US3584464A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inflatable marine fender
Assignee: Texaco Inc
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Filing: 1969-06-27
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Granted: 1971-06-15
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Expires: 1989-06-27
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to an inflatable fender for a marine structure, being so carried on the latter to receive and absorb the shock of a floating vessel or other object as the latter makes contact with the structure. The fender includes a shockabsorbing element adapted to not only absorb the impact of the floating body but to dissipate the force of the impact and recover for a subsequent impact. A second, supporting element includes an inflatable belt of sufficient length to surround a platform support leg. The support element includes an expandable wall which, upon inflation, extends laterally to form an annular, tight grip against the outer surface of the support leg. Thereafter with the fender supported in place, the shockabsorbing element can be provided for as needed.
Inventors
- 👤 Fuad T Saadeh
- 👤 Ivo C Pogonowski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 07:16
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B3/00; E02B3/20; E02B3/26; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A30/00; Y02A30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
Fender for a marine platform positioned in a body of water which platform includes a work deck, a support structure for said deck having a support leg at least partially submerged beneath the water''s surface, said fender including; a. a closed casing depending from and surrounding the outer surface of said leg at the water''s surface and having at least a portion thereof submerged beneath said surface, b. means forming an inflatable chamber adjacent the interface of said casing and said leg, c. means communicating said inflatable chamber with an inflating medium for expanding said chamber inwardly toward the wall of said support leg whereby to frictionally position said fender on said leg, d. said closed casing including a diaphragm disposed therein and extending throughout the length thereof thereby forming said casing interior into said upper inflatable chamber and a lower shock-absorbing compartment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
Fender for a marine platform positioned in a body of water which platform includes a work deck, a support structure for said deck having a support leg at least partially submerged beneath the water''s surface, said fender including; a. a closed casing depending from and surrounding the outer surface of said leg at the water''s surface and having at least a portion thereof submerged beneath said surface, b. means forming an inflatable chamber adjacent the interface of said casing and said leg, c. means communicating said inflatable chamber with an inflating medium for expanding said chamber inwardly toward the wall of said support leg whereby to frictionally position said fender on said leg, d. said closed casing including a diaphragm disposed therein and extending throughout the length thereof thereby forming said casing interior into said upper inflatable chamber and a lower shock-absorbing compartment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
In a marine fender as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper inflatable chamber includes breather means communicated therewith.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
In a marine fender as defined in claim 2 wherein said upper inflatable chamber includes a yieldable element substantially the same and being in engagement with said diaphragm for yieldably resisting movement of said diaphragm into said inflatable chamber in response to a compression of said lower compartment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
In a marine fender as defined in claim 3 wherein said yieldable element includes a plurality of elongated, flexible wall cells substantially filling said chamber and being elastically yieldable in response to movement of said diaphragm thereagainst.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
In a marine fender as defined in claim 4 wherein said yieldable element includes a plurality of elongated conduits extending axially of said fender and confining a gaseous medium therein.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
In a marine fender as defined in claim 5 wherein said elongated conduits are open ended thereby permitting the free flow of said gaseous medium therethrough.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
In a marine fender as defined in claim 5 wherein said elongated conduits include valve means therein forming a closure to said flexible wall cells whereby to regulate the passage of said gaseous medium therethrough.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-14 | 1974-12-14 | 1975-06-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-14 | 1978-12-14 | 1979-06-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-14 | 1982-12-14 | 1983-06-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |