US3899797A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inflatable structural component
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-07-15
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Granted: 1975-08-19
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Expires: 1994-07-15
Abstract
Abstract An inflatable structural component including an inflatable envelope of tubular configuration and a tensile member extending longitudinally through the envelope. The tensile member may assume the form of a cord, wire, spring, band, etc., or may even constitute an extension of the inflatable envelope. The inflatable envelope can be bent into diverse shapes and can thus be utilized as a structural component for furniture, beds, rafts, couches, tents, abstract sculpture and the like.
Inventors
- 👤 Dennis Gunst
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 18:08
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C27/00; A47C27/08; A47C27/081; A47C4/00; A47C4/54; B; B63; B63B; B63B7/00; B63B7/06; B63B7/08; E; E04; E04H; E04H15/00; E04H15/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
An inflatable structural component comprising: a. a tubular envelope; and b. a flexible tensile member within said envelope, two spaced points along said tensile member being secured to the ends of said envelope, the length of said tensile member between said spaced points being shorter than the distance along said envelope between said ends, whereby the longitudinal axis of said tubular envelope may be made to assume and maintain a bent configuration.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
An inflatable structural component comprising: a. a tubular envelope; and b. a flexible tensile member within said envelope, two spaced points along said tensile member being secured to the ends of said envelope, the length of said tensile member between said spaced points being shorter than the distance along said envelope between said ends, whereby the longitudinal axis of said tubular envelope may be made to assume and maintain a bent configuration.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The structural component of claim 1 wherein at least one end of said envelope is reentrant, whereby when the longitudinal axis of said tubular envelope is bent said reentrant end of said envelope will evert.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The structural component of claim 1 where said tensile member is a strap.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The structural component of claim 1 where said envelope is 2 or more feet in length.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The structural component of claim 2 where said tensile member is tubular.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The structural component of claim 5 where said tubular tensile member is an additional length of said envelope.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The structural component of claim 5 where said envelope is two or more feet in length.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The structural component of claim 2 where said tensile member is two thirds or less of the length of said envelope, not including the reentrant portion of said envelope.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The structural component of claim 1 and further including a bladder within said envelope, said tensile member being between said bladder and said envelope.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The structural component of claim 1 and further including means for altering the length of said tensile member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
72 words
The structural component of claim 10 wherein said means for altering the length of said tensile member comprises: a. a sleeve impervious to the inflating medium attached to one end of said envelope and communicating with the interior of said envelope, said tensile member extending into said sleeve; and b. means for clamping said tensile member within said sleeve, whereby the length of said tensile member within said envelope may be adjusted.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
52 words
The structural component of claim 1 where said envelope has a substantially ring like shape, said tensile member passing around said ring within said envelope and being secured to said envelope at substantially one point on said envelope, and including means for adjusting the length of said tensile member within said envelope.
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) | 1978-08-18 | 1979-02-17 | 1979-08-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-08-18 | 1983-02-17 | 1983-08-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-08-18 | 1987-02-17 | 1987-08-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |