US3839631A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatically-equilibrating suspended lamp
Assignee: GODDARD DESIGNS Inc
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Filing: 1972-06-23
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Granted: 1974-10-01
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Expires: 1992-06-23
Abstract
Abstract An automatically equilibrating inflated suspended object. The inflated object is lighter than the surrounding medium. Equilibrium is automatically achieved by means of a flexible tether extending from a fixed elevated point to the object. Vertical movement of the object varies the portion of the weight of the tether supported by the object until the object supported weight of the tether equals the lift. The specific embodiment described is a floating lamp wherein the inflated object is formed of translucent sheet material and an incandescent bulb is disposed inside the object. A gas and electrical support system for the lamp also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 S Goddard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 04:16
CPC Classifications
F; F21; F21V; F21V21/00; F21V25/00; F21V25/02; F21V25/04; F21V3/00; F21V3/02; F21V3/023; F21V3/026; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/806
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
A self-equilibrating suspended lamp comprising: a hollow object formed of non-opaque sheet material supporting an illumination source and containing a lighter-than-air gas substantially lighter than the surrounding air such that the weight of the displaced air is greater than the sum of the weight of the object, the contained gas and the illumination source, thereby producing lift; flexible tether means formed of tubular material extending from a fixed elevated point to the object, having a weight uniform throughout its length greater than the lift, such that verticle movement of the object varies the portion of the weight of the tether supported by the object and the portion of the weight of the tether supported by the object equals the lift before the object reaches the elevation of the fixed elevated point to automatically reach equilibrium conditions; and a support system including a source of gas under greater than atmospheric pressure and means for introducing the gas from the source through the tubular tether to the object.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
A self-equilibrating suspended lamp comprising: a hollow object formed of non-opaque sheet material supporting an illumination source and containing a lighter-than-air gas substantially lighter than the surrounding air such that the weight of the displaced air is greater than the sum of the weight of the object, the contained gas and the illumination source, thereby producing lift; flexible tether means formed of tubular material extending from a fixed elevated point to the object, having a weight uniform throughout its length greater than the lift, such that verticle movement of the object varies the portion of the weight of the tether supported by the object and the portion of the weight of the tether supported by the object equals the lift before the object reaches the elevation of the fixed elevated point to automatically reach equilibrium conditions; and a support system including a source of gas under greater than atmospheric pressure and means for introducing the gas from the source through the tubular tether to the object.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The self-equilibrating suspended lamp of claim 1 wherein the support system also includes means for varying the intensity of the illumination source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The self-equilibrating suspended lamp of claim 2 wherein the support system includes means for automatically regulating the pressure of the lighter-than-air gas in the object.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The self-equilibrating suspended lamp of claim 3 wherein the support system includes means for automatically closing the source of lighter-than-air gas and isolating the source from the object in the event of rupture of the tether or object.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The self-equilibrating suspended lamp of claim 4 wherein the support system includes means for automatically opening the electrical conductors in the event of rupture of the tether or object.
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) | 1977-09-30 | 1978-04-01 | 1978-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-30 | 1982-04-01 | 1982-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-30 | 1986-04-01 | 1986-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |