Abstract: A tilting and telescoping mast assembly having a compact device footprint that can be mounted in close proximity to, for example, a front wall of a truck bed (e.g., adjacent the cab) thereby reducing dead space within the truck bed and maximizing cargo space within the bed. The mast of the present disclosure is configured to be supported by its base in a first position when in the horizontal orientation and supported in a second position when in the vertical orientation, with the first and second positions being spaced apart horizontally and/or vertically.

Abstract: An auto-lock assembly for a telescoping mast having a plurality of telescoping tube sections configurable between a retracted position and an extended position is disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein is a telescoping mast, which includes a plurality of telescoping mast sections including a base tube, an intermediate tube, and an end tube, the intermediate and end tube adapted to be telescopically received in the base tube, a base auto-lock having a collar for mounting to the base tube, and an intermediate auto-lock having a collar for mounting to the intermediate tube. Further disclosed herein is an auto-lock for use with a telescoping mast having a plurality of tube sections.

Abstract: An inverted telescoping mast configured to be mounted to a ceiling or other structure within a building for supporting a payload at a range of heights within the building. The mast can include cable management for routing of cables external the mast for supplying/exchanging power, control signals, data etc. to the payload. An internal spring retains the mast in the retracted position. A tension control system restricts extension and/or retraction of the mast when actuating cable tension is above or below respective tension thresholds.

Abstract: A folding light tower is provided that utilizes a 4-bar linkage mechanism which enables full vertical extension of the tower with the use of one actuator. The exemplary tower generally includes a base, a lower lift arm, and an upper lift arm. Spring elements are used near the rotating joints of the lower lift arm and upper lift arm of the tower. The spring elements act to preload the joints and help to remove play and movement when the tower is unfolded/during the vertical extension process.

Abstract: An auto-lock assembly for a telescoping mast having a plurality of telescoping tube sections configurable between a retracted position and an extended position is disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein is a telescoping mast, which includes a plurality of telescoping mast sections including a base tube, an intermediate tube, and an end tube, the intermediate and end tube adapted to be telescopically received in the base tube, a base auto-lock having a collar for mounting to the base tube, and an intermediate auto-lock having a collar for mounting to the intermediate tube. Further disclosed herein is an auto-lock for use with a telescoping mast having a plurality of tube sections.

Abstract: A folding light tower is provided that utilizes a 4-bar linkage mechanism which enables full vertical extension of the tower with the use of one actuator. The exemplary tower generally includes a base, a lower lift arm, and an upper lift arm. Spring elements are used near the rotating joints of the lower lift arm and upper lift arm of the tower. The spring elements act to preload the joints and help to remove play and movement when the tower is unfolded/during the vertical extension process.

Abstract: A latch assembly and telescoping mast having a plurality of telescoping tube sections including the same wherein the latch assembly includes a first latch member mounted to an associated first tube section, a second latch member mounted to an associated second tube section and configured to selectively engage the first latch member to interlock the first and second associated tubes when the associated first tube section is at least partially extended from the associated second tube section, and a trigger member mounted to an associated third tube section. The second latch member includes a latch housing having an opening configured to receive the trigger post when the second associated tube section is retracted into the third associated tube section.

Abstract: A telescoping mast having a latch assembly includes a latch body mountable to a first tube section, a latch mechanism supported by the latch body, a toggle mechanism operatively connected to the latch mechanism, and a latch plate mountable to a second tube section. The latch mechanism includes a pawl member pivotably between an engaged position for interlocking with a corresponding recess in the latch plate to thereby restrict axial movement between the first and second tube sections, and a disengaged position allowing relative axial movement between the first and second tube sections. The toggle mechanism is movable between an over-center locked configuration corresponding to the engaged position of the latch mechanism and an unlocked configuration corresponding to the disengaged position of the latch member.

Abstract: A telescoping mast assembly having a mast axis and comprising a plurality of telescoping mast sections having axially opposite ends and being axially slidable relative to one another along the mast axis between retracted and extended positions, the telescoping mast sections including a base tube adapted to be fixed to a support surface and an innermost telescoping section, and wherein the innermost telescoping section supports a cylindrical nest lock platform assembly adapted to cover an axial end of the base tube when the mast assembly is in the retracted position, wherein each telescoping mast section includes an internal collar and a cylindrical body and the nest lock platform assembly includes a payload platform and one or more wedges that mate with corresponding notches in the internal collar.

Abstract: A telescoping mast assembly having a mast axis and comprising a plurality of telescoping mast sections having axially opposite ends and being axially slidable relative to one another along the mast axis between retracted and extended positions, the telescoping mast sections including a base tube adapted to be fixed to a support surface and an innermost telescoping section, and wherein the innermost telescoping section supports a cylindrical nest lock platform assembly adapted to cover an axial end of the base tube when the mast assembly is in the retracted position, wherein each telescoping mast section includes an internal collar and a cylindrical body and the nest lock platform assembly includes a payload platform and one or more wedges that mate with corresponding notches in the internal collar.

