Abstract: Disclosed is an arrangement including a staircase as well as walkway systems. The staircase includes a transitional member, and the walkways incorporate grate supports in order to facilitate the connection to adjacent structures. The arrangement also utilizes angled members which are configured with a reinforced flange existing in a dimension that has higher load requirements than the other flange. A novel step configuration is also disclosed.

Abstract: A seawall comprising a base with a top, a plurality of extensions on the top of the base, and an adhesive or sealant securing the extensions to the base. Each extension comprises a plurality of spaced apart rubber poles extending generally in a direction horizontal to the sea floor, and an outer rubber covering surrounding the poles. A method of increasing the height of a seawall comprising the steps of placing a plurality of the extensions on top of the seawall with the poles extending substantially parallel to the sea floor, and securing the extensions to the top of the seawall.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, the collapsible structure includes a plurality of hinges and a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels are swingably connected by the plurality of hinges so as to form at least one arch when the collapsible structure is in an erected state and so as to become at least one stack of the plurality of panels in a collapsed state. The panels allow for the collapsible structure to maintain its structural integrity when erected but to have a compact and transportable configuration when collapsed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to climbing wall assemblies having a variety of improvements. For instance, the climbing wall assemblies may include connectors to attach the surface panels to the framework, in which the connectors may be mounted substantially anywhere along the front of the framework and at substantially any angle, providing for the securement of climbing panels in various geometries. The climbing wall assemblies may also include braces that may easily be adjusted to a desired length and configuration during construction of a climbing wall. The climbing wall assemblies may also include variable-angle, integral front posts, which provide for the easy and stable securement of climbing panels in various geometries. These improvements provide climbing wall assemblies that may be easily assembled to produce a desirable climbing wall structure having few framework components.

Abstract: A main beam for a formwork grid construction component system is disclosed. Typical main beams work with secondary joists (sometimes referred to as secondary beams to support a decking surface for pouring of concrete or cement. By strengthening the main beam using an altered profile while maintaining interoperable external dimensions, the span distance of each joist may be increased. By forming the main beam with the disclosed profile, joists can be made longer (e.g., have an eight foot connected span to increase grid size) and maintain appropriate strength (or increased weight tolerance). Formwork grid systems are used in construction of buildings and other structures. Interoperability with existing components is maintained by the disclosed main beam adhering to the same external functional form factor. The external form factor being the same allows main beams constructed in accordance with this disclosure to properly function with existing formwork grid construction components.

Abstract: A main beam for a formwork grid construction component system is disclosed. Typical main beams work with secondary joists (sometimes referred to as secondary beams to support a decking surface for pouring of concrete or cement. By strengthening the main beam using an altered profile while maintaining interoperable external dimensions, the span distance of each joist may be increased. By forming the main beam with the disclosed profile, joists can be made longer (e.g., have an eight foot connected span to increase grid size) and maintain appropriate strength (or increased weight tolerance). Formwork grid systems are used in construction of buildings and other structures. Interoperability with existing components is maintained by the disclosed main beam adhering to the same external functional form factor. The external form factor being the same allows main beams constructed in accordance with this disclosure to properly function with existing formwork grid construction components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a utility pole formed as a hollow tube having a pentagonal exterior surface with the junctions of the sides of the pentagon each forming a dove tail channel. An interior surface of the hollow tube is round to allow insertion of round reinforcing sleeves. A mounting member is configured for attachment to the dove tail channel on an exterior of the hollow tube by means of a cam fastener system in an interior of the mounting block. The cam fastener system has a plurality of cams mounted rotatably on a pair of hinges, configured to allow the cam fastener system to open and close in an interior of the dove tail channel. The cam fastener system can be directly inserted into or removed from a dove tail channel anywhere along the length of the dove tail channel by closing it. The cam fastener system fastens the mounting member to the dove tail channel by opening the cam fastener system when it is in the interior of the dove tail channel.

Abstract: A system and method for raising a structure, or part thereof, the system comprising vertical jack members connected and disposed about a rail system attached about the periphery of the structure. The vertical jack members comprise an outer sleeve and a slidable inner portion that is driven vertically by a jack screw and drive block. Extensible diagonal cross-braces stabilize the jack members and structure being raised.

Abstract: This application relates to a method for installing a support structure for a passenger transport system in a construction. The support structure comprises a framework made of load-bearing framework components connected to each other. The method includes placing a plurality of individual framework components, having connection openings designed therein, at an installation position within the construction; and assembling the framework on or near the installation position within the construction by connecting the framework components to each other by way of load-bearing connector components, in that a respective connector component is arranged to reach through adjacently arranged connection openings of at least two adjacent framework components and is then deformed in respect of the outside geometry thereof, such that they completely fill out the connection openings they reach through, without play.

Abstract: A reclosable mast (2) for drilling rig includes two opposed latticed structures (22), constrained at one end to the base structure (10) placed in the drilling site “P” and to each other, defining side faces (2b) of the mast (2). U-shaped structures, each include a rear bar (40), adapted to get compressed when closing the mast (2), and two side shoulders (41) parallel to each other and perpendicular to the an associated bar (40). The U-shaped structures are arranged at preset intervals between the two latticed structures (22), the rear bars defining the rear face or back (2a) of the mast (2). The mast (2) includes a diagonal members (3) located on the rear face 2a of the mast and constrained, between two superimposed U-shaped structures, the diagonal members (3) being adapted to split into at least two portions; reducing their longitudinal extension, and to allow reducing the dimension.

Abstract: The present invention includes a baluster assembly system comprising: (a) a first baluster portion comprising a first tubular section and having a first attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a first engagement end; (b) a second baluster portion comprising a second tubular section and having a second attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a second engagement end; the first tubular section adapted to slidingly engage the second tubular section, and (c) a locking fixture adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion after the first tubular section and the second tubular section have been engaged.

Abstract: A partition mount system includes an integrated plunger assembly. The integrated plunger assembly is constructed and arranged to be integrated into an interior of an end of an extension pole, for example a standard telescoping extension pole. Mounting of the plunger in an interior portion of the pole in this manner provides for a sleek design that is relatively lightweight. Assuming that the pole in which the anchor is mounted is part of a telescoping pole system, the anchor and plunger do not interfere with full travel of the interior pole with respect to other poles in the telescoping system. In this manner, operation of the telescoping pole system is not inhibited by the integrated plunger assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a portable tower having multiple sections including a base section and at least two slidable sections. The sections form a nested telescopic structure where each of the slidable sections is configured to move within another of the sections. The tower can also include a lifting system configured to extend the at least two slidable sections substantially simultaneously. Each section of the tower may also include multiple rollers configured to roll against at least one adjacent section of the tower.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.

Abstract: A deployable truss with modified primary orthogonal joints. The construction of these joints causes the center-hinged primary chords on opposite sides of a truss bay to fold inward in a plane orthogonal to the folding planes of the side diagonals while the two secondary chords fold in planes orthogonal to the plane of the in-folding primary chords. This provides for stiffness and stability during deploy and retract. The unique joint configuration permits the truss to deploy one bay at a time in a stable manner while having lateral bending stiffness, and the truss thus can extend and retract in a sequential manner. It can deploy integral flat panels nested between the secondary folding chords, or use cross bracing in lieu of panels. The truss can be triangular, square or rectangular in cross-section. A powered support frame may be used in conjunction with the truss.

Abstract: Elevator liner apparatuses are pre-fabricated corresponding to an amount of multiple floors of a building being constructed. Each elevator liner apparatus includes a liner frame sized to accommodate an elevator cab and elevator rails within the liner frame. Rail mounting brackets are mounted to interior walls of the liner frame. The rail mounting brackets have elevator rail sections affixed thereto and have mounting bracket studs mounting the rail mounting brackets to the liner frame and extending beyond exterior walls of the liner frame. Anchor spikes are mounted to the liner frame and extend beyond the exterior of the liner frame such that plywood forms configured to form concrete elevator shaft walls are coupleable to the anchor spikes. Concrete is pourable between the plywood forms and the exterior of the liner frame. The concrete when dried affixes the mounting bracket studs and the anchor spikes in the dried concrete.

