Drill a hole lengthwise thru the middle section, thread an elastic cord thru the hole and attach the cord ends to the end sections.
Fold like a tent pole, and will still screw together.....
Just posted as a joke, but possibly could work?

For Geo N.

Last edited by DmColonial; 04/01/20 09:22 AM. Reason: added note

Dumb, but learning...Prof Em, BSc(ME), CAE (FYI)