Patent ID: 8366066

Claim:
A link for forming an extendable/retractable column having a plurality of linear sections, wherein each linear section is formed by a plurality of links that are pivotally connected to each other in an end-to-end manner, each link comprising: a generally planar, rigid body having a drive engagement portion with an outer surface and an inner surface, a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, and a plurality of projections that extend outwardly from the sides, wherein the plurality of projections are generally coincident with a plane defined by the outer surface and the inner surface of the body; a first group of parallel, elongated slots, with each slot having a length that extends partially between the opposing sides, with each slot having a length that is greater than a distance defined by the inner and outer surfaces of the body, with the slots of the first group of slots in alignment with each other and evenly spaced along a length defined by the first end and the second end, and with the first group of parallel slots located adjacent the first side; and a second group of parallel slots, with each slot having a length that extends partially between the opposing sides, with each slot having a length that is greater than a distance defined by the inner and outer surfaces of the body, with the slots of the second group of slots in alignment with each other and evenly spaced along the length defined by the first end and the second end, and with the second group of parallel slots located adjacent the second side.