Patent · US Expired

Retractable column and method of forming

US7310915B2 · kind B2 · utility

11Cited by
32References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 21, 2001
Grant dateDec 25, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 21, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE04H12/34
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.