초록 ▼

A collapsible support structure includes a plurality of linked, inter-connectable segments that allow the structure to transform between a rigid structure and a flexible chain. The chain is generally extendible in a first direction while the rigid structure extends in a transverse second direction.

A collapsible support structure includes a plurality of linked, inter-connectable segments that allow the structure to transform between a rigid structure and a flexible chain. The chain is generally extendible in a first direction while the rigid structure extends in a transverse second direction. At least a first linked segment is connectable with a second linked segment that is not immediately adjacent to the first segment within the chain. The chain may be converted to the rigid structure by wrapping the chain about an axis extending in the second direction. The segments may include an overall height and further include a coupling that is connected to an adjacent segment. The coupling may be disposed so that the adjacent segment is offset about 1/Nth of the overall height. With this coupling, the first segment may be connectable with the second segment that is N segments separated from the first segment.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method of converting a collapsible support structure between a chain configuration and a rigid construct, the method comprising:extending a plurality of at least five linked segments that are joined together in a sequence to form a chain extending along a first direction;wra

What is claimed is: 1. A method of converting a collapsible support structure between a chain configuration and a rigid construct, the method comprising:extending a plurality of at least five linked segments that are joined together in a sequence to form a chain extending along a first direction;wrapping the chain about an erection axis extending in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction; andengaging a first linked segment of the sequence with a second linked segment of the sequence that is not adjacent to the first linked segment to form a rigid structure that extends in the second direction;wherein the height of the sequence in the second direction is longer when formed in the rigid structure than prior to said wrapping by an amount greater than a height of any one of the linked segments.