Patent ID: 7607725

Claim:
An apparatus comprising: a support structure which is movable between an erected position and a collapsed position and comprises: an elongated spar; a first collapsible assembly having a first portion which engages and is pivotally mounted on the spar; a second collapsible assembly having a second portion which engages and is pivotally mounted on the spar so that the second portion is movable toward and away from the first portion; wherein the first and second portions move relative to one another during movement of the support structure; wherein the first collapsible assembly comprises a third portion and the second collapsible assembly comprises a fourth portion; wherein during movement of the support structure from the erected position to the collapsed position at least one the first and second portions moves toward the other of the first and second portions and at least one of third and fourth portions moves away from the other of the third and fourth portions; and further comprising: a first telescoping pole having first and second segments slidably connected to one another; wherein the first segment is pivotally connected to the third portion; and wherein the second segment is pivotally connected to the fourth portion.