Patent ID: 7198236

Claim:
A pole assembly of selectively adjustable axial length comprising: a. first ( 50 ), second ( 52 ) and third ( 54 ) elongated, hollow rods each having first and second ends, said second end of said first rod slidingly receiving said first end of said second rod, and said second end of said second rod slidingly receiving said first end of said third rod, said first, second and third rods having a common, central axis; b. a shaft ( 38 ) having external threads over at least a portion of its length, fixedly mounted to said first rod and extending coaxially through at least portions of both said first and second rods; c. a first bushing ( 10 ) fixedly mounted to said second rod and having a central bore ( 12 ) through which said shaft extends; d. a second bushing ( 40 ) fixedly mounted to said third rod and having a central bore ( 42 ) through which said shaft extends; e. at least two elongated legs ( 16 , 16 ′) each having first and second ends and respective surface portions adjacent said second ends of said legs formed with threads complementary to the threads of said threaded shaft; f. first and second pins pivotally mounting said first and second legs, respectively adjacent said first ends thereof to said first bushing with said surface portions oriented in facing relation to said shaft for pivoting movement of said legs between a first position, wherein said surface portions of said legs threadedly engage said shaft and a second position, wherein said surface portions are spaced from said shaft; and g. means ( 26 , 26 ′ 28 , 28 ′, 44 , 32 ) for pivoting said legs between said first and second positions in response to axial movement of said second rod relative to said first and third rods, whereby said second rod may be manually rotated with said legs in said first position to effect axial movement of said first rod relative to said second and third rods, and said first rod and shaft may be moved axially relative to said second and third rods with said legs in said second position without rotation of said first, second and third rods.