Erectable and retractable rod device

Abstract

A rod device that can be erected and retracted into a small amount of space, in which the device is formed of component parts that are flexible and can be rolled up when detached from one another, yet form a rigid assembly when connected to one another.

1 . An erectable and retractable rod device comprising:
 at least one strip of a flexible springy material;   and at least one zipper or set of interlocking teeth,   wherein the at least one strip is connected to at least one additional strip at a center of each strip using the at least one zipper or set of interlocking teeth, and   wherein the strips form a rod with each strip constituting one side or wall of the rod, whereby engaging the centers of adjacent strips holds the rod together when the rod is erected and released to permit the rod to retract.   
     
     
         2 . The rod device according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible springy material is rolled metal sheet. 
     
     
         3 . The rod device according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible springy material is an aluminum or plastic sheet. 
     
     
         4 . The rod device according to  claim 1 , wherein the strips have a curved or concavo-convex cross-section or camber so as to be substantially rigid when erected. 
     
     
         5 . The rod device according to  claim 1 , wherein the strips are attached by rivets. 
     
     
         6 . The rod device according to  claim 1 , wherein the strips are attached by a weld or bolts. 
     
     
         7 . The rod device according to  claim 1 , wherein the strips are attached by rivets in intervals to avoid compromising stresses as the side members are detached and rolled away. 
     
     
         8 . The rod device according to  claim 1 , wherein concave sides of the strips, when erected, are turned inwards while their edges rest in contact upon those of adjacent strips. 
     
     
         9 . A rod device comprising:
 a structure composed of at least three substantially identical flexible strips, having two sides of at least one zipper attached to a stretchy material, attached by rivets or other attachments,   wherein the stretchy material is attached by rivets in intervals to avoid compromising stresses as side members are detached and rolled away, and   wherein concave sides of the strips are turned inwards when erected, while their edges rest in contact upon those of adjacent strips.   
     
     
         10 . The rod device according to  claim 9 , wherein the flexible springy material is rolled metal sheet. 
     
     
         11 . The rod device according to  claim 9 , wherein the flexible springy material is an aluminum or plastic sheet. 
     
     
         12 . The rod device according to  claim 9 , wherein the stretchy is a vinyl or rubber material. 
     
     
         13 . A rod device comprising:
 a retractable rod; and   an erecting mechanism, wherein the erecting mechanism has a function of erecting the rod, forming its base, and storing it in compact form when not in use.   
     
     
         14 . The rod device according to  claim 13 , wherein the erecting mechanism comprises a top set of guide/feed rollers and a bottom set of guide/feed rollers, which serve to extend and retract the rod as well as provide stability when the rod is extended. 
     
     
         15 . The rod device according to  claim 14 , wherein the guide/feed rollers are attached to the base of the erecting mechanism by metal supports. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . An umbrella comprising the rod device according to  claim 1 , wherein the rod supports umbrellas and other devices which have the ability to retract into a small space. 
     
     
         18 . A tapered rod comprising the rod device according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         19 . A rod device according to  claim 1  having two devices on either end of the same rod. 
     
     
         20 . An artificial muscle or ligament comprising the rod device according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         21 . A windmill comprising the rod device according to  claim 1 .