Abstract:
A BigFoot TM Bag material containment system which provides a material container (2) having a flexible layer (26) which can be established in a substantially planar configuration (3) on a support surface (4) for loading material (5) and which operably conforms by closure (15) to provide an enclosed space (20) to contain the loaded material (5).
Abstract:
A safety clutch mechanism (10) for use with utility tripods having telescopically extensible members, such that a single member may be extended a distance and maintained at that distance under an opposing load force. The disclosed clutch device being further capable of allowing continuous, smooth, and controlled compression of the telescoping members in a fashion conducive to increased safety for the operator. By permitting single hand operation, the clutch mechanism reduces the labor intensive task suitable for a single person to operate multiple devices in compression. The clutch mechanism also permits the setting of a desired compression rate automatically. This is accomplished by incrementally reducing the frictional engagement force of the locking mechanism so that it is slightly less than the gravity induced force on the opposing load. Further differentiation of the two forces, in favor of the gravity force, will increase the compression rate. The removal of any load without undesirable extension is accomplished through use of a locking tab which may be frictionally engaged with the extensible feature to prevent such extension while an upward force is applied to the load. Componentized features of the clutch mechanism allow maintenance of the entire device without discarding functional components because of the risk of reduced safety due to damaged components.