DEVICE FOR REINFORCING LIGHT-WEIGHT FOLDABLE CONSTRUCTIONS Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: flexible chain for reinforcing nonrigid foldable articles, for instance garment, which may recover their initial shape by memory and for erecting dismountable assembled constructions. SUBSTANCE: device has continuous shaped members not connected one with another. Each member has configuration corresponding to that of predetermined natural perimeter of rigid construction to be recovered. Each member has flat skew ends inclined at predetermined angle and provided with longitudinal through openings positioned at ends of diagonals intersecting at axis of member. Chain of members is positioned between opposed diagonal curved mid portions of two power threads folded in two. Free ends of threads loosely run along through openings and extend from leading and tailing members, respectively, to serve as pivot hinge for chain. When simultaneously pulled by ends, threads orient the chain for shifting. Chain members may be successively shifted by means of threads from ends to mid portion of chain and collapse shaped members to form rigid closed construction of required shape. When thread ends are released, flexibility of chain is recovered by displacement of shaped members one from another along threads for predetermined distance. Leading and tailing members serve locking members, which are provided with transverse thread outlets for exit of threads outside and with hooks. EFFECT: wider operational capabilities, simplified construction and enhanced reliability in operation. 3 cl, 10 dwg