Actuation means for the racking platform of a mast

In a well mast having a fixed lower structure and a telescoping upper structure, the structures having a rectangular cross-section with said upper structure disposed within and slidably engagable with said lower structure, an improved actuation means for timed extension and retraction of a platform pivotally connected to said upper structure comprising:

• a plurality of parallel pulleys secured parallel with said platform within an upper portion of said upper structure;
• a plurality of pulleys secured within a lower portion of said upper structure below said platform;
• traveling means adapted to move along a selected portion of a vertical member of said lower structure;
• push means on said upper structure to propel said traveling means along said lower structure;
• catch means attached to an upper portion of said vertical member of said lower structure for receiving and retaining said traveling means;
• and
• a plurality of cables extending from said platform around said upper and lower pulleys and pivotally connected to said traveling means, whereby when said upper structure is extended said push means moves said traveling means into contact with said catch means and the continued extension of the upper structure allows the platform to extend by gravity.