Item holder having a self-adjusting air bladder system
US10315551B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2011/008
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An item holder includes a receiving well with an upper opening. First and second air bladders are disposed in the receiving well. Upper portions of outer casings of the air bladders are substantially flush with the upper opening of the receiving well when the air bladders are in an inflated condition. Also, the abutment portions abut one another along an abutment seam when the air bladders are in an inflated condition. A sensor may be sued to detect the receiving of an item in the receiving well. Valves assemblies are opened as the sensors detect an item being received in the receiving well. The item compresses a filler material disposed within the air bladders as the item is received in the receiving well. When the item is removed from the receiving well, the filler material expands to inflate the air bladders to the at-rest position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.