Abstract: An extendible structure which includes an elongated extendible member having elasticity, and a storage part that serves to store the extendible member by winding it up, wherein a tip end of the extendible member can be extended from the storage part in a one-dimensional manner, so that an extendible part thus extended becomes a hollow tubular structure. The extendible member is composed of three divided extendible members so that the extendible part of the hollow tubular structure is divided into three parts, and the individual divided extendible members are constructed such that their tip end portions are joined with one another, and at the same time, their base end portions are wound around individual storage parts, respectively, independently from each other. Surface fasteners are each provided on a side of each of the divided extendible members.

Abstract: A spacecraft deployment mechanism employing a pair of bi-stable tape springs attached to a cylinder such that rotation of the cylinder extends or retracts the tape springs in opposite directions. The tape springs are fabricated such that they are stable when wrapped around a cylinder (stowed configuration) or when deployed and have a higher energy state when stowed than when deployed. A plurality of bi-stable tape spring mechanisms may be combined to create a deployment device that does not impart rotational torques to the spacecraft during deployment. Deployment may be accomplished by release of the stored energy in the coiled or packaged state progressing to the lower energy deployed state. Alternatively, a motor may be employed to rotate the cylinders for deploy or retrace the tape springs.

Abstract: A telescoping tower includes a plurality of nested tower sections extendable in a telescoping direction, each of the plurality of nested tower sections having a plurality of legs that define respective heights of the plurality of nested tower sections in the telescoping direction, each of the plurality of legs slidably engaging at least one leg of at least one adjacent one of the plurality of nested tower sections along an overlap in the respective heights thereof.

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.

Abstract: There is disclosed a telescopic mast (2) including two or more cylindric telescoping sections (4) with parallel walls (6), where the distal one of two adjacent telescoping sections (4) is narrower than the proximal one of the two adjacent telescoping sections (4), so that the distal telescoping section (4) can be moved into and out of the proximal telescoping section (4), respectively. In the interspace (8) between two adjacent telescoping sections (4) there is provided at least one device (10) interacting with an actuator (16) and pressing the adjacent walls (6) away from each other. Hereby play is eliminated or minimized.

Abstract: A system for forming a movable slab foundation has a slab foundation, at least one support surface, at least one lifting member, at least one support sleeve, and an engagement device carried by the at least one support sleeve. The at least one support sleeve is encased within the slab foundation and its lower end is positioned in abutting contact with the at least one support surface. The at least one lifting member is inserted through the at least one support sleeve. The at least one support sleeve and the slab foundation are moved upward axially along the length of the at least one lifting member. The engagement device is engaged with the at least one lifting member, thereby securing the slab foundation and the at least one support sleeve at a desired height.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a telescopic mast which at least includes one or more telescoping joints, where a telescoping joint is formed of two telescoping sections dimensioned so that one section can be moved into another section, where between each of the two adjacent telescoping sections in a telescoping joint there is provided at least one actuator urging the adjacent telescoping sections away from each other, where these actuators are disposed internally of the telescoping joints and offset at the internal periphery. By disposing actuators offset at the inner periphery of the telescoping sections, several advantages are achieved. The actuators are provided at a protected location, and the actuators may be designed with lengths that overlap each other when the telescopic mast is collapsed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a mast assembly upon a floor of a drilling rig has a support structure, a first carriage assembly affixed to one side of the support structure and a second carriage assembly affixed to an opposite side of the support structure. Each of the first and second carriage assemblies are connectable to a section of the mast assembly. Drive cylinders are associated with the first and second carriage assemblies so as to cause the section of the mast assembly to move upwardly relative to the support structure. While the section of the mast assembly is retained in an elevated position, another section of the mast assembly can be placed within the support structure and joined to the elevated mast section. Additional mast sections can be connected together in a similar manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lattice support structure having lattice bars in connection with one another, wherein the lattice support structure has lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars directly or indirectly connecting them, wherein the connecting lattice bars are connected to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be reduced on the folding in of the lattice support structure and can be enlarged on the unfolding of the lattice support structure, characterized in that one, several or all of the connecting lattice bars are not displaceably arranged on the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction, but are rather pivotably arranged at the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction or are pivotably arranged at further connecting lattice bars which are in turn pivotably arranged a

Abstract: An anti-theft device is provided comprising a frame comprising at least three interconnected sides. A plurality of interconnected frame members define the at least three interconnected sides of the device. A longitudinal extent or a vertical extent of one of the interconnected frame members is slidably movable within a bore of a longitudinal extent or a vertical extent of another of the interconnected frame members to a desired position, thereby allowing the device to be adjusted in one of a horizontal or vertical direction. The plurality of interconnected frame members define at least a rectangular-shaped region on each of the at least three interconnected sides.

Abstract: A telescoping structure includes a hollow outer section and a hollow inner section slidably mounted in the hollow outer section. The hollow outer section includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a third sidewall. The hollow inner section includes a fourth sidewall, a fifth sidewall and a sixth sidewall. A pair of sliding rails is disposed on the interior side of the first sidewall and a pair of raised sliding grooves is defined on the exterior side of the fourth sidewall. The pair of raised sliding grooves engages with the pair of sliding rails to enable a sliding movement of the hollow inner section relative to the hollow outer section.

Abstract: A ground anchoring system for trash cans designed to secure trash cans from scavenging animals and during windy conditions. The apparatus comprises a steel pole assembly that is anchored in the ground with concrete and extends up from the ground. An upper end of the pole is provided with a decorative cap and at least one (1) hook provided at a position to engage the handles on at least one (1) trash can. The upper end further comprises a spring-loaded mechanism to allow the hooks to ride up and down the pole, thus allowing them to engage trash containers of different sizes, especially those of large wheeled totes.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention relates to a support arm for a lifting platform, comprising at least one relatively wide support arm and an extension arm telescopically slidable therein, the arms each having torsionally rigid and flexurally stiff hollow profiles, a support bearing at the rear end of the accommodating arm for the pivotable hinging connection to a lifting carriage of a column and a bearing foot at the free end of the respective extension arm. A cost-effective production of support arms in different sizes and shapes is obtained by cutting at least the accommodating arm from a steel panel blank and forming it into a hollow profile and providing it with at least one transverse reinforcement.

Abstract: A deployable truss that extends and retracts in a stable and synchronous manner, and can deploy integral folding panels. Primary orthogonal joints, each consisting of two hinged halves, connect rotationally to the truss diagonals with an angled fitting. The main hinge pin of the orthogonal joints remains orthogonal to the truss longitudinal axis and remains centered in the folding truss diagonals. Hinge pins of each truss joint are connected by center-folding chords which cause the truss joints of adjacent bays to remain parallel to each other. Folding diagonals connected to the primary joint halves are hinged together, permitting the diagonals on each side of the truss to remain parallel to each as they form the short sides of a rectangular truss. The truss may deploy z-folded panels with active surfaces such as photovoltaic, reflective, heat-radiating, LCD/plasma, or radar; or structural floor panels for folding work platforms, bridges, and walkways.

Abstract: A telescoping tower comprising a sensor for monitoring an environmental condition, a processor for comparing the monitored environmental condition to a predetermined value, and an actuator for automatically retracting the telescoping tower if the environmental condition is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A telescopic boom broadly comprises an elongated hollow outer boom, an elongated inner boom telescopically received within the outer boom, and a guidance structure for guiding the inner boom for telescopic movement is provided. The guidance structure includes a plurality of guide rails attached to the interior corners of the outer boom, a first roller assembly attached to one end of the inner boom, a second roller assembly attached to one end of the outer boom, and a mid roller assembly positioned proximal to the second roller assembly. The first roller assembly includes a plurality of wheels mounted on axles for engaging the guide rails. The second roller assembly includes roller bars positioned on opposed sides of one end of the outer boom for guiding the inner boom during telescopic movement. The mid roller assembly includes a third roller bar that engages guide rails positioned on the inner boom.

Abstract: A partially self-erecting wind turbine tower and a method for carrying out the assembly thereof. A central extendable pylon is provided. This is placed in an upright position, with its base on a temporary foundation. A plurality of legs is then attached to the extendable pylon. The upper extreme of each of the plurality of legs is temporarily attached to the upper extreme of the extendable pylon. With the pylon and legs thus secured, a nacelle is attached to the upper extreme of the extendable pylon. A hub with attached blades is then affixed to the nacelle. The extendable pylon is then forced upward through the collar to extend the height of the assembly.

Abstract: A telescopic boom broadly comprises an elongated hollow outer boom, an elongated inner boom telescopically received within the outer boom, and a guidance structure for guiding the inner boom for telescopic movement is provided. The guidance structure includes a plurality of guide rails attached to the interior corners of the outer boom, a first roller assembly attached to one end of the inner boom, a second roller assembly attached to one end of the outer boom, and a mid roller assembly positioned proximal to the second roller assembly. The first roller assembly includes a plurality of wheels mounted on axles for engaging the guide rails. The second roller assembly includes a pair of roller bars positioned on opposed sides of one end of the outer boom for guiding the inner boom during telescopic movement. The mid roller assembly includes a third roller bar that engages guide rails positioned on the inner boom.

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.

Abstract: An extensible payload system including mounting equipment and a mast system removably coupled to the mounting equipment. The mast system includes a plurality of nested mast sections, at least one cable, and a pull block assembly. The plurality of nested mast sections include a first mast section and a second mast section nested within the first mast section. At least one cable is rollably coupled to the first mast section. The pull block assembly is coupled to an end of the second mast section. The pull block assembly has a cable receiving opening. The cable is routed into the cable receiving opening and is coupled to the pull block assembly.

Abstract: A telescopic boom broadly comprises an elongated hollow outer boom, an elongated inner boom telescopically received within the outer boom, and a guidance structure for guiding the inner boom for telescopic movement is provided. The guidance structure includes a plurality of guide rails attached to the interior corners of the outer boom, a first roller assembly attached to one end of the inner boom, a second roller assembly attached to one end of the outer boom, and a mid roller assembly positioned proximal to the second roller assembly. The first roller assembly includes a plurality of wheels mounted on axles for engaging the guide rails. The second roller assembly includes a pair of roller bars positioned on opposed sides of one end of the outer boom for guiding the inner boom during telescopic movement. The mid roller assembly includes a third roller bar that engages guide rails positioned on the inner boom.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a structure above a fixed surface. The device can include a support pedestal whose height is adjustable through a range of heights without a substantial gap in the obtainable heights. In one embodiment, the support pedestal can include a base member, a support member and a coupling member operatively connecting the base member and the support member. The coupling member can include first and second cylindrical walls, whereby an outer wall of the coupling member bears directly on an outer wall of the base member. Locking members can be utilized to operatively attach the coupling member to at least one of the base member or the support member. The locking members can function to increase the structural stability of support pedestal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of assembling and using a z-bar extension member for a door installation that negates the need for trimming the assembly. The apparatus includes an exterior z-bar member having an exterior barrel portion and an interior z-bar member having an interior barrel portion. The interior barrel portion is slidably or snappingly engaged within the exterior barrel portion. Mating structures may be included on the cooperating components to maintain a positional relationship therebetween during assembly. A guard assembly that mounts to the edge of a door or on the end of a door expander to cover the gap between the z-bar and the casing is also disclosed that may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the z-bar extension member.

Abstract: A shoring post having an elongate body with a lengthwise axis, a top and a bottom. A first beam support assembly is at one vertical location on the elongate body, with a second beam support assembly at a second vertical location on the elongate body. The second vertical location is spaced along the lengthwise axis from the first vertical location. The first and second beam support assemblies are configured to support separate load bearing beams.

Abstract: Provided is a construction support, a length of which can be precisely and easily adjusted to a floor-to-floor height between upper and lower floor slabs, capable of supporting the load of the upper floor slab in a more stable and firm manner and performing dismantlement in a more convenient manner. The construction support includes a first pipe, a second pipe, an inner stopper, an outer stopper, and an outer cap.

Abstract: A telescoping tower comprises a plurality of telescoping tower sections, each tower section having a pressure member that engages with a respective pressure member on a respective tower section when the tower sections are moved from a nesting condition to an extended position, the engagement of the pressure members occurring at the overlap of the tower sections to increase stability of the telescoping tower and reduce unwanted play at the overlap regions.

