Abstract A self-erecting tube having a helical axially extending ribbon of spring material with adjacent turns set to coil tightly in overlapping and telescoping engagement is mounted between a pair of support members one of which supports a reel having coiled thereon a line connected to the other support member. A spring motor is connected to the reel in a manner such that as the tube erects the reel is rotated by the line causing the spring motor to be wound and thus retard the speed of erection of the tube. Means to rotate the reel to wind in the line, compress the tube into a storage position, and unwind the spring motor are provided. A second embodiment differs in having ratchet means to retard the erection of the tube. A third embodiment is provided with a dashpot damper to retard the erection of the tube.
Resilient self-erecting means comprising a helical axially extending ribbon of spring material with adjacent turns set to coil tightly in overlapping and telescoping engagement and having an inner end and an outer end, support means to support the inner end of the self-erecting means, and damping means mounted on said support means and connected to the outer end of the self-erecting means for retarding the erection of the self-erecting means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
70 words
Resilient self-erecting means comprising a helical axially extending ribbon of spring material with adjacent turns set to coil tightly in overlapping and telescoping engagement and having an inner end and an outer end, support means to support the inner end of the self-erecting means, and damping means mounted on said support means and connected to the outer end of the self-erecting means for retarding the erection of the self-erecting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A device in accordance with claim 1 in which the damping means comprises a drum, the connecting means is a flexible line connected to the drum and windable on the drum, and a spring motor is connected to the drum for the winding of the motor as the self-erecting means erects.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device in accordance with claim 2 having means to rotate the drum to compress the self-erecting means to a storage position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device in accordance with claim 1 in which the damping means comprises a drag.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device in accordance with claim 4 in which the drag is a hydraulic drag.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device in accordance with claim 4 in which the drag is a ratchet drag.