Abstract: An apparatus comprising a telescoping tower which has a first tubular tower member and a second tubular tower member which are relatively telescoped between an extended position and a retracted position. A first aperture is formed in the first tubular tower member. A second aperture is formed in the second tubular tower member, the second aperture being aligned with the first aperture when the tower is in the retracted position. A lock is inserted into the first and second apertures when the tower is in the retracted position, the lock limits relative displacement of the first and the second tubular tower members. The lock consists of a rod which is affixed to a vehicle. The tower is pivotally attached to the vehicle. When the tower is pivoted into a stored position, the lock will be inserted into the aligned apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a support and a tower pivotally attached to the support and movable relative to said support between a raised and a lowered position. The tower is rotatable to and from a predetermined position about a longitudinal axis thereof when the tower is the raised position. A latch device is displaceable between a secured position and a non-secured position, the tower being prevented from moving to the lowered position when the tower is raised and the latch device is in the secured position. A release system prevents displacement of the latch device from the secured position when the tower is not in the predetermined and raised positions. The release system permits displacement of the latch device from the secured position when the tower is in the predetermined and raised positions. The latch device includes a plunger and a biasing member located within a latch housing. The release system includes a contact element which is connected to the plunger.

Abstract: A portable light tower apparatus includes a portable chassis having a first tubular member mounted in the chassis. A second tubular member is at least partially contained within the first tubular member so that a space is formed between the first and second tubular members. A tensioner, attached to the first tubular member, applies tension to an associated cable. A pulley is also attached to the first tubular member. A first portion of the cable is connected at one end to the second tubular member, and extends to the pulley. A second portion of the cable extends from the pulley to the tensioner. The first and second cable portions are contained within the first tubular member.