US3960192A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tank capable of being carried by a helicopter
Assignee: PRONAL SA
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Filing: 1975-09-05
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Granted: 1976-06-01
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Expires: 1995-09-05
Abstract
Abstract The tank comprises a bag which has in plan and in the flat condition the shape of a square with rounded corners formed by the assembly of two walls of fabric coated with an elastomer. Two straps also of coated fabric and having equal lengths are each fixed by their respective ends to opposed edges of the bag and have a length slightly greater than the distance between the opposed edges. When the hooking ring disposed in the region of the crossing of the two straps is subjected to a traction by a line carried by a helicopter, each half strap assumes an oblique position so that, when the tank is raised and carried along with the helicopter, the whole of the tank assumes an aerodynamic profile which prevents any pendular or giratory movements in respect of speeds which may exceed 200 km per hour.
Inventors
- 👤 Michel Convain
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 19:13
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D88/00; B65D88/16; B65D88/22; B65D88/24; B65D88/1612; B65D88/1656
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A tank for being suspended from a helicopter and comprising a bag which has a flexible wall and has in plan in a flat condition substantially the shape of a regular polygon, suspension means for the bag, the suspension means being constituted by straps which cross in a region and are fixed by their respective ends to two opposed edges of the bag and are interconnected in the crossing region of the straps where there is provided a hooking means, the length of the straps being slightly greater than the distance between the corresponding opposed edges in the flat state of the bag and each strap widening from the crossing region so that the two straps when viewed in plan have substantially the shape of a Maltese Cross.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
A tank for being suspended from a helicopter and comprising a bag which has a flexible wall and has in plan in a flat condition substantially the shape of a regular polygon, suspension means for the bag, the suspension means being constituted by straps which cross in a region and are fixed by their respective ends to two opposed edges of the bag and are interconnected in the crossing region of the straps where there is provided a hooking means, the length of the straps being slightly greater than the distance between the corresponding opposed edges in the flat state of the bag and each strap widening from the crossing region so that the two straps when viewed in plan have substantially the shape of a Maltese Cross.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two straps are of fabric coated with elastomer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the crossing region the two straps are reinforced.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A tank as claimed in claim 3, wherein the straps are reinforced in the crossing region by at least one additional layer of fabric coated with elastomer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the crossing region the two straps are clamped between two stiffening plates.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A tank as claimed in claim 5, wherein the hooking means is in the form of a hooking ring fixed to one of the plates.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bag has in plan the shape of a square having rounded corners.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
A tank as claimed in claim 7, wherein each strap end is fixed to the whole of the length of the corresponding side between the two rounded corners of the bag.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein each strap is laterally defined by two arcs of a circle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
128 words
A tank for being suspended from a helicopter and comprising a bag which has a flexible wall and has in plan in a flat condition substantially the shape of a circle suspension means for the bag, the suspension means being constituted by straps which cross in a region and are each fixed by their respective ends to two opposed edges of the bag and are interconnected in the crossing region of the straps where there is provided a hooking means, the length of the straps being slightly greater than the distance between the corresponding opposed edges in the flat state of the bag and each strap widening from the crossing region so that the two straps when viewed in plan have substantially the shape of a Maltese Cross.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
128 words
A tank for being suspended from a helicopter and comprising a bag which has a flexible wall and has in plan in a flat condition substantially the shape of a circle suspension means for the bag, the suspension means being constituted by straps which cross in a region and are each fixed by their respective ends to two opposed edges of the bag and are interconnected in the crossing region of the straps where there is provided a hooking means, the length of the straps being slightly greater than the distance between the corresponding opposed edges in the flat state of the bag and each strap widening from the crossing region so that the two straps when viewed in plan have substantially the shape of a Maltese Cross.
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) | 1979-06-01 | 1979-12-01 | 1980-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-06-01 | 1983-12-01 | 1984-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-06-01 | 1987-12-01 | 1988-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |