US3921752A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi cushion flexible support bag with surface pressure valving for air cushion vehicle application
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-08-26
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Granted: 1975-11-25
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Expires: 1994-08-26
Abstract
Abstract An air cushion vehicle which has means for lubricating its passage over an obstacle. Valves on the surface of the member which encloses the air cushion open on contact with an obstacle and release a lubricating film of air; the film is confined within cells which surround each valve. In one embodiment the cushion is contained within an air filled torous; in another embodiment the vehicle is supported by a bag which underlies the entire vehicle; in a third embodiment the valves are on a conventional skirt.
Inventors
- 👤 Dwain G Gregg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 12:26
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60V; B60V1/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
In an air cushion vehicle which travels on a cushion of air which is enclosed by a flexible cushion-enclosing member, the improvement comprising: means for reducing the frictional drag on the vehicle as it traverses an obstacle, said means for reducing frictional drag comprising a plurality of valves having operating elements for opening and closing said valves which release lubricating fluid upon contact with an obstacle, said valves being located on the surface of the member which encloses the air cushion on which the vehicle travels, the operating elements of said valves projecting beyond said cushion-enclosing member in the direction of travel of the vehicle so that said operating elements contact the obstacle before said cushion-enclosing member contacts the obstacle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
In an air cushion vehicle which travels on a cushion of air which is enclosed by a flexible cushion-enclosing member, the improvement comprising: means for reducing the frictional drag on the vehicle as it traverses an obstacle, said means for reducing frictional drag comprising a plurality of valves having operating elements for opening and closing said valves which release lubricating fluid upon contact with an obstacle, said valves being located on the surface of the member which encloses the air cushion on which the vehicle travels, the operating elements of said valves projecting beyond said cushion-enclosing member in the direction of travel of the vehicle so that said operating elements contact the obstacle before said cushion-enclosing member contacts the obstacle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
An air cushion vehicle as in claim 1 wherein said valves have a rotatable ball as their obstacle contacting member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
An air cushion vehicle as in claim 1 wherein said valves are operated by a member which floats on water.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
An air cushion vehicle as in claim 1 wherein each valve is surrounded by walls which form a cell on said surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
An air cushion vehicle as in claim 4 wherein said valve is a poppet valve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
An air cushion vehicle as in claim 4 wherein said valve is a reed valve.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1978-11-24 | 1979-05-26 | 1979-11-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-24 | 1983-05-26 | 1983-11-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-24 | 1987-05-26 | 1987-11-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |