Structurally efficient inflatable protective device
US5482317A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/1362
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for making a low cost, self-venting, inflatable protective cushion of simple and structurally efficient design with a shape and construction that optimizes the cushion's ability to withstand inflation pressures and impact when deployed which includes a sheet defined by at least one fold line and a plurality of flap portions, each flap portion having a base edge corresponding to a fold line and at least two side edges each extending outwardly from a base edge and ultimately converging to meet each other, the flap portions being folded at the fold line(s) and being joined at corresponding side edges to define an inflatable chamber. The inflatable protective cushion and method for making same may further include a lightweight, low permeability, fabric that optimizes the cushion's ability to withstand inflation pressures and impact when deployed and minimizes the packed volume of the cushion when stored.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.