Extendable/Retractable Support Column

An extendable/retractable column comprising:

• a plurality of linked sections each including a plurality of individual sections, each of the individual sections including a first and second end and a pair of opposing sides, the individual sections pivotally connected to one another in end-to-end relationship;
• each pivotally connected individual section having a first pivot axis adjacent the first end and a second pivot axis adjacent the second end to allow the first end of an individual section to pivot relative to the second end of an adjacent individual section, all the pivot axes of the individual sections of a linked section being substantially parallel;
• each linked section having the pivot axes of its individual sections oriented substantially nonparallel to the pivot axes of the remaining linked sections of the plurality of linked sections;
• each linked section being spaced from the remaining linked sections when the column is retracted;
• a retaining ring positioned adjacent the linked sections to permit the linked sections to be received within and to pass through the retaining ring, the retaining ring further including:
• a plurality of roller support members;
• a plurality of rollers;
• each roller support member including a pair of flanges constructed and arranged to rotatably mount at least one roller;
• a pair of brace members attached to and extending between each roller support member and interconnecting the roller support members to rigidly form the retaining ring;
• a plurality of roller support flanges, a roller support flange positioned adjacent each flange of the roller support members and cooperating with the roller support member flanges to rotatably mount the said at least one roller therebetween;
• and
• the rotatably mounted rollers positioned to confront and bear against a linked section to allow the linked section to be guided along and through the retaining ring while supported against the rollers.