Patent ID: 6609686
Filing Date: 2003-08-26
Classification: F16B,F16M,F21S,F21V,H04R

Abstract:
Adjustable support apparatus comprising:(A) a first elongated tubular member having upper and lower ends; (B) a support means secured to said lower end of said first tubular member; (C) a second elongated tubular member slidably received within said upper end of said first tubular member and defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures there through; (D) engagement means carried by said second tubular member for releasably engaging the interior surface of said first tubular member, said engagement means including; (i) an elongated wedge member movable between first and second positions; (ii) a plurality of substantially rigid ball bearings rotatably seated in respective ones of said apertures in said second tubular member and dimensioned to releasably engage said interior surface of said first tubular member against relative longitudinal movement in a given direction between said first and second tubular members when said wedge member is in said second position and to enable such relative longitudinal movement when said wedge member is in said first position; (E) biasing means for biasing said wedge member to said second position; (F) activatable release means carried by said second tubular member above the top of said first tubular member; and (G) elongated connection means for connecting said wedge member and said release means such that actuation of said release means moves said wedge member longitudinally within said second tubular member from said second position to said first position.