Extendable/retractable support column
AssigneeTower Solutions, LLC
InventorsDavid George Kensinger, Steven George Kensinger, Eric T. Ohme, Dale A. Ohme
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.
Claims6
A segment suitable for use in a portable tower, the segment comprising:
- a body having a first panel with an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface, a second panel with an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top end and a bottom end, with the first and second panels extending between the side walls, the first and second panels spaced from each other and confronting one another, and the first and second panels connected to each other by plurality webs;
- the first panel having a first set of transverse slots, the first set of slots extending from the top end to the bottom end;
- and
- the second panel having a first raised portion on the outwardly facing surface of said second panel, the first raised portion being positioned directly rearward of said first set of transverse slots.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.