Abstract: A high strength, engineered collapsible support having separate shear bearing surfaces and pivot elements which permit efficient manufacture and higher strength. Unitary brace attachment is achieved with designs which can be molded and yet both efficiently manufactured and made acceptably strong such that heavy items such as performance or commercial speakers can be mounted stably. An extendible sleeve permits adjustment; a semiautomatic as well as manual clutch assembly permits quick securement of the top mast to the tripod; compression rings allow a secure fitting to be established between various pieces; leg upper end caps allow the legs of the tripod to be coupled to the main mast of the tripod; an end plug can serve to reduce the number of parts necessary to couple the various leg braces to the bottom of the main mast. Strength is achieved through multiple shear surfaces located at a distance from a pivot retention element and with parallel braces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive technology relate generally to item support apparatus. Although a focus of the inventive technology may, in some embodiments, be on support of musical related items such as a microphone, the scope of the inventive technology and its applicability is not necessarily limited as such. In various embodiments of the telescoping tube position lock apparatus, certain inventive technology provides enhanced functionality (e.g., stand adjustability), enhanced performance and/or improved ease of control.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive technology relate generally to item support apparatus. Although a focus of the inventive technology may, in some embodiments, be on support of musical related items such as musical instruments, keyboards, and sound speakers, the scope of the inventive technology and its applicability is not necessarily limited as such. In various embodiments, certain inventive technology provides enhanced functionality (e.g., stand adjustability), robust and simplified design (e.g., as may be found in a retention augmented item stand), enhanced performance (as may be found in a telescoping tube lock apparatus), and an ability to more easily control the elevation and lowering of heavy, stand supported items such as speakers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive technology relate generally to item support apparatus. Although a focus of the inventive technology may, in some embodiments, be on support of musical related items such as musical instruments, keyboards, and sound speakers, the scope of the inventive technology and its applicability is not necessarily limited as such. In various embodiments, certain inventive technology provides enhanced functionality (e.g., stand adjustability), robust and simplified design (e.g., as may be found in a retention augmented item stand), enhanced performance (as may be found in a telescoping tube lock apparatus), and an ability to more easily control the elevation and lowering of heavy, stand supported items such as speakers.