Locking mechanism for extendible telescoping tubular members

摘要

A locking mechanism for extendible telescoping tubular members formed with radial, axially aligned openings. The locking mechanism comprises a hollow housing that surrounds the exterior wall of the outer tubular member. The housing is adapted for movement in the axial direction of the telescoping tubular members along the exterior wall of the outer tubular member. Disposed within the housing is at least one spring loaded lever that pivots about a fulcrum in the housing. Fixed to the opposite end portions of the lever, respectively, are oppositely directed plungers. When the radial openings of the telescoping tubular members are in register, the locking plunger enters the registered openings to restrain axial displacement between the telescoping tubular members. When it is desired to vary the overall length of the telescoping tubular members, the lever actuating plunger is depressed to remove the locking plunger from the registered openings against the urgency of the spring and the telescoping tubular members are displaced axially relative to one another. The actuating plunger is released after the desired overall length for the telescoping tubular member is reached. Thereupon, one of the telescoping members is moved axially relative to the other tubular member until the locking plunger enters registered openings of the telescoping tubular members under the urgency of the spring to restrain axial displacement between the telescoping tubular members.