Portable locking support structure
View Patent ↗A portable support structure including a platform member having a primary platform connector and a secondary platform connector. The primary platform connector is configured to receive a primary support connector. The secondary platform connector is configured to receive a secondary support connector. The support structure also includes a primary support member including the primary support connector and a hook member. In addition, the support structure includes a secondary support member having a first end and a second end. The first end is detachably engaged with the secondary platform connector and the second end is in locking engagement with the hook member. The primary support connector includes structures that engage the primary platform connector and rotationally position the primary support member. The hook member includes a hook portion that engages and prevents the secondary support member disengaging upon a rotation of the secondary support member.
1. A connector system for connecting components of a support structure in proper orientation, the connector system comprising:
a male support connector having a flange portion, a flared end, and a tapered portion disposed between the flange portion and the flared end, the flared end having an alignment channel cross an end surface; and
a female platform connector having a tapered connector cavity and an alignment pin across the tapered connector cavity, the female platform connector being configured to receive the flared end and the tapered connector cavity being configured to receive the tapered portion of the male support connector and to detachably engage the male support connector only when the male support connector is rotationally oriented such that the alignment channel is engaged by the alignment pin.
2. The connector system according to claim 1 , further comprising a retention device configured and disposed to releasably retain the male support connector in the female platform connector.
3. The connector system according to claim 2 , wherein the retention device includes a ball and a spring, the ball being configured to contact the flared end when the female platform connector and the male support connector are engaged.
4. The connector system according to claim 1 , wherein the tapered portion includes a frusto-conical geometry.