Importance

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Abstract

A mast mounting system for vehicles and shelters which utilizes at least two clamp bracket assemblies mounted to the vehicle or shelter such that during transit and storage the mast is positioned at an incline with its front end located just behind the front end of the vehicle or shelter. Each clamp bracket assembly includes a clamp having upper and lower members which wrap around the mast. The upper clamp member has an inside surface lined with a high friction material while the lower clamp member has an inside surface lined with a very low friction material which receives the mast and allows it to be easily slid backwards or forwards when the clamps are in open position. When the clamps are in closed position, the upper clamp member prevents relative movement of the mast and the clamp assembly. One of the clamp bracket assemblies is mounted for adjustable movement about horizontal and vertical axes. One of the brackets may be attached to a trolley which in turn is installed on a rail fixed to the vehicle to allow the bracket assembly to move towards or away from the other bracket assembly. Raising the mast to the vertical is undertaken in two stages. During the first stage, the mast is slid forwards or backwards, as required, until its point of balance (with payload) is adjacent to the pivoting clamp. The foot of the mast may then be lowered by hand to the ground. This completes the first stage, leaving the mast tilted down at an angle of between 30.degree. (degrees) and 50.degree. (degrees) to the horizontal. During the second stage, a block and tackle, come along, or winch is used to provide mechanical advantage when required to raise or lower the mast. Guy ropes are utilized to laterally stabilize the mast during raising or lowering.

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First Claim