Patent ID: 7086631

Claim:
In a vertically extendable support stand having one or more extendable sections comprising a tubular extension member in telescoping relation with a tubular receiving member, and further including a releasable locking mechanism between the extension and receiving members, the locking mechanism comprising a pair of opposed actuator members, each actuator member having a hole through it and a projecting tab formed for engagement by a user, the actuator members being disposed so that the extension member passes through the actuator holes and so that the actuator members generally pivot about an end opposite said tabs, wherein the actuator holes are formed and dimensioned so that the extension member slides freely through the actuator holes when the actuator members are in generally perpendicular orientation with respect to the extension member and so that the actuator members frictionally engage the extension member at the actuator holes when the actuator members are in opposed canted orientation with respect to the extension member, the improvement characterized in that: said releasable locking mechanism includes compression spring disposed outside of said receiving member for urging said actuator members into said opposed canted orientation, said compression spring engaging said actuator members generally at said projecting tabs to normally urge said projecting tabs apart from one another; and said releasable locking mechanism further comprises a housing affixed to said receiving member and having a central bore receiving said extension member, said housing defining a window through which said projecting tabs extend for user engagement; wherein said housing further comprises a portion formed with a spring-retaining hole therethrough, said portion being disposed between said projecting tabs; and said compression spring extends through said spring-retaining hole between said projecting tabs.