GB737014A - Improvements in collapsible rod-like devices - Google Patents

Abstract

737,014. Non-flexible conduits. SCHUSTER, W., and KRAUSE, V. Feb. 16, 1963 [Feb. 23, 1952], No. 4237/53. Class 99 (2). [Also in Groups VII and X] In a collapsible and rigidly expandible carrying, supporting or tensioning device, which may be used as a conductor's baton, a drawrod for a trailer, a structural member, a pipe into which a cable can be introduced, or a liquidconveying conduit, wherein an inelastic but flexible and tensionable carrier member 1 having rigid end stops is combined with a number of annular spacing members 2 loosely adjoining one another in the untensioned state of the member 1 to ensure flexibility of the latter in all directions, and with an inelastic tensioning device which in the tensioned state presses the members 2 against one another and the end stops and at the same time subjects the member 1 to a tensile stress so that the members 1, 2 form a rigid, rod-like element, the member 1, Fig. 1, is hollow and encloses the members 2, or comprises a number of flexible elements 26, Fig. 5, on to which the members 2 are threaded. As shown in Fig. 3 the tensioning device comprises a spigot 13 axially slidable within a guide 23 secured to the tube 1, the spigot and guide being interconnected by pivoted members 5, 6 which are swung outwardly and brought to the position shown in Fig. 1 to press the members 2 against one another and an end stop comprising a sleeve 8 screwed into a collar 7 also secured to the tube 1. The pressure on the members 2 is regulated by adjustment of the screw 8, and the pivots 9, 10 may be provided with springs bearing against the members 5, 6 so that the latter automatically swing outwards when released from the collapsed position. In modifications, (a) the carrier member 1 comprises a rope on which the members 2 are mounted, (b) the members 2 are replaced by a helical spring, (c) the device is curved in form by providing the members 2 with divergent coacting faces, and interengaging tongues and grooves which prevent relative rotation between the members in the tensioned and untensioned state of the device, and (d) the members 2 are graded in diameter to provide a rod of conical or doubleconical form.