Inflatable structure

US11491360B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• VOLVO CAR CORPORATION · SE

Inventors

• Erik Hjerpe · Torslanda, SE
• Nathan Nuzzo · Stockholm, SE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 24, 2020
• Grant date: Nov 8, 2022
• Expiry date: Dec 18, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B7/08
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an inflatable structure transformable between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable structure comprises a drop stitch fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by drop stitches. The inflatable structure is provided with, along at least a portion of an edge of the drop stitch fabric, an edge fixation line and an at least first inner fixation line at an at least first margin from the edge, the edge fixation line and the at least first inner fixation line comprising coupling means fixating the first layer to the second layer. The inflatable structure is further provided with, between the edge fixation line and the at least first inner fixation line, a non-inflatable connectable element e.g. adapted to be connectable with a detachably attachable counterpart element.