Importance

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Abstract

A collapsible support fixture is disclosed for use with camouflage screens, tenting, or the like. A vertical support shaft has a batten spreader support mechanism fixed generally to the top of the shaft for pivotal movement relative thereto between a collapsed position generally alongside the shaft and a spread position generally radially of the shaft. The support mechanism includes a support member fixed generally to the top of the shaft and a plurality of batten spreader support brackets hinged to the support member angularly about the axis of the shaft. A slide collar is slidable on the shaft. Link members are pivotally connected to the slide collar and individually to the batten spreader support brackets for moving the brackets between the collapsed and spread positions in response to sliding movement of the collar on the shaft. Over-center arms are rigidly fixed to the underside of the hinged support brackets to pivotally connect the link members. This effects an over-center arrangement to hold the batten spreader support mechanism in the spread position automatically when the slide collar reaches a predetermined position at the top of the shaft. The batten spreader support brackets releasably receive and mount individual batten spreader support arms whereby the arms can be readily assembled and individually replaced in the event of damage or breakage.

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First Claim