Patent US6461058B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4068418A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Collapsible shelter
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1976-06-11
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Granted: 1978-01-17
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Expires: 1996-06-11
Abstract
Abstract An inflatable structural member and a structure employing such inflatable members. The structural members each comprise an inner, air-impermeable inflatable tube made from an inexpensive, extruded, thermoplastic material; and an outer flexible sheath restraining the inner tube when it is inflated. The sheath is also constructed to shape the tube to a desired curved shape.
Inventors
- 👤 Jean-Pierre Masse
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:06
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04H; E04H15/00; E04H15/20; E04H2015/201
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
A collapsible shelter having a flexible outer wall structure and an inflatable tubular armature structure fixed to said wall structure and capable, when inflated, of causing erection of said wall structure as well as collapse thereof when deflated, said armature structure being made of a plurality of structural rib members having, when inflated, a predetermined curvature, each of said structural members comprising: an inner air-impermeable inflatable elastic tube and means, at the ends thereof, for closing said tube; at least one outer non-expandible flexible sheath containing said inner tube snugly when the latter is inflated into said predetermined curvature, whereby to restrain its outward expansion and prevent it from rupturing, wherein said sheath is formed from a pair of elongated strips of like sizes precut according to said predetermined curvature whereby to provide uniform stress concentration in said sheath when said inner tube is inflated, and means joining said strips along the longitudinal edges thereof to form said sheath.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
A collapsible shelter having a flexible outer wall structure and an inflatable tubular armature structure fixed to said wall structure and capable, when inflated, of causing erection of said wall structure as well as collapse thereof when deflated, said armature structure being made of a plurality of structural rib members having, when inflated, a predetermined curvature, each of said structural members comprising: an inner air-impermeable inflatable elastic tube and means, at the ends thereof, for closing said tube; at least one outer non-expandible flexible sheath containing said inner tube snugly when the latter is inflated into said predetermined curvature, whereby to restrain its outward expansion and prevent it from rupturing, wherein said sheath is formed from a pair of elongated strips of like sizes precut according to said predetermined curvature whereby to provide uniform stress concentration in said sheath when said inner tube is inflated, and means joining said strips along the longitudinal edges thereof to form said sheath.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 1, wherein a short portion at the ends of said inner tubes is bent back and said closing means comprise: seal lines extending transversely of said inner tube ends and wherein bag-like sleeves are provided into which said bent back portions are inserted and retained.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
96 words
A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 2, wherein said armature structure comprises two structural rib members and means, at the top of said flexible wall structure, for structurally connecting said two structural rib members together, said connecting means comprising: a rigid fitting formed as an integral body comprising a pair of tubes of which one extends through the other and forms a bridge therein defining an upper and a lower passage, and wherein one of said tubular rib members passes through one of said passages and the other rib member passes through the other passage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the two sheath strips are cut from woven material so as to have the same bias at any point along their length whereby to minimize twisting of the structural rib members when the latter are inflated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 4, wherein said woven material comprises strips of thermoplastic material woven into an open weave and laminated into a thermoplastic film.
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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) | 1981-01-16 | 1981-07-18 | 1982-01-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-01-16 | 1985-07-18 | 1986-01-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-01-16 | 1989-07-18 | 1990-01-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |