US4087980A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safety submarine spherical air chamber
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-08-23
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Granted: 1978-05-09
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Expires: 1996-08-23
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a safety submarine spherical air chamber made of a flexible material wherein persons are able to observe the undersea condition and the seabed from the scientific or recreational point of view by maintaining the atmospheric pressure of the above spherically expanded chamber approximately equivalent to the sea water pressure therearound, and then by floating therein a floating base on which they can stay.
Inventors
- 👤 Yutaka Kono
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 11:46
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63C; B63C11/00; B63C11/34; B63C11/44; B63C11/36; B63C11/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
A safety submarine device comprising an air chamber body constituted entirely of a transparent flexible air-tight material and capable when inflated of assuming a spherical shape, an air feeding pipe connected to said air chamber, air supply means for filling said air chamber with compressed fresh air to cause said air chamber to form a spherical shape, personnel ascent and descent means connected to said air chamber, a sea water induction hole through which personnel can pass, means for adjusting the stmospheric pressure within the air chamber to substantially match the surrounding water pressure when submerged and to allow water to enter and fill a lower portion of the chamber through the sea water induction hole, a plurality of supporting members connected to the air chamber for maintaining stably said spherical air chamber in the sea, the atmospheric pressure adjusting means comprising an opening in the air chamber body through which excess compressed air within the air chamber can be discharged to the outside sea, and personnel supporting means provided within the air chamber and floatably supported on the water therein.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
A safety submarine device comprising an air chamber body constituted entirely of a transparent flexible air-tight material and capable when inflated of assuming a spherical shape, an air feeding pipe connected to said air chamber, air supply means for filling said air chamber with compressed fresh air to cause said air chamber to form a spherical shape, personnel ascent and descent means connected to said air chamber, a sea water induction hole through which personnel can pass, means for adjusting the stmospheric pressure within the air chamber to substantially match the surrounding water pressure when submerged and to allow water to enter and fill a lower portion of the chamber through the sea water induction hole, a plurality of supporting members connected to the air chamber for maintaining stably said spherical air chamber in the sea, the atmospheric pressure adjusting means comprising an opening in the air chamber body through which excess compressed air within the air chamber can be discharged to the outside sea, and personnel supporting means provided within the air chamber and floatably supported on the water therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A safety submarine device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said personnel ascent and descent means comprises a lift.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A safety submarine device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said personnel ascent and descent means comprises a flexible pipe through which personnel can pass.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A safety submarine device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air chamber body is constituted of a synthetic resin material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A safety submarine device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an additional air-discharging opening is provided in the air chamber below the level of the floating personnel supporting means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
144 words
a safety submarine device comprising an air chamber body constituted entirely of a transparent flexible air-tight material and capable when inflated of assuming a spherical shape, an air feeding pipe connected to said air chamber, air supply means for filling said air chamber with compressed fresh air to cause said air chamber to form a spherical shape, personnel ascent and descent means connected at its lower end to said air chamber, means for adjusting the atmospheric pressure within the air chamber to substantially match the surrounding water pressure when submerged, a plurality of supporting members connected to the air chamber for maintaining stably said spherical air chamber in the sea, first, second and third successive pressure-sealable chambers connected to the upper end of the personnel ascent and descent means, and means for maintaining said three successive chambers at different pressures for preventing submarine sickness.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
144 words
a safety submarine device comprising an air chamber body constituted entirely of a transparent flexible air-tight material and capable when inflated of assuming a spherical shape, an air feeding pipe connected to said air chamber, air supply means for filling said air chamber with compressed fresh air to cause said air chamber to form a spherical shape, personnel ascent and descent means connected at its lower end to said air chamber, means for adjusting the atmospheric pressure within the air chamber to substantially match the surrounding water pressure when submerged, a plurality of supporting members connected to the air chamber for maintaining stably said spherical air chamber in the sea, first, second and third successive pressure-sealable chambers connected to the upper end of the personnel ascent and descent means, and means for maintaining said three successive chambers at different pressures for preventing submarine sickness.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
A safety submarine device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first and second pressure-sealable chambers are maintained at substantially the same pressure as that of the air chamber, and the third pressure-sealable chamber is maintained at a pressure below normal atmospheric pressure.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A safety submarine device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the atmospheric pressure adjusting means comprises a plurality of air-discharging openings.
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) | 1981-05-08 | 1981-11-07 | 1982-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-05-08 | 1985-11-07 | 1986-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-05-08 | 1989-11-07 | 1990-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |