Locking mechanism for tripod and spreader legs

Claim 2

In an apparatus including a tripod having three legs and a spreader having three legs, said spreader legs and tripod legs being easily connectable to and disconnectable from one another by an operator to secure the tripod in or release it from a desired configuration, quick release interlocking mechanisms for securing each of said tripod legs to a respective spreader leg, each interlocking mechanism comprising: a pin fixed to said tripod leg; a V-slot in said spreader leg for receiving said pin; a clevis on said tripod leg, said clevis having flanges between which said pin extends, said flanges being adapted to engage opposite sides of said spreader leg when the pin is received in the V-slot; a latch plate pivotable with respect to said spreader leg, said plate including a locking flange for retaining said pin in said slot and releasing flange engagable by an operator's foot to pivot said plate away from its retaining position; and means for biasing said plate toward its pin retaining position.

Claim 3

The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said pin engages said locking flange when connecting said legs to pivot said plate against said biasing means, and said pin releases said locking flange when in its retained position.

Claim 4

The mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a longitudinal slot in said spreader leg, said latch plate being pivotable within said longitudinal slot and said pin receiving V-slot extending normal to and across said longitudinal slot.

Claim 5

An interlocking mechanism adapted for easy connecting and disconnecting of a tripod leg and a spreader leg by an operator, comprising: a socket member fixed to said spreader leg, said socket member including a first slot longitudinally aligned with respect to said spreader leg and a second slot having a V configuration and extending laterally of said spreader leg; a clevis fixed to said tripod leg and supporting a pin, said pin receivable within said second slot with said clevis engaging opposite sides of said socket member; a latch plate pivotably mounted within said first slot, said latch plate having a slot open with said second socket member slot and said latch plate further including a locking flange extendable over said second socket member slot when said latch plate is in a pin retaining position; a releasing flange on said latch plate projecting from said socket member and engagable by the operator's foot to pivot said latch plate away from its pin retaining position; and a compression spring biasing said latch plate toward its pin retaining position.

Claim 6

An interlocking mechanism adapted for easy connecting and disconnecting of a tripod leg and a spreader leg by an operator, comprising: a socket member fixed to said spreader leg, said socket member including a first slot longitudinally aligned with respect to said spreader leg and a second slot having a V configuration and extending laterally of said spreader leg; a clevis fixed to said tripod leg and supporting a pin, said pin receivable within said second slot with said clevis engaging opposite sides of said socket member; a latch plate pivotably mounted within said first slot, said latch plate having a slot open with said second socket member slot and said latch plate further including a locking flange extendable over said second socket member slot when said latch plate is in a pin retaining position; a releasing flange on said latch plate projecting from said socket member and engagable by the operator's foot to pivot said latch plate away from its pin retaining position; and a compression spring biasing said latch plate toward its pin retaining position.