Material joint for an inflatable structure and method of constructing the same
US10131092B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/5281
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A material joint connecting an internal spar or baffle to panel walls of inflatable structures. The material joint is formed by a folded center strip and a pair of side strips. The side edges of the center strip are folded to form an initial “T-shaped” cross-section having a middle section, two side sections formed by a first bend, and two overlapping end sections formed by a second bend. The middle section is fused directly to the facing surface of the panel wall and the overlapping end sections are fused together to extend perpendicularly from the middle section. The end strips overlap the center strip with part of the end strips fused to the side sections of the center strip and part fused directly to the panel wall. The spar or baffle is connected to the fused overlapping end sections of the center strip. Under the internal air pressure of the inflated structure, the side sections bow and arc under tension from the connected spar or baffle and the middle section acts as a “bridge” to lift and flatten the exterior surface of the panel wall across its width.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.