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: 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 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: 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 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 portable telescopic mast assembly with positive retraction for raising and lowering an associated device includes an outer body and a plurality of mast sections slideably engaged with the outer body. A lifting cable is disposed between the plurality of mast sections. The lifting cable operatively connects the plurality of mast sections so as to urge one or more of the mast sections towards an extended position. The lifting cable includes a first end and a second end, the first end being secured to an inner most mast section of the plurality of mast sections. A retraction cable is disposed at least partially inside the outer body. The retraction cable includes a first end and a second end, the first end being secured to the inner most mast section. A winch is secured to the outer body. The winch includes a first output and a second output, the second end of the lifting cable operatively connected to the first output and the second end of the retraction cable operatively connected to the second output.

Abstract: A portable telescopic mast assembly with positive retraction for raising and lowering an associated device includes an outer body and a plurality of mast sections slideably engaged with the outer body. A lifting cable is disposed between the plurality of mast sections. The lifting cable operatively connects the plurality of mast sections so as to urge one or more of the mast sections towards an extended position. The lifting cable includes a first end and a second end, the first end being secured to an inner most mast section of the plurality of mast sections. A retraction cable is disposed at least partially inside the outer body. The retraction cable includes a first end and a second end, the first end being secured to the inner most mast section. A winch is secured to the outer body. The winch includes a first output and a second output, the second end of the lifting cable operatively connected to the first output and the second end of the retraction cable operatively connected to the second output.