Patent · US Expired

Control panel for an inflatable structure

US5647078A · kind A · utility

22Cited by
6References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 23, 1995
Grant dateJul 15, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 23, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S5/932
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A control panel for an inflatable structure includes a multi-layer planar fluid flow control panel sealed together at predetermined locations to define at least one fluid flow conduit with at least one layer of the panel having a plurality of apertures located in a predetermined pattern that communicate with the conduits. A plurality of discrete, inflatable chambers are sealed in planar orientation to the upper surface of the control panel to form the structure. The apertures of the panel are sealed in registered relationship with the fluid orifices to thereby permit fluid communication between the chambers and conduits of the control panel for selective inflation and deflation thereof. The interior surface of the control panel and chambers is selectively coated with