Patent ID: 8322687

Claim:
A wedge lock mechanism to provide a release mechanical lock between relatively movable telescoping boom segments, comprising: a backing wedge block for connection to a relatively stationary boom segment defining a smooth surface angled to diverge relative to an associated surface of a relatively movable telescoping boom segment; a stationary shaft supported generally parallel to said angled surface of said backing wedge block; a stationary piston secured to said shaft at an end thereof; a slidable wedge block including a bore having a closed end , said stationary piston disposed in said bore, and said slidable wedge block supported for reciprocal movement on said angled surface of said backing wedge block, said bore defining a receptacle between said closed end of said bore and said stationary piston and; a compression spring disposed in said receptacle between said stationary piston and said closed end of said bore, said spring biased to urge said closed end of said bore away from said stationary piston.