Patent ID: 7806381

Claim:
A strut having a barrel containing an extendable and retractable piston, the piston having orifices for receiving piston-retaining pins for retaining the position of the piston relative to the barrel and defining the length of the strut, the strut further comprising first and second collar assemblies, the first collar assembly having a first collar circumscribing said piston and a plurality of retractable piston-retaining pins extending from said first collar, said pins extending inwardly from said first collar through corresponding said orifices in said piston to retain said piston and extending outwardly from said first collar for retraction from said orifices in said piston for releasing said piston for extension and refraction, and said second collar assembly having a second collar circumscribing said barrel and rotatably secured to said barrel, and a portion of said second collar extending underneath and overlaid by said first collar, whereby upon rotation, the portion of said second collar extending underneath said first collar contacts and supports said plurality of piston-retaining pins.