Retractable column and method of forming

摘要

The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

主权项

1. An extendable and retractable column comprising:
a base; a drive for extending and retracting the column; an extendable and retractable structure supported on the base and having a central axis, the structure comprising at least three separate sidewalls constructed and arranged to selectively releasably retain one another and connectable to one another to define a central interior chamber within the connected sidewalls, each sidewall being extendable and retractable and including a multiplicity of rigid links pivotally connected to one another, each link pivoting about a pivot axis and all the pivot axes of the links comprising each sidewall being oriented substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to and spaced from the central axis; the drive engaging at least one link of each sidewall to extend and retract the sidewalls of the structure; a first guide tower fixed to the base and positioned within the central interior chamber, the first guide tower positioned closely adjacent at least one link of each of the sidewalls to provide support to at least one link of each sidewall; and a second outer guide tower fixed to the base and positioned outside the extendable and retractable sidewalls, the second outer guide tower being stationary relative to the first guide tower and positioned closely adjacent at least one link of each of the sidewalls and cooperating with the first guide tower to contain the sidewalls therebetween and inhibit disengaging of the drive from the links of each sidewall located between the first and second guide towers and to inhibit the sidewalls located between the first guide tower and second outer guide tower from disengaging from one another.