Patent ID: 6637159
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: E21D

Abstract:
A load-bearing column apparatus configured to support a load with respect to a support surface, the apparatus comprising:a) a base configured to abut the support surface; b) a cap configured to abut the load; c) an elongated, flexible sleeve having opposite ends, one end being coupled to the base and the other end being coupled to the cap to form an enclosure configured to extend to and between the load and the support; d) an incompressible liquid, selectively disposable in the sleeve; e) the elongated, flexible sleeve having at least two configurations, including: 1) a collapsed configuration in which the sleeve is not filled and has a first, shorter length; and 2) an expanded configuration in which the sleeve is filled with the liquid and has a second, longer length sized to extend to and between the load and the support surface; and f) a valve to allow the liquid to be added to the sleeve and prevent escape of the liquid from the sleeve; g) at least one of the ends of the sleeves being adjustable coupled to either the cap or the base to selectively adjust the length of the sleeve and the distance between the cap and the base.