A tension rod has an outer shaft slidably receiving an inner shaft. A tension mechanism includes a partially threaded rod with a threaded portion. A first end extends from the threaded portion and is adapted for fixing to an inner surface of the inner shaft; a second end has a tapered body with a greater transverse dimension closer to the second end. A wedge has a slot and an inner surface in facing sliding engagement with the tapered body between a nut threadedly engaged with the threaded portion and the second end. The nut is rotationally fixed to the outer shaft. Upon relative rotation of the inner and outer shafts, the nut moves along the threaded portion toward the second end, the wedge abutting and moving with the nut. The wedge contacts the tapered body, expands radially, and contacts the inner surface of the outer shaft, locking the shafts together.

A support tower, particularly for a wind turbine. The support tower has at least a first elongated component which is internally hollow and at least a second elongated component which is slidably coupled to the at least a first elongated component and movable relative to the at least a first elongated component at least between a retracted position. The second elongated component is at least partially inserted in the at least a first elongated component, and an extracted position, where the at least a second elongated component is substantially extracted from the at least a first elongated component. A moving device for moving the second elongated component from the retracted position to the extracted position, and vice versa, and a blocking device configured to allow the at least a second elongated component to be blocked in the extracted position, are also provided.

An extendable leg 10 for a tripod, the leg 10 comprises two or more leg-stages 11b, 11c, each leg-stage 11b, 11c moveable axially relative to one or more of the or each other leg-stages to lengthen or shorten the leg. The leg 10 includes a clamp assembly to releasably prevent the relative movement when the leg is at the desired length. The clamp assembly includes a leg brake 22a moveable between a first leg-stage locking position and a second leg-stage release position. In order to control movement of the leg brake 22a between the first and second positions, an actuation means 16 is provided. A cable 17 is operably connected at a first end to the actuation means 16 and at a second end to the leg brake 22a, such that operation of the actuation means 16 causes the cable 17 to move the leg brake 22a.

There is provided a lock mechanism for an adjustable rod. The lock mechanism provides a manually locking state and an automatic locking state. The automatic locking state provides a more secure locking engagement than the manual locking state. There is also provided improved end cap systems that minimize the number of components.

A tripod has three adjacent telescopic legs with identical locking mechanisms connected to a handle located above the central support element. The handle actuates the locking mechanisms simultaneously and independently of one another, whereby the legs can be telescopically adjusted from the free state to the locked position in the desired position when unfolding or folding the tripod. Locking mechanisms provide stability when loading the tripod. The telescopic legs of the tripod are pivotally connected to the central support element, so the different angles of the legs do not affect the effective operation of the locking mechanisms.

A tension rod has end caps that are configured such that the end caps expand when downward pressure is applied to the rod whereby enhanced tension is generated resulting in the tension rod being securely attached to the support structure, such as opposing walls.

A tension rod has end caps that are configured such that the end caps expand when downward pressure is applied to the rod whereby enhanced tension is generated resulting in the tension rod being securely attached to the support structure, such as opposing walls.

A telescopic waterproof tube structure includes at least two connection tubes nested with each other, and a locking structure for locking two adjacent connection tubes that are made of an inner tube sleeved inside an outer tube. The locking structure includes an inner reducing sleeve fixed on an end of the outer tube, an outer reducing sleeve adjustably connected to the inner reducing sleeve, and a locking assembly provided between the inner reducing sleeve and the end to be connected of the inner tube. The locking assembly moves axially towards the inner reducing sleeve under the action of the outer reducing sleeve to clamp the inner tube on said inner reducing sleeve. A first sealing structure is provided between the inner and outer reducing sleeves. An activity seal slot surrounding the inner tube forms between the outer reducing sleeve and the locking assembly and accommodates a second sealing structure therein.

Apparatus are disclosed for coupling integrated segments of an assemblage. The coupler apparatus includes a carrier connectable to one segment and slidably receiving another segment and has an elongate slot defined at one wall portion of a cavity therein. A restraint includes a conic wedge receivable in the carrier and has an actuator arm angularly extending from the wedge that is receivable through the elongate slot of the carrier.

A tension rod mechanism includes an outer tube, an inner tube having an end received in the outer tube, and a fixing device. The fixing device includes an engaging member and an enveloping member. The engaging member includes an engaging portion and a rod connected to the engaging portion. The engaging portion is mounted to the end of the inner tube. The rod extends in the outer tube. The rod includes an outer threaded portion formed on an outer periphery thereof. The outer threaded portion is connected to an end face of the engaging portion. The outer threaded portion has a constant major diameter. The outer threaded portion includes increasing minor diameters from the engaging portion toward a free end of the rod. The enveloping member includes an inner periphery having an inner threaded portion engaged with the outer threaded portion.