US3705429A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inflatable load supporting structures
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-01-06
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Granted: 1972-12-12
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Expires: 1990-01-06
Abstract
Abstract The invention is an inflatable structure which has both shape and load control achieved by locating a plurality of inflatable beams columns or chambers within an outer inflatable chamber, all formed of flexible substantially non expansible (limited stretch) air impervious material, the beams columns or chambers being connected to opposed walls of the outer chamber to limit their separation and being constructed and arranged to preclude transfer of air between the interior thereof and the outer chamber in at least certain directions, the beams or columns being side by side or spaced as desired relative to each other in accordance with the intended load and the connections between the beams or columns and the opposing walls of the outer chamber including connections extending in different directions to give stability under load.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter P Nail
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 07:07
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C27/00; A47C27/08; A47C27/087; A47C27/081; A47C27/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
An inflatable structure comprising an inflatable outer air chamber formed of flexible substantially non expansible air impervious material and having when deflated a peripheral outline corresponding to the desired structure, and a plurality of inflatable beams arranged in spaced relation within said outer chamber, each of said beams defining an internal air chamber and comprising spaced side wall portions formed of flexible substantially non expansible air impervious material connected to opposed walls of said outer air chamber to limit separation of said opposed walls, Said outer air chamber being in continuous communication between opposite sides of said beams whereby said spaced side wall portions are exposed to the same outer chamber pressure when said outer chamber is inflated, each of said beams being constructed and arranged to preclude transfer of air between said internal air chamber and said outer air chamber in at least certain directions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
An inflatable structure comprising an inflatable outer air chamber formed of flexible substantially non expansible air impervious material and having when deflated a peripheral outline corresponding to the desired structure, and a plurality of inflatable beams arranged in spaced relation within said outer chamber, each of said beams defining an internal air chamber and comprising spaced side wall portions formed of flexible substantially non expansible air impervious material connected to opposed walls of said outer air chamber to limit separation of said opposed walls, Said outer air chamber being in continuous communication between opposite sides of said beams whereby said spaced side wall portions are exposed to the same outer chamber pressure when said outer chamber is inflated, each of said beams being constructed and arranged to preclude transfer of air between said internal air chamber and said outer air chamber in at least certain directions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
An inflatable structure as claimed in claim 1 in which at least some of said beams have top and bottom wall portions connected to the opposed walls of said outer chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
An inflatable structure as claimed in claim 1 in which at least some of said beams comprise tubes said tubes having top and bottom wall portions connected to the opposed walls of said outer chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
An inflatable structure as claimed in claim 1 in which at least some of said tubes are longitudinal tubes extending longitudinally of the structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
An inflatable structure as claimed in claim 1 in which at least some of said tubes comprise columns extending between the opposed walls of said outer structure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
An inflatable structure as claimed in claim 1 in which at least some of said beams comprise longitudinal tubes extending substantially parallel to said one side of said rectilinear structure.
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) | 1975-12-12 | 1976-06-12 | 1976-12-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-12-12 | 1980-06-12 | 1980-12-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-12-12 | 1984-06-12 | 1984-12-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |