You are right - the chinese manufacturer's name is all over the box.
Hey!, its not often i'm wrong.
I also noticed that the transverse clamps employ a spring behind the clamps like the Gardiner Smart clamps do.
Alex will be paying his clamps some attention then in the next few weeks.
I'm a bit behind with the whole debacle, but i've been trying to catch up. From what i can make of it all so far is that Alex is resigned to the fact that people may well imitate his poles and clamps (specifically the Chinese manufacturers). That is why he has applied for this Chinese patent.
I have a vision for the future, the Ebay suppliers selling his copies will be closed down through the force of law. The van fests will end up selling copies and the trading standards will be present at such meets !
Just put the Harris pole twist clamps on them i say !!!