Extendable/retractable support column
AssigneeTower Solutions, LLC
InventorsMark Colman, John Norris
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections. The linked sections include a plurality of individual sections linked end to end. As the linked sections are extended, each of the individual sections of the linked chains engage individual sections of adjacent linked chains to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual sections of the linked chains disengage from the individual section of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up for compact storage.
Claims20
A link for forming an extendable/retractable column having a plurality of linear sections, wherein each linear section is formed by a plurality of links that are pivotally connected to each other in an end-to-end manner, each link comprising:
- a generally planar, rigid body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, an outer surface and an inner surface;
- wherein the first and second sides each further comprise a side flange with a pivot opening, with each side flange extending outwardly at a substantial right angle with respect to the outer surface of the body, with each pivot opening spaced outwardly from the outwardly with respect to the outer surface of the body, with the pivot openings configured and arranged to receive and retain a pivot rod so that the pivot rod is substantially parallel to the body;
- and,
- a connection tab, the connection tab located at one of the first or second ends of each link, with the connection tab extending inwardly from the inner surface of the body, and with the connection tab is configured and arranged to engage a vertically adjacent link.
The link of claim 5, wherein each side flange further comprises a roller guide, wherein each roller guide is spaced outwardly from the outer surface of the body, wherein each roller guides extends toward the other roller guide, and wherein the roller guides are in alignment with each other and substantially parallel to the body.
An extendable/retractable column comprising:
- a plurality of linked sections each including a plurality of individual sections pivotally connected to one another in end-to-end relationship, each of the individual sections including a first and second end and a pair of opposing sides;
- each individual section having a plurality of projections extending outwardly from the opposing sides, said projections of a first individual section of a first linked section engaging the projections of a second individual section of a second linked section when the first and second linked sections are interconnected with one another to form the column.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.