Reconfigurable seating and cargo systems with inflatable panels

US11541795B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Paul W. Alexander · Ypsilanti, US
• Louis D. Thole · Grosse Pointe Park, US
• Conner J. Stormer · Detroit, US
• Daniel W. Booth · Troy, US
• Wonhee M. Kim · Royal Oak, US
• David Acosta · Warren, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 30, 2020
• Grant date: Jan 3, 2023
• Expiry date: Dec 30, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2011/008
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An inflatable system includes a first bladder configured to contain gas and a second bladder configured to contain gas. The first bladder includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposite of the top wall, a sidewall extending between and connected to perimeter edges of the top and bottom walls, and a plurality of tethers extending between and connected to interior surfaces of the top and bottom walls. The second bladder includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposite of its top wall, a sidewall extending between and connected to perimeter edges of its top and bottom walls, and a plurality of tethers extending between and connected to interior surfaces of its top and bottom walls. The bottom wall of the first bladder is secured to the top wall of the second bladder.