US4262046A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lightweight protective structure
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1979-09-06
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Granted: 1981-04-14
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Expires: 1999-09-06
Abstract
Abstract A protective structure is disclosed which provides a compound cushioning effect to impact-loading from an external source. The structure comprises a plurality of cells formed between two layers of plastic film material. The cells contain a sealed-in pneumatic substance which substantially surrounds a core of low density, plastic foam material. Vents may be provided through the layers' intermediate adjacent cells to provide for the flow of air. A cover of fabric material may be provided over the layers of plastic film material depending on the desired use of the structure.
Inventors
- 👤 Frederick G. Eitel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:48
CPC Classifications
B; B32; B32B; B32B1/00; B32B3/00; B32B3/26; B32B3/28; A; A41; A41D; A41D31/00; A41D31/04; A41D31/28; A41D31/285; B32B27/00; B32B27/06; B32B27/08; B32B5/00; B32B5/18; B32B7/00; B32B7/04; B32B7/05; B32B2305/00; B32B2305/02; B32B2305/028; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/23; Y10T428/231; Y10T428/233; Y10T428/239; Y10T428/24; Y10T428/24273; Y10T428/24322; Y10T428/24479; Y10T428/24496; Y10T428/24504; Y10T428/24521; Y10T428/24529; Y10T428/24562; Y10T428/24612; Y10T428/24628; Y10T428/24661; Y10T428/249921; Y10T428/249953; Y10T428/249987; Y10T428/249991
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
A protective structure comprising: a. a first sheet member having a plurality of spaced-apart, cup-shaped portions formed on the surface thereof, b. a second sheet member having a plurality of spaced-apart, cup-shaped portions formed on the surface thereof placed opposite said cup-shaped portions of said first sheet and being secured to said first sheet member to define the walls of separate cells containing a pneumatic substance, and c. a singular core means within each of said cells, said core means substantially conforming to the shape of said cells and being substantially surrounded by said pneumatic substance, such that, upon application of a concentrated load adjacent said first or second sheet member, compression of said pneumatic substance surrounding said core serves as the first stage of resistance to said concentrated load and said foam core provides a second stage of resistance to said concentrated load.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
A protective structure comprising: a. a first sheet member having a plurality of spaced-apart, cup-shaped portions formed on the surface thereof, b. a second sheet member having a plurality of spaced-apart, cup-shaped portions formed on the surface thereof placed opposite said cup-shaped portions of said first sheet and being secured to said first sheet member to define the walls of separate cells containing a pneumatic substance, and c. a singular core means within each of said cells, said core means substantially conforming to the shape of said cells and being substantially surrounded by said pneumatic substance, such that, upon application of a concentrated load adjacent said first or second sheet member, compression of said pneumatic substance surrounding said core serves as the first stage of resistance to said concentrated load and said foam core provides a second stage of resistance to said concentrated load.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A protective structure as set forth in claim 1, further comprising cover means of flexible sheet material located around said cells.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A protective structure as set forth in claim 1 further comprising vent means through said first and second sheet members between any four of said cells.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
64 words
A protective structure as set forth in claim 2 further comprising vent means through said first and second sheet members and wherein said cover means has a first cover layer substantially adjacent said first sheet member and a second cover layer against said second sheet member, said first and second cover layers being secured to each other in the area of said vent means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A protective structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said pneumatic substance is air.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A protective structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said pneumatic substance is an inert gas.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A protective structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said core is a low density, plastic foam material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
A protective structure as set forth in claim 2 wherein said cover means is a fabric-type material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A protective structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first and second sheet members are of plastic film material.
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) | 1984-04-13 | 1984-10-13 | 1985-04-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-04-13 | 1988-10-13 | 1989-04-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-04-13 | 1992-10-13 | 1993-04-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |