Abstract: A carpenter's accordion is disclosed herein. The carpenter's accordion is a portable, compactable, and free-standing tool that may be advantageously used in combination with a table saw to increase the length of stock that one user can cut with a blade. Generally, the more sections that comprise the carpenter's accordion, the greater the lengths of stock one user will be able to cut using a table saw or other similar tool in combination with the accordion.

Abstract: A folding grill stand structure with high storage convenience is revealed. The grill stand includes a first support, a second support, a third support and a plurality of lateral supports. Each first horizontal rod of the first support includes a first side surface and a second side surface. A first end portion and a second end portion of each second horizontal rod of the second support are connected to the first side surface in a foldable manner by a first rotating shaft and a first bolt respectively. A third end portion and a fourth end portion of each third horizontal rod are connected to the second side surface in a foldable manner by a second rotating shaft and a second bolt respectively. The lateral supports are formed on an end portion of the outer side of the first, the second and the third supports respectively.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an encoder system includes an encoder and an interface. The encoder detects the position and speed of a motor, and generates A-, B- and Z-phase signals. The interface includes an AB waveform recognition circuitry to recognize a waveform of an AB phase, a Z waveform recognition circuitry to recognize a period of an enable state of a Z phase, a starting point storage device to store a value of the AB phase when the Z phase changes and stores an AB-phase change pattern, a starting point recognition circuitry to generate an interrupt signal, and a rotation angle counter to start a new count of the rotation angle of the motor.

Abstract: A foldable liquid container includes a foldable supporting frame, a foldable container body arranged on the foldable supporting frame, and a switch device arranged on the foldable supporting frame to be operated to transform the foldable supporting frame between an unfolded mode and a folded mode in a single puling operation. The foldable container body is able to be folded with the folding of the foldable supporting frame. The foldable supporting frame is supported and secured in the unfolded mode by means of the switch device, wherein the switch device can be operated to release the engagement of the foldable supporting frame while transforming from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displays are disclosed. The display includes a tray, a stand, and a biasing member. The tray comprises a plurality of walls configured to house a plurality of consumer products. The stand is coupled to the tray and comprises an interior wall disengaging an interior face of a stand edge in a first configuration in which the stand is collapsed and engaging the stand edge in a second configuration in which the stand is erect. The biasing member is coupled to the stand and biases the stand to move from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: A bucket caddy stably holds a bucket above a horizontal support surface or ground for easier access to the contents of the bucket. The bucket caddy has a retainer with slots into which at least three legs are movably joined. The legs each have a shelf surface and a U-shaped hook disposed at their proximal ends. When splayed apart, the shelf surfaces point radially inwardly toward the retainer with their top surfaces in a common plane onto which the bottom of the bucket may be positioned. The U-shaped hooks receive elastic bands, each of which has an S-shaped hook at its opposite end adapted to join a portion of a rim of the bucket. After the bucket is separated from the caddy, the legs rotate so that their central axes are parallel or substantially parallel to one another in a storage configuration. A hook and loop fastener tape wraps around the legs in the storage configuration.

Abstract: A foldable liquid container includes a foldable supporting frame, a foldable container body arranged on the foldable supporting frame, and a switch device arranged on the foldable supporting frame to be operated to transform the foldable supporting frame between an unfolded mode and a folded mode in a single puling operation. The foldable container body is able to be folded with the folding of the foldable supporting frame. The foldable supporting frame is supported and secured in the unfolded mode by means of the switch device, wherein the switch device can be operated to release the engagement of the foldable supporting frame while transforming from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

Abstract: A supporter for a woodworking table contains: four supporting rods, four driving columns, and two movable adjustment posts. Two middle sections of two of the four driving columns are rotatably connected with two middle sections of the other two of the four driving columns respectively, and one side of each of the four supporting rods is in connection with each of two ends of each driving column. The two movable adjustment posts parallelly correspond to each other, and each end of each of the two movable adjustment posts is rotatably connected with a middle section of each supporting rod. Each movable adjustment post includes an outer tube, an inner tube, and an adjustable stem. Thereby, the supporter of the present invention is collapsible so as to decrease its storage size. The supporter adjustably supports the table board based on a size of the table board.

Abstract: Provided is an image acquisition system according to the present invention includes: a display device that has a display surface on which an image is displayed; a dome-shaped reflective member that is disposed so as to cover at least a part of the display surface of the display device, that includes a reflective surface reflecting light from the display surface, on an inner surface thereof, and has a through-hole that passes between an interior and an exterior; and a photographing device that photographs light radiated from the display surface via the through-hole, while a subject is disposed at a position between the reflective member and the display surface.

Abstract: A foldable chair includes front and rear legs, a seat frame, and a stabilizing mechanism. The front and rear legs are crossingly and pivotally connected to each other. The seat frame is supported by the front and rear legs and tilted when the foldable chair is unfolded. The stabilizing mechanism restrains the front and rear legs from moving relative to each other when the foldable chair is unfolded or in use, and prevents an undesired or inadvertent folding of the foldable chair. The stabilizing mechanism includes a positioner and a fastening device. The positioner is connected to the front and rear legs, and has a length adjustable to facilitate folding and unfolding of the foldable chair. The fastening device is disposed at the positioner, and configured to prevent the positioner from inadvertently adjusting its length when the foldable chair is unfolded.

Abstract: A support stand for supporting a stringed instrument having a securing mechanism, a front compression plate having a leg portion, and a back compression plate having a leg portion, where the front compression plate engages the securing mechanism, the back compression plate engages the securing mechanism, and the support stand supports the instrument in a generally upright position when the support stand is placed on a surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to roadway delineators with one or more light sources that provide illumination and increased visibility. In one implementation, the delineator is operable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The delineator may include a plurality of panels with flexible connections that connect the panels to one another and allow the delineator to be collapsed. In addition, the delineator may be self-powered and include a solar array and/or a rechargeable power source for the one or more light sources.

Abstract: A support rack for holding a plurality of pans includes a first side frame including a first vertical support member and a second vertical support member, and a second side frame including a first vertical support member and a second vertical support member. A hinge assembly couples the first and second side frames and is operable to position the rack in a first position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are parallel and spaced a predetermined distance apart, a second position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are nonparallel, and a third position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are parallel but closer in proximity than the predetermined distance.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices configured to retain, at least for some period, and provide pre-launch support kites such as stunt kites. In certain instances, the device positions stunt kites of various sizes and design, including, for example, delta wing kits, diamond kits and foil kits, in a reclined position to provide pre-launch stability and wind flow/spill-over across the face of the kite to help prevent unintentional or premature launch. If desired, optional control line upright supports can be present that permit minimum control line pull-back thereby reducing the recline of the kite to bring the face of the kite into the wind and thereby launch the kite. The control line upright supports may also prevent the kite from falling completely face down on the surface, thereby requiring a reset of the kite on the device.

Abstract: A portable support for supporting equipment above a surface having an opening to a subsurface space. The support includes a head, an elevator on the head, and legs connected to the head for supporting the head above the surface. Each of the legs has a foot for engaging the surface when supporting the head above the surface. The support also includes an elongate rod vertically mounted on the elevator for movement between a raised position, in which an upper end of the rod extends above the head, and a lowered position, in which a lower end of the rod extends below the feet of the legs to extend into the subsurface space. The support includes an instrument platform positionable on the lower end of the rod when in the lowered position to support the equipment in the subsurface space when the rod is in the lowered position.

Abstract: A fire pit includes a circular bottom plate and a circular, centrally-apertured log-supporting plate. A plurality of legs secured about the periphery of the log-supporting plate maintain the bottom and log-supporting plates in vertically spaced, parallel relation to one another. Each leg has a hollow uppermost end. A plurality of arcuate grates is mounted about the periphery of the log-supporting plate and a vertically-oriented post is secured to each of the grates, mid-length thereof. Each of the posts has a lowermost end slideably received within the hollow uppermost end of its associated leg to releasably connect each grate to the log-supporting plate. Arcuate openings positioned radially outwardly of the central opening enhance the flow of oxygen into the areas where combustion occurs. The log-supporting plate is inverted and the grates are stacked atop it when the fire pit is in its storage configuration.

Abstract: A support stand for disposal bags includes a base and at least four posts extending upwardly from the base. Each post terminates in an upper extremity. An extendable tip is positioned at the upper extremity of each post. Each extendable tip is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. Extendable tips are maintained in the extended position by a locking mechanism. Releasing the locking mechanism on one or more extendable tip causes the extendable tip to move to the retracted position thereby relieving tension on a disposal bag that is supported in the support stand to avoid binding between the disposal bag and the posts.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention relates to a device for heating or cooking food or liquids such as soup, water, roast, etc. A downwardly curved visor-like deflector is selectively removably positioned outwardly of the upper end of the radiation disk of an infrared heater so as to extend outwardly therefrom. The deflector has an upwardly presented cooking utensil opening formed therein and a horizontally disposed cooking utensil support secured to the deflector at the inner surface thereof below the cooking utensil opening. The cooking utensil support dwells in a plane below the upper end of the radiation disk whereby infrared rays emitted from the radiation disk will impinge upon the cooking utensil support and a cooking utensil positioned on the cooking utensil support to cook or heat the contents thereof. Other accessories may also be attached to the heater such as a protective grill or a cooking basket.

Abstract: A folding joint mechanism for stackably collapsing elongated structural sections includes a plurality of substantially identical brackets pivotably interconnected and rotatable between an extended and a stowed configuration. In the extended configuration, the brackets abut each other against stop protrusions on the top outside surface of each bracket forming foldable extensions that are able to support significant weight by distributing the top. side force. In the stowed configuration, the brackets are compacted to a substantially stacked disposition whereby the brackets are aligned and directly adjacent to one another. The joint and bracket assemblies may be employed in elongated sections of various structures in which compactability may be advantageous for shipping, storage, and user transportation.

Abstract: Generally a collapsible structure adapted to support a container. Specifically, a collapsible tripod which operates between a folded condition for transport and a support condition adapted to support a container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible stand assembly. The stand includes four sets of strut members wherein each set of struts are rotationally connected at a midpoint and the lower ends of the strut members are rotationally connected to feet and the upper ends of the strut members are rotationally connected to brackets. A cross support member is rotationally connected at a first end of each bracket such that the second end of the cross support member can be secured to the other bracket on the same side of the stand at different locations to provide different widths and heights of the stand. Two sets of struts on opposite sides of the stand extend above the cross support members to create a stop to prevent structures supported by the stand, such as a cooler, from sliding off the stand when erected.

Abstract: A tool stand mountable to a tool having a relatively long handle. The handle has a tool head mounted to the second end of the handle. The tool stand has a pivot member, an axle, a rotational stop arm and a leg assembly. The pivot member is coupled to a handle between the first and second end thereof. The axle is rotatably coupled to the pivot member, with the axle rotation in an orientation that is oblique or substantially perpendicular to a handle. The rotational stop arm is fixed to the axle. The leg assembly extends toward a second end of a handle, with the rotational stop arm and the leg assembly being angled at an angle that is less than 180°. The leg assembly, the rotational stop arm and the axle are rotatable about the pivot member between a stowed orientation and an operational orientation.

Abstract: A modular trivet arrangement includes trivet members including a first bar, a first footing at a first end of the first bar, a second footing at the second end of the first bar, and one or more transverse bars, each transverse bar being transverse to the first bar and intersecting therewith, the second bar having a third footing at a first end of the second bar and a fourth footing at the second end of the second bar. The intersection between the first and second bars can support a cooking utensil. The modular trivet members include one or more engaging slots adapted to enable engagement with a cooperating modular trivet member.

Abstract: The present racking system uses space frame technology to minimize materials while maximizing strength. The rack has multi-position racking capability, using a simple swing arm and pin system to move the solar array into an optimum position for the appropriate time of the year.

Abstract: Provided are holders for compactly storing infusion management systems to surfaces. In an embodiment the holder apparatus has a head portion for receiving and infusion management system trunk portion and a foot for receiving an apex portion of the infusion management system. The holder apparatus may be mounted to a wall so that the infusion management system is compactly stored and then mounted against the wall, thereby dramatically decreasing the storage footprint of the systems when not in use, without sacrificing the ability to conveniently and rapidly deploy the system when needed. Also provided are infusion management systems configured for use with the holder apparatus and related methods of storing the system.

Abstract: A column includes a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly having an upper portion (2) pivotally attached to a lower portion (1) for movement about a first pivot axis (5), the upper portion of the hinge assembly being associated with an upper part (12) of the column and the lower portion of the hinge assembly being associated with a lower part (11) of the column. In use, movement of the upper and lower hinge assembly portions about the first pivot axis from a normal position, in which the upper part of the column is relatively upright, causes the upper part of the column to rotate towards the lower part of the column, thereby allowing the upper part the column to be moved to a maintenance position. An arm links (3), via second (6) and third (7) pivot axes, the upper and lower portions of the hinge assembly, and the arm is associated with a spring (9) that exerts a force via the arm, which urges the upper and lower hinge assembly portions towards the normal position.

Abstract: Collapsible containers and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward a collapsible container assembly that includes a foldable support member that has a length and a width. The support member has a concave cross-section that causes the support member to resist bending until a threshold force is exceeded. The support member has a folded position and an extended position where the support member is unfolded. The assembly further includes at least one surface member carried by the support member. The assembly has a deployed position where the support member is in the extended position and the at least one surface member forms an enclosure with an interior. The assembly also has a collapsed position where the support member is in the folded position. The container assembly has less exterior volume in the collapsed position than in the deployed position.

Abstract: A support mechanism for supporting an electronic device is disclosed. The support mechanism comprises two support assemblies detachably assembled together, each support assembly comprising an adjustable member defining a latching groove; and a support member rotatably connected to the adjusting member, the support member of one of the two support assemblies being capable of being partially received in the latching groove of the adjustable member of another one of the two support assemblies.

Abstract: Generally a collapsible structure adapted to support a container. Specifically, a collapsible tripod which operates between a folded condition for transport and a support condition adapted to support a container.

Abstract: Generally a collapsible structure adapted to support a container. Specifically, a collapsible tripod which operates between a folded condition for transport and a support condition adapted to support a container.

Abstract: A food tray is automatically convertible from a flat position to an erect, elevated position. The food tray is fabricated as a blank, preferably of rigid cardboard, which is appropriately folded and, with interlocking tabs, assembled to lay flat under the food, particularly a pizza pie, when the pizza remains in its flat delivery box. When the pizza is to be removed from its box, the central tray section of the convertible food tray is lifted, with the pizza thereon. This permits folded wing sections of the tray located beneath the central section to swing down to become tray leg support members. When the support members of the tray are placed on a table or similar surface, the weight of the pizza on the central section compels the support members inward, to a position perpendicular to the central section, to securely provide elevated support to the pizza on the food tray.

Abstract: A support device is provided for supporting one or more objects above a ground surface. The device includes a QO body portion and location means associated with the body portion to allow location and/or engagement of one or more objects with the device in use. The body portion has at least one compartment defined therein for containing strengthening means.

Abstract: The All-in-one Tripod/Monopod is single-shaft assembly with a base section located at the bottom and telescoping sections that form both a tripod and a monopod of unlimited height. The base is a section with three legs individually hinged at the bottom of the section. The legs can be pivoted independently. All legs pivoted downward form a tripod. All legs pivoted upward form a monopod. Minimum length and portability are provided when all sections are retracted and all legs are pivoted upward. Modularity allows sections to be individually added and removed so that they can be used in whole or in part. Modularity is provided for through a three position latch assembly. Both the top section of the shaft, and the tripod/monopod handle have a threaded screw for mounting a camera or other device. Individual sections, when detached, make special purpose monopods, chest pods, belt pods and extendable poles.

Abstract: A pot or basket holder comprising first and second frames each having top portions, wherein the top portions of the first and second frames are hingedly connected to allow the holder to be deployed in an upright position or a folded position; and a third frame hingedly connected to the first frame, wherein the third frame can be articulated between a substantially horizontal position, wherein the third frame is also removably connected to the second frame, and a stowage position wherein the third frame is disconnected from the second frame and wherein the third frame has been rotated about its hinged connection with the first frame to the stowage position. Preferably the first and second frames define the same regular shape such as a heart-shape and the third frame may be circular, square or rectangular.

Abstract: A mixing drill stand, for supporting a mixing drill having a mixing drill bit perpendicularly above a ground surface. The stand includes a rear panel and a pair of side panels that selectively fold substantially flat, and selectively deploy where the side panels extend substantially perpendicular to the rear panel, and support a drill support assembly in a horizontal position with respect to the ground surface. The drill support assembly has a central opening through which the mixing drill bit extends toward the ground surface while the mixing drill is supported by the drill support assembly.

Abstract: A portable reconfigurable device for supporting an operable and closable cooking utensil such as a pie iron. The device is movable between a support position wherein an open pie iron may be supported thereon and a storage position wherein a portion of a closed pie iron is supported therein for storage and transport. Other devices and methods for transporting a pie iron are disclosed.

Abstract: A support structure includes a base, a support member, and a connecting member. The base includes an inserting portion. The support member defines a receiving cavity to receive the inserting portion of the base. The connecting member includes a connection portion. The inserting portion of the base is movably connected to the connecting portion of the connecting member. When the inserting portion of the base and the connecting portion of the connecting member are out of the receiving cavity, the inserting portion of the base is movable to the connecting member such that the support member and the base are collapsible.

Abstract: A potted plant holder assembly includes a bracket holder having a bracket holder housing, a bracket holder base flange carried by the bracket holder housing and a bracket holder cap flange carried by the bracket holder housing in spaced-apart relationship to the bracket holder base flange. A plurality of pot holder brackets is carried by the bracket holder base flange and the bracket holder cap flange of the bracket holder.

Abstract: A collapsible and adjustable electronics support with a releasably lockable rotatable base having a link with adjustable drag hinges connecting the releasably lockable rotatable base to a receiver for a polygonal support adapter. One or two tools for adjusting the drag hinges are included with first and second releasably snap-fit covers for respective first and second link sides of the link. The covers also cover the adjustable device in the drag hinge ends. The releasably lockable rotatable base is a four-part base with an adhesive part, a flexible and resilient panel supporting an axle, a first rigid panel rotationally fixed relative to the flexible and resilient panel, and a second rigid panel that rotates relative to the first rigid panel. The low profile in a collapsed configuration avoids rubbing the environmental surface to which it is attached. Wire management guides are provided on the receiver.

Abstract: A carrying case for a display apparatus which includes a frame for receiving the display device and a folding stand mechanism secured to the frame for supporting the frame on a support surface. The folding stand mechanism includes a folding stand base, a major folding support rotatably mounted on the folding stand base, with the major folding support being movable between a closed position adjacent the folding stand base and at least one open position. A minor folding support is rotatably mounted on the major support, with the minor folding support being moveable between a closed position near the major folding support and at least one open position. When the major support is moved to it's at least one open position, the minor support is movable to it's at least one minor open position where the minor support is disposed between the major folding support and the folding stand base.

Abstract: An adjustable supporting mechanism suitable for being connected to a body of an electronic apparatus, upholding the body on a plane, and adjusting the relative position of the body and the plane is provided. The adjustable supporting mechanism includes a base, a bearing, an elastomer, a rotating shaft, and a supporting stand. The base is capable of being connected to the body. The bearing is fixed on the base. The elastomer is fixed on the base. The rotating shaft fits the bearing and contacts the elastomer. The rotating shaft is capable of rotating with respect to the base and the elastomer. When the rotating shaft rotates, the elastomer applies a resistance on the rotating shaft for resisting the rotation of the rotating shaft. The supporting stand is fixed to the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A foldable guitar stand includes: two main support legs; two vertical support members; two rear legs; and a brace. With respect to each side of the guitar stand, one main support leg, one vertical support member, and one rear leg pivot relative to each other about a common axis defined by a pin. The first vertical support member is then operably joined to the second vertical support member by a hinge, and the brace extends between and further connects the vertical support members. In a deployed position, each of the main support legs is rotated about the respective axes defined by the pins to a position in which a substantially flat foot portion of the main support legs can engage the underlying ground surface. Each of the rear legs is rotated away from the respective main support legs to a position in which the respective foot portions can engage the underlying ground surface. The two vertical support members (which are hinged together) are then rotated into an upright orientation.

