US3781931A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inflatable therapeutic device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-02-17
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Granted: 1974-01-01
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Expires: 1992-02-17
Abstract
Abstract Inflatable devices are adapted for use in therapeutic activity, and for physical exercise or amusement purposes comprising one layer of opaque, nonreflective material, and another layer of transparent, flexible material which preferably presents a nonslippery surface. The layers are sealed about their edges and the devices are inflated with a fluid in the form of a gas and/or a liquid to support a person in an elevated position, and/or to stabilize and aid in the balancing of the individual. The devices may embody a plurality of cells or compartments and means may be located adjacent the edge or on the surface of the device to be engaged by the person as an aid in positioning or repositioning himself on the yieldable surface of the device.
Inventors
- 👤 B Knickerbocker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 21:26
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C27/00; A47C27/08; A47C27/081; A63; A63G; A63G23/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S297/00; Y10S297/03
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
An inflatable device adapted for therapeutic, exercise and amusement purposes comprising a central portion embodying two layers of flexible material sealed together about the edges thereof, means for introducing a fluid into the space between said layers of material so as to inflate said device to a form in which it presents a convexly rounded upper surcace upon which a person may be yieldably supported and convexly rounded lower surface for tilting movement of said device upon a support, and a plurality of elongated tubular inflatable cells connected together at their ends and extending throughout the perimeter of said central portion, said cells being flexibly connected to said central portion and to each other and being selectively movable to alternative positions with respect to said central portion and with respect to each other to permit controlled tilting of said device through different predEtermined angles with respect to a support upon which said device is located.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
An inflatable device adapted for therapeutic, exercise and amusement purposes comprising a central portion embodying two layers of flexible material sealed together about the edges thereof, means for introducing a fluid into the space between said layers of material so as to inflate said device to a form in which it presents a convexly rounded upper surcace upon which a person may be yieldably supported and convexly rounded lower surface for tilting movement of said device upon a support, and a plurality of elongated tubular inflatable cells connected together at their ends and extending throughout the perimeter of said central portion, said cells being flexibly connected to said central portion and to each other and being selectively movable to alternative positions with respect to said central portion and with respect to each other to permit controlled tilting of said device through different predEtermined angles with respect to a support upon which said device is located.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
An inflatable device as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of said layers of material is transparent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An inflatable device as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper layer of material is transparent and said lower layer of material is opaque.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
An inflatable device as defined in claim 1 having a central portion which is generally rectangular in shape and means are located adjacent all four sides thereof for limiting tilting movement of the device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
An inflatable device as defined in claim 1 wherein said central portion is generally rectangular in outline and said elongated cells are flexibly connected to all four edges of said central portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
An inflatable device as defined in claim 5 wherein the elongated cells located adjacent two opposite edges of said central portion extend beyond the ends of the cells located adjacent the other two edges of said central portion and are flexibly connected thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
An inflatable device as defined in claim 3 wherein an intermediate web of flexible material extends across said space between said transparent and opaque layers of material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
An inflatable device as defined in claim 7 wherein there is an area of transparent material located between said opaque layer and the inner edges of said elongated cells.
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) | 1976-12-31 | 1977-07-02 | 1978-01-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-31 | 1981-07-02 | 1982-01-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-31 | 1985-07-02 | 1986-01-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |