Length-adjustable strut assemblies for external fixation systems, and corresponding external fixation systems, are disclosed. The strut assemblies include an elongate first and second end members, an elongate intermediate member, and first and second adjustment mechanisms. The intermediate member comprises a threaded rod fixedly coupled within an axial cavity thereof, and is rotatably fixed and axially translatably within an axial cavity of the first end member. An end portion of the second end member is received within the axial cavity of the intermediate member, and the second end member comprises an axial cavity threadably coupled with the threaded rod. The first adjustment mechanism is configured to selectively axially fix the intermediate member relative to the first end member. The second adjustment mechanism is configured to selectively rotate the second end member with respect to the threaded rod to axially translate the second end member relative to the intermediate member.

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 support device (1; 100) for video/photographic equipment comprising at least one telescopic rod (2; 101) comprising: —a first tubular portion (10); —a second tubular portion (11) received inside the first tubular portion so as to be able to slide axially; —a third tubular portion (12) received inside the second tubular portion so as to be able to slide axially; —a first locking mechanism (14) arranged between said first tubular portion and the second tubular portion in order to lock the relative position of said first and second tubular portion in a desired position; —a second locking mechanism (20) arranged between said second tubular portion and the third tubular portion in order to lock the relative position of the second and the third tubular portion in a desired position.

Length-adjustable strut assemblies for external fixation systems, and corresponding external fixation systems, are disclosed. The strut assemblies include an elongate first and second end members, an elongate intermediate member, and first and second adjustment mechanisms. The intermediate member comprises a threaded rod fixedly coupled within an axial cavity thereof, and is rotatably fixed and axially translatably within an axial cavity of the first end member. An end portion of the second end member is received within the axial cavity of the intermediate member, and the second end member comprises an axial cavity threadably coupled with the threaded rod. The first adjustment mechanism is configured to selectively axially fix the intermediate member relative to the first end member. The second adjustment mechanism is configured to selectively rotate the second end member with respect to the threaded rod to axially translate the second end member relative to the intermediate member.

The present invention discloses a telescopic rod connector, which includes an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve and a screw rod. The screw rod has opposite a first end and a second end, and a rod body between them. The inner sleeve sleeves on the rod body and can rotate and slide along it, and the inner sleeve is provided with positioning convex strips. The outer sleeve includes a notch ring and a plurality of outer arc members extending from the notch ring. U-shaped notches are arranged between adjacent two the outer arc members; the outer sleeve is arranged on the outside of the inner sleeve and the notch ring is close to the first end, and the positioning convex strips are inserted into the U-shaped notches. The outer sleeve is rotated to drive the inner sleeve to slide along the rod body.

A support device (1; 100) for video/photographic equipment comprising at least one telescopic rod (2; 101) comprising: —a first tubular portion (10); —a second tubular portion (11) received inside the first tubular portion so as to be able to slide axially; —a third tubular portion (12) received inside the second tubular portion so as to be able to slide axially; —a first locking mechanism (14) arranged between said first tubular portion and the second tubular portion in order to lock the relative position of said first and second tubular portion in a desired position; —a second locking mechanism (20) arranged between said second tubular portion and the third tubular portion in order to lock the relative position of the second and the third tubular portion in a desired position.

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.

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.

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.

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.