Abstract: A deployable structural assembly is provided along with associated deployment mechanisms and associated methods of forming and deploying the structural assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the structural assembly includes a plurality of structural side elements formed from furlable truss structures. The truss structures may include spaced apart longitudinal members, members extending substantially transversely between the longitudinal members, and diagonal members extending between the longitudinal members at an acute angle relative thereto. A plurality of interlocking elements are located along the edges of the longitudinal members and are configured to engage interlocking elements of an adjacent structural side element. In one embodiment the truss structures may be formed to include at least one material layer having the longitudinal members, the cross-members and the diagonals formed as an integral structure.

Abstract: In the encasement of a height-adjustable support column comprising a plurality of encasement elements (12) which are arranged annularly around the support column and which engage each other in a telescopic manner and can be slid relatively to each other in the axial direction of the support column, the encasement elements (12) each consisting of a material band (14) bent into a ring whose abutting edges (16) each have a rebate (20) bent backwards and are connected to each other by means of a retainer clip (22) having a C-shaped profile and clasping the rebates, at least one of the rebates (20) is provided with a recess (26) into which a locking element (28) provided on the retainer clip (22) can be engaged.

Abstract: A post adjustable in length as required. The post can be adjusted at any time during and after construction. The post can be used as an extension of a column which requires adjustment in length. The post can be used as a jack. The post is capable of withstanding compression, tension, and dynamic loading. The post can be used to provide support to beams and girders in a house frame.

Abstract: A vertical off-line stand building system includes a mast having a basal portion and an upper portion. An upper pipe elevator is mounted in the upper portion of the mast and is selectively translatable by a selecting actuable first hoist between upper raised and lowered positions. A lower pipe elevator is mounted in the basal portion of the mast and is selectively translatable by a selecting actuable second hoist between basal raised and lowered positions. A horizontal pipe support table is positioned adjacent the base of the mast. A horizontal pipe translator is mounted in the table for translating a pipe single longitudinally along the table so as to engage a first end of the pipe single with the lower pipe elevator when in its basal lowered position. The lower pipe elevator draws the first pipe into the mast through a front opening in the mast. The upper pipe elevator takes the first pipe and elevates it to the top of the mast.

Abstract: A telescoping mast apparatus has a plurality of nesting cylinders. The telescoping mast apparatus has a plurality of telescoping cylinders and a plurality of straps. The plurality of cylinders is extendable from a base. Each strap extends from near a bottom of an outer cylinder, around an upper roller near a top of the outer cylinder, and is attached near a bottom of an inner cylinder. The plurality of straps and the plurality of telescoping cylinders intercouples in series with alternating straps and cylinders. The plurality of cylinders is extended by retracting a first strap from the outer cylinder, which raises an intermediate cylinder, which retracts the intermediate strap from the intermediate cylinder, which raises the second intermediate cylinder.

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.

Abstract: A wall structure has a telescoping portion and a stationary portion. An overlapping section of the telescoping portion has a recess to allow dry wall to be fastened to the stationary portion at the overlapping section without being attached to the telescoping portion. The fastener pierces through the drywall and a sidewall of the stationary portion. However, a tip of the fastener does not engage a sidewall of the telescoping portion. Rather, the tip of the fastener stops within the recess of the telescoping portion.

Abstract: A bifurcated connection portion is formed on one of an upper rotating body and a boom foot, a flat plate connection portion inserted into the bifurcated connection portion is formed on the other, and pin holes are provided in both the connection portions. A boom foot pin attachment and detachment apparatus is to insert a boom foot pin into both the pin holes aligned, and provided with a cylinder bracket attached to an inner piece of the bifurcated connection portion enabling the boom foot pin to move between an insertion position inside the pin holes and a pull out position outside the pin holes, a slide plate slidably provided on the cylinder bracket, a hydraulic cylinder attached to the plate with a piston rod thereof connected to the boom foot pin, and a regulation plate for selectively regulating sliding of the slide plate or movement of the boom foot pin at a predetermined time.