LOCKABLE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

摘要

Assemblies and methods related to controllably lockable support structures are described. An assembly may comprise an interface defined by two adjacent tubular structures (2, 4) whereby the adjacent structures may be spatially locked and unlocked relative to each other with application of a load. The tubular structures may comprise one or more spring members (10) configured to deflect with application of a load greater than a preconfigured threshold, thereby causing a locking state of the interface to change from a first locking state to a second locking state. Embodiments are described wherein such load may be a tensile and/or compressive load. Various embodiments are described wherein an interface may be locked without application of a load and unlocked upon application of the requisite load, or locked only after application of a load.