초록 ▼

An elongate element in the form of a longitudinally split tube (2) is arranged to be progressively flattened and wound about an axis (6) extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the tube to form a coil (4). To enable the tube (2) to be structurally rigid, but yet to enable it to be easy

An elongate element in the form of a longitudinally split tube (2) is arranged to be progressively flattened and wound about an axis (6) extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the tube to form a coil (4). To enable the tube (2) to be structurally rigid, but yet to enable it to be easy to wind and to remain coiled without being potentially explosive, a second layer (10, 12, 14 or 16) is affixed to the layer of spring steel (8) forming the tube (2). The second layer is arranged to be stressed to oppose the bias of the spring steel (8) which favours the formation of the tube.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An element having an elongate hollow form and constructed and arranged to be selectively progressively flattened and wound about an axis extending transversely relative to a longitudinal extent of said elongate hollow form to define a compressed, wound form, wherein sai

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An element having an elongate hollow form and constructed and arranged to be selectively progressively flattened and wound about an axis extending transversely relative to a longitudinal extent of said elongate hollow form to define a compressed, wound form, wherein said element comprises first and second laminated layers affixed together so that said element comprises a unitary composite element, said first layer of said unitary composite element comprising a resilient substrate which is biased to said elongate hollow form, and said second layer of said unitary composite element being arranged to oppose the bias of the substrate upon adoption of the compressed, wound form, and wherein the elongate hollow form and the compressed, wound form of said unitary composite element are reversible and are both stable forms.