Abstract: A mast assembly including a locking actuator for locking a cradle of the mast in position. The locking actuator includes a housing having a first lock pin extending in a first direction and a movable member supported by the housing having a second lock pin extending in a second direction opposite the first, the locking actuator being slideably mounted to the cradle for sliding movement along an axis parallel to an axis of extension/retraction of the locking actuator. When the locking actuator is extended the first and second lock pins are inserted into respective lock holes in a base member thereby locking the cradle against pivoting movement relative to the base member.

Abstract: Described herein is a safety restraint mechanism for a mast assembly. The safety restraint mechanism comprises a tension line attached to a lever and a winch mechanism such that operation of the winch mechanism translates a carriage assembly along the mast. A cam brake including an engagement profile at a first end thereon is pivotally attached to the lever at a second end. The cam brake is also pivotally attached to the carriage assembly such that the engagement profile pivots into a brake position or a free lift position relative to a tension force acting on the lever. The lever is pivotally attached to the second end and includes a kickstand. The engagement profile having a protruded portion to abut the tubes in a brake position and a relief portion to space the cam brake from the tubes in a free lift position.

Abstract: An automatic locking system is provided that is driven by the normal extension and retraction of the mast, reduces the inherent rotation and deflection of the mast due to clearances, and operates more smoothly and quietly than conventional locking systems. The locking system also fits reasonably within the existing footprint of a typical mechanical mast.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a lockdown mechanism for an electric drive screw telescoping mast. The lockdown mechanism comprising a plurality of elongated tube sections which are telescopingly attached to each other, each tube section comprising a substantially hollow body. An elongated drive screw is disposed within the hollow body and includes a plurality of threads for extending and retracting the elongated tube sections. A lock subassembly includes a housing and a center hub, the housing comprises a load bearing top and a hollow cavity, the lock subassembly being rigidly attached to said center tube and axially aligned along a central axis with said plurality of elongated tube sections. The center hub is movably engaged within the hollow cavity of the housing and includes at least one locking pin adapted to the center hub that is movably engaged to the structural envelope when the mast is in the lockdown position.

Abstract: A rigid support bearing for a rotating shaft has bearings arranged concentrically around the shaft instead of spaced axially and is used in a screw drive telescoping mast assembly. An axial drive screw is centrally located in the mast assembly for extending and retracting the tubular sections. A lower bearing assembly supports the drive screw and uses the concentric bearing arrangement to reduce the nested height of the mast.

Abstract: A mast assembly including a locking actuator for locking a cradle of the mast in position. The locking actuator includes a housing having a first lock pin extending in a first direction and a movable member supported by the housing having a second lock pin extending in a second direction opposite the first, the locking actuator being slideably mounted to the cradle for sliding movement along an axis parallel to an axis of extension/retraction of the locking actuator. When the locking actuator is extended the first and second lock pins are inserted into respective lock holes in a base member thereby locking the cradle against pivoting movement relative to the base member.

Abstract: A portable tripod mast assembly is provided that includes a tripod, a plurality of mast sections and a transport pack. The tripod includes at least three telescoping legs, wherein each leg is moveably attached to a common upper collar. The plurality of mast sections are each adapted to fit together end to end, forming a mast. The transport pack has a center compartment adapted to receive the tripod, wherein the center compartment includes a center panel and two side panels. Each side panel includes a plurality of individual pockets for receiving the mast sections. The transport pack further includes a base portion and a hood capable of extending over the mast sections, securing the sections in the pockets.

Abstract: A rapid deployment and retraction telescoping mast system for controlling the height of a mast. A retraction mechanism including a resilient member, a retraction reel, a reel shaft, and a motor disposed about a frame. The resilient member extends from the retraction reel and is rigidly attached to a top tube of the mast through a sealed passage. The reel shaft rotates the retraction reel and winds the resilient member creating a retraction force on the top tube causing controlled retraction of the mast. A deployment mechanism including a compressor, storage tank, exhaust valve and isolation valve arranged about the frame and in communication with the mast. The compressor generates pressurized air to be communicated to the mast when the isolation valve is in the open position. The increase of pressure generated by the deployment mechanism provides a force within the mast thereby controlling its deployment.

Abstract: A control system for a pneumatically operated mast has a first control, a second control, and a positioning member. A first serial link communicates the first control with the second control. A second serial link communicates the second control with the positioning member. A relay system communicates with the first and second control and the positioning member. The relay system accommodates a 12 voltage or 24 voltage source.