Patent ID: 7594679

Claim:
A multi-stage outrigger for a vehicle having opposite sides, comprising: an inner tubular member having inner and outer ends; said inner end of said inner tubular member being operatively pivotally secured to the vehicle; an intermediate tubular member, having inner and outer ends, slidably embracing said inner tubular member; an elongated linkage means pivotally connected to and extending between the vehicle and said intermediate tubular member; an outer tubular member, having inner and outer ends, slidably embracing said intermediate tubular member; a multi-stage hydraulic cylinder positioned with the outrigger having a base end secured to said inner tubular member; said multi-stage hydraulic cylinder having inner and outer telescoping rods with the outer rod having a rod end; said rod end of said outer rod being secured to said outer tubular section; said hydraulic cylinder, upon being extended, causing said inner, intermediate and outer tubular members to swing outwardly from the vehicle and causing said intermediate tubular member and said outer tubular member to slidably move together in unison outwardly relative to said inner tubular member; the pivotal connection of said inner tubular member permitting the outrigger to be extended outwardly, forwardly and downwardly with respect to the vehicle.