling member is hingedly connected in use to one end of the spreader arm.

19. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims I to 18 wherein the spreader arm is rotatable in use relative to the coupling member between an operating 5 position and a collapsed position in which a longitudinal axis of the spreader arm lies in substantially the same plane as the longitudinal axis of the tripod leg.

20. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims I to 19 wherein bi-directional rotation of the coupling member relative to the tripod leg is resisted in each direction of rotation. 10

21. A mounting assembly according to claim 20 wherein the preset minimum level of torque required is the same for each direction of rotation of the coupling member.

22. A mounting assembly according to claim 20 wherein the preset minimum level of torque required is different for each direction of rotation of the coupling member.

23. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims I to 22 wherein the 15 mounting assembly includes a biasing means for resisting rotation of the coupling member relative to the tripod leg.

24. A mounting assembly according to claim 23 wherein the biasing means is selected from the group consisting of: a bevel washer; a spring washer; a disc washer; and a helical gear. 20

25. A mounting assembly according to claim 23 wherein the biasing means includes a plurality of serrations on each of the coupling member and the body, wherein corresponding serrations interengage to resist rotation of the coupling member with respect to the tripod leg.

26. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims I to 25 wherein a greater 25 level of torque is required to rotate the coupling member from the neutral position to an intermediate position than is required to rotate the coupling member out of the intermediate position. - 17

27. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims I to 26 wherein the mounting assembly is substantially formed from a relatively rigid material.

28. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims I to 27 wherein the mounting assembly is at least partly formed from a wear resistant material. 5

29. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims I to 28 wherein at least part of the mounting assembly is adapted to replaced, when worn to a predetermined extent.

30. A tripod assembly including: a tripod including a central support and three radially outwardly extending 10 adjustable tripod legs hingedly connected to the support and adjustably rotatable with respect to the central support between an operative position and a collapsed position; a spreader mechanism including a central hub and three radially outwardly extending adjustable spreader arms hingedly connected to the hub, wherein each spreader arm is mounted to a respective tripod leg; and 15 at least one mounting assembly according to any one of claim I to 29, wherein the coupling member of each mounting assembly is hingedly connected to one of the spreader arms and rotatably mounted to the respective tripod leg.

31. A mounting assembly for mounting a spreader arm to a tripod leg substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention 20 illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

32. A tripod assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. 25