US3693740A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Load-carrying or lifting devices
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-10-26
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Granted: 1972-09-26
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Expires: 1990-10-26
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for raising, carrying, or transporting loads, comprises a plurality of expandible elements connected to a base support, and each arranged on expansion to increase the perpendicular displacement between the base support and a load carrying surface of the respective element, and means for creating relative lateral displacement between the base support and the load carrying surface of each element. The expandible elements may be inflatable bags or tubes connected on one side to the base support and resting on the other side on the ground, when inflated, and grouped in parallel rows or sets and inflatable in series so that one bag displaces the adjacent bag laterally and thereby effects displacement of the load.
Inventors
- 👤 James Gabriel Lewis
- 👤 Owen Temple Lewis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 05:33
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60V; B60V3/00; B60V3/02; B60V3/025; B62; B62D; B62D57/00; B62D57/02; B62D57/021; B65; B65G; B65G7/00; B65G7/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
Apparatus for raising, carrying or transporting loads, comprising at least three inflatable elements arranged in lateral co-operating relationship and expandible at least laterally upon inflation, non-expandible means interconnecting adJacent elements at points offset from the resultant of lateral force exerted by the elements on each other when inflated, and means for sequentially controlling inflation and deflation of said elements to cause lateral movement of parts of said elements with respect to the interconnecting means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
74 words
Apparatus for raising, carrying or transporting loads, comprising at least three inflatable elements arranged in lateral co-operating relationship and expandible at least laterally upon inflation, non-expandible means interconnecting adJacent elements at points offset from the resultant of lateral force exerted by the elements on each other when inflated, and means for sequentially controlling inflation and deflation of said elements to cause lateral movement of parts of said elements with respect to the interconnecting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, in which at least some of the inflatable elements are also expandible vertically upon inflation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, in which a rigid base provides said interconnecting means, said inflatable element being on one side thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus according to claim 3, including a plurality of further like inflatable elements on the opposite side of said base, and means for sequentially controlling inflation and deflation of these further elements.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sequential control means is adapted to expand the elements in a series of ''''waves'''' of a length equivalent to at least three adjacent elements.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the inflatable elements are arranged in parallel rows.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the inflatable elements are arranged in orthogonal rows.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the inflatable elements are tubes of flexible material arranged to collapse when deflated with an internal fold in such a manner that their lower walls are raised clear of the ground.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 8, in which reinforcing or doubling sheets are attached to the tubes to constrain them to assume the internal folded form or deflation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-26 | 1976-03-27 | 1976-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-26 | 1980-03-27 | 1980-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-26 | 1984-03-27 | 1984-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |