Patent ID: 6045114
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: B28B,E04G

Abstract:
An elongated, curved framework with a variable degree of curvature which comprises(i) plural link members each having lower openings and a sloping shoulder at each end portion thereof,(ii) joint units connecting said link members together,each of the joint units having an upper opening and also having a pair of opposed openings at each end portion thereof,the joint unit also being so cut away at its lower portion as to form semicircular edges,(iii) a bolt-engaging member disposed inside the joint unit,the bolt-engaging member including an inverted-U shaped base and a nut,the inverted-U shaped base having an upper opening and also having a pair of opposed openings at each end portion thereof,the nut being fixed to a top of the inverted-U shaped base in a position coaxial with said upper opening,(iv) a bolt inserted through the upper opening of the joint unit and the nut and hence connecting the joint unit and the bolt-engaging member together,the bolt and the bolt-engaging member forming an element for bending the link members at the joint,(v) a first pivotal pin inserted through one of said lower openings of the link member and through one of said opposed openings of the joint unit for connecting the link member and the joint unit together,(vi) a second pivotal pin inserted through one of said lower openings of the link member and through one of said opposed openings of the bolt-engaging member thus connecting the link member and the bolt-engaging member together, and(vii) one retaining piece engaged with a circular groove formed in one end portion of each of the pivotal pins for preventing the pivotal pin being removed from the link member.