Abstract: A container which is not bulky at the time of shipping and can be stably stood on a suitable place. The container includes a lid member for closing a take-out opening (brittle portion) of the container body 2. On the lower outer side of the container body, there are formed slits for fitting the lid member to the container body after the container body and the lid member are separated apart, and auxiliary leg portions that protrude outward of the container body. The lid member is forming holding leg portions that protrude outward therefrom. Wing portions of the holding leg portions are inserted in the slits to fit the lid member to the container body, and the erected attitude of the container body is supported by the holding leg portions.

Abstract: An exemplary support stand (102) for a flat-panel display body includes an elevating support (30), a monitor bracket (50), and a support member (20). The elevating support includes a first chassis (321), a second chassis (322), a plurality of supporting blocks (3231) for connecting end portions of the first chassis and the second chassis, an elastic member (391), a first pivot subassembly (305), and a second pivot subassembly (306). The monitor bracket is rotatably connected to the first pivot subassembly. The support member is rotatably connected to the second pivot subassembly. The elastic member is capable of exerting a rebound force on two of the first chassis, the second chassis, and the supporting blocks. The first and second pivot subassemblies are fixed to the supporting blocks. The monitor bracket and the support member are rotatably connected to the first and second pivot subassembly correspondingly.

Abstract: Collapsible containers and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward a collapsible container assembly that includes a foldable support member that has a length and a width. The support member has a concave cross-section that causes the support member to resist bending until a threshold force is exceeded. The support member has a folded position and an extended position where the support member is unfolded. The assembly further includes at least one surface member carried by the support member. The assembly has a deployed position where the support member is in the extended position and the at least one surface member forms an enclosure with an interior. The assembly also has a collapsed position where the support member is in the folded position. The container assembly has less exterior volume in the collapsed position than in the deployed position.

Abstract: One embodiment of a support for a musical instrument, specifically a guitar. The Amplifier Mounted Guitar Stand is a device designed to hold a guitar while it is not being played and to attach to a wooden-side of an amplifier so that it is kept secure when not in use. The guitar and amplification device can be simultaneously moved around the stage as one unit. The device is made of molded plastic with foam covering on the arm and neck of the device to cushion the guitar. When not in use, pivoting supports, which enable the guitar to be stood upright against the attached plastic frame, are structured to be folded flat against the frame.

Abstract: A motorcycle stand includes first and second legs pivotable relative to one another between a maximum spread configuration, an intermediate spread configuration, and a storage configuration; the legs being generally parallel to one another when at the storage configuration. The motorcycle stand includes a biased plunger operatively coupled to the first leg and a pin operatively extending from at least one of the first and second legs. The second leg includes a first cavity configured to receive the plunger when the first and second legs are at the intermediate spread configuration. The first and second legs are maintained at the intermediate spread configuration when the plunger is received in the first cavity. The pin includes a distal segment for insertion in a motorcycle axle, the distal segment being neither parallel nor perpendicular to the first and second legs.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree stand comprises a receptacle, at least three equally spaced legs radially extending therefrom, an equal plurality of braces pivotally extending upwards from the legs' lengths, and outer struts and corresponding inner struts that travel a track in the braces' lengths. The legs pivot downwards 90° to collapse the stand for storage. The brace is extendable about a height of the tree trunk so that its claws can engage the trunk at a manually manipulated height. The braces essentially support the trunk upright as opposed to the conventional receptacle.

Abstract: A structure is described that has an open and closed configuration. In the open configuration, the structure is free standing and is able to support weight. In the closed configuration, the structure is flat. The structure is formed of two elements that are interlocked at their corners in a manner that allows them to pivot with respect to each other. Chamfered surfaces on the sides of the elements provide stops limiting the motion between the elements. Several structures may be combined to form composite products.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) pole system for supporting medical equipment having a base with legs, a mast engaged to the base, and a lifting mechanism including a gas spring engaged to the base and the mast. Each of the legs includes at least one wheel. The lifting mechanism is constructed to position the legs in an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The lifting mechanism is further constructed to raise the legs and wheels relative to the base and relative to a surface. The lifting mechanism is configured to position the wheels proximate to the mast in the retracted configuration.