Extendable/retractable support column

摘要

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.

主权项

1. 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 by pivot rods 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 and a roller guide, with each side flange extending outwardly at a substantially right angle with respect to the outer surface of the body, with each pivot opening spaced 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 with each roller guide spaced outwardly from the outer surface of the body, with each roller guide extending toward the other roller guide, and with the roller guides in alignment with each other and 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 configured and arranged to engage a vertically adjacent link.