Portable locking support structure

Abstract

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 comprising:
 a male connector having a flange portion and a tapered portion, the tapered portion extending from the flange portion; and   a female connector configured to be engaged to the male connector, the female connector having a tapered cavity corresponding to the tapered portion of the male connector.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the male connector comprises a flared end. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the flared end includes a plurality of channels. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of channels are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to a connector center axis. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an attachment portion, the attachment portion extending from the flange portion. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the attachment portion is substantially cylindrical. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , further comprising a support member attached to the attachment member. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a retention device, the retention device configured to maintain the male connector and the female connector in an engaged position. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the male connector and the female connector are manually releasable from the engaged position. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the tapered cavity and the tapered portion distribute forces in the connector system. 
     
     
         11 . A connector comprising:
 a flange portion and a tapered portion, the tapered portion extending from the flange portion and including a flared end.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the flared end includes a plurality of channels. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of channels are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to a connector center axis. 
     
     
         14 . The connector of  claim 14 , wherein the connector is a male connector. 
     
     
         15 . A connector, comprising:
 a tapered cavity, the tapered cavity configured to engage a tapered portion of a corresponding connector.   
     
     
         16 . The connector of  claim 15 , further comprising a retention device, the retention device configured to maintain the connector and the corresponding connector in an engaged position. 
     
     
         17 . The connector of  claim 15 , wherein the retention device is manually releasable. 
     
     
         18 . The connector of  claim 15 , wherein the connector is a female connector. 
     
     
         19 . The connector of  claim 15 , wherein the tapered cavity is configured to engage a flared end of the corresponding connector. 
     
     
         20 . The connector of  claim 15 , wherein engagement of the flared end by the tapered cavity prevents rotational movement.