An apparatus for increasing the stability of a tripod includes a centrally
placed base member that includes three perimeter leg assemblies, each of
which are adapted to cooperate with one of the legs of the tripod. Each
of the leg assemblies includes a generally U-shaped member that surrounds
a portion of each tripod leg and which cooperates with the base member so
that when a portion of each respective leg assembly is tightened, an
extension member is urged outward and into contact with an inside surface
of one of the legs which, in turn, urges the leg outward until an outside
of the leg bears tightly against an inside of the respective U-shaped
member. Each tripod leg is accordingly placed under compression
eliminating any possible movement thereby. The three forces that urge the
legs outward are disposed radially around a center longitudinal axis,
each force separated from both adjoining forces by 120 degrees of arc.
The U-shaped members include any preferred size or shape and, if
preferred, may be attached to the tripod legs.