US3864771A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Deployable load buoyancy support container or shelter system
Assignee: Textron Inc
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Filing: 1972-08-21
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Granted: 1975-02-11
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Expires: 1992-08-21
Abstract
Abstract A storable (when in folded/compacted condition) capsule-like device adapted to be deployed to provide for example an improved surface or underwater load-buoyancy system; or a low-cost shelter for instruments and/or personnel during lunar or space explorations. More specifically, a device of the invention may comprise an improved sonobuoy adapted to be lowered into ship harbors from surface craft or dropped into the sea from aircraft, for carrying and supporting harbor surveillance instruments or the like at preferred surface or subsurface levels. In another form devices of the invention are adapted to be carried (while in compactly infolded condition) into space, for subsequent deployment into enlarged shelter-providing condition.
Inventors
- 👤 William H Bauer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 22:18
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/60; B63; B63B; B63B22/00; B63B22/22; B64G99/00; E; E04; E04H; E04H15/00; E04H15/20; E04H15/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A buoy transportable in compacted small volume form and adapted to be subsequently extended into large volume condition, said sonobuoy comprising: a base member of ring-like form subtended at opposite sides thereof by wall members, each said wall members being formed of a plurality of internested ductile sheet material cylindrically shaped straight wall components of different diameters disposed concentrically about a common extension axis and interconnected by annular fold components and having an end closure component functionally integral therewith at opposite ends thereof, said straight wall components and said annular fold components being formed of the same material and being of substantially equal wall thickness throughout; and either the largest or smallest diameter wall component of said plurality being affixed to said base member; and means for causing said sonobuoy to unroll in the direction of said extension axis and to extend into a single generally cylindrical configuration closed at all side wall and end portions thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
A buoy transportable in compacted small volume form and adapted to be subsequently extended into large volume condition, said sonobuoy comprising: a base member of ring-like form subtended at opposite sides thereof by wall members, each said wall members being formed of a plurality of internested ductile sheet material cylindrically shaped straight wall components of different diameters disposed concentrically about a common extension axis and interconnected by annular fold components and having an end closure component functionally integral therewith at opposite ends thereof, said straight wall components and said annular fold components being formed of the same material and being of substantially equal wall thickness throughout; and either the largest or smallest diameter wall component of said plurality being affixed to said base member; and means for causing said sonobuoy to unroll in the direction of said extension axis and to extend into a single generally cylindrical configuration closed at all side wall and end portions thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A buoy as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for causing said buoy to unroll comprises a source of pressurized gas delivering into the interior thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A buoy as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sheet material is a metal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A buoy as set forth in claim 1 wherein said straight wall and annular fold components and said end closure components are successively integral extensions of single sheet metal stockpieces.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A buoy as set forth in claim 1 wherein said straight wall and said annular fold components are initially separately fabricated and subsequently structurally integrated.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A buoy as set forth in claim 1 wherein said straight wall and annular fold components are successively integral extensions of a single sheet metal stockpiece.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
122 words
A buoy transportable in compacted small volume form and adapted to be subsequently extended into large volume condition, said buoy comprising: a wall member formed of a plurality of internested ductile sheet material cylindrically shaped straight wall components of different diameters disposed concentrically about a common cylindrical axis and interconnected by annular fold components and end closure components functionally integral therewith at the opposite ends thereof; said straight wall components and said annular fold components being formed of the same material and being of substantially equal wall thicknesses throughout; and means for causing said buoy to unroll in the direction of said cylindrical axis and to extend into a single generally cylindrical configuration closed at all side wall and end portions thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
122 words
A buoy transportable in compacted small volume form and adapted to be subsequently extended into large volume condition, said buoy comprising: a wall member formed of a plurality of internested ductile sheet material cylindrically shaped straight wall components of different diameters disposed concentrically about a common cylindrical axis and interconnected by annular fold components and end closure components functionally integral therewith at the opposite ends thereof; said straight wall components and said annular fold components being formed of the same material and being of substantially equal wall thicknesses throughout; and means for causing said buoy to unroll in the direction of said cylindrical axis and to extend into a single generally cylindrical configuration closed at all side wall and end portions thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
A buoy as set forth in claim 7 wherein said means for causing said buoy to unroll comprises a source of pressurized gas delivering into the interior thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
A buoy as set forth in claim 7 wherein said straight wall and said annular fold components are successively integral extensions of a single sheet material stockpiece.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
A buoy as set forth in claim 7 wherein said straight wall and said annular fold components are initially separately fabricated and subsequently structurally integrated.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
A buoy as set forth in claim 7 wherein said sheet material is a mEtal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
A buoy as set forth in claim 7 wherein said straight wall and annular fold components and at least one of said end closure components are successively integral extensions of a single sheet stockpiece.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-10 | 1978-08-12 | 1979-02-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-10 | 1982-08-12 | 1983-02-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-10 | 1986-08-12 | 1987-02-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |