IT does not collasp into itself the desing is a "Folded dipole" which is why the slot down the middle.
As others have said the WINGMAN (about 30-40 bucks) will improve UHF performance (NOTE: NO difference between Digital and Analog from the antenna's point of view. But many Digital stations moved to UHF even if they still have VHF Station ID's like 2 4 7 (Detroit) only 2 is still VHF (They broadcast on channel 7)
Adding a SENSAR pro in place if the indoor Wall Plate will make additional improvement.. How do I know this.. Well that's how I watch TV.