Patent ID: 7967261
Filing Date: 2011-06-28
Classification: F16B,F16M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A telescopic tube device, comprising: at least three slidable telescoping tube sections, including an inner tube section, a middle tube section, and an outer tube section; a clamping mechanism, associated with each of the inner and middle tube sections, respectively, each clamping mechanism including a ramp block with a first ramp surface, a release block with a second ramp surface opposite the first ramp surface, and a roller disposed therebetween, in bearing contact between the first and second ramp surfaces, the clamping mechanism having a released position allowing free sliding of adjacent tube sections, and a frictionally engaged position against the next outer adjacent tube section, resisting sliding of adjacent tube sections in a retracting direction; a release mechanism, configured to selectively move the clamping mechanism of the inner tube section to the released position; and a release extension, extending from the clamping mechanism of the inner tube section, positioned to contact and move the clamping mechanism of the middle tube section to the released position when (i) the inner tube section is substantially completely retracted into the middle tube section, and (ii) the clamping mechanism of the inner tube section is in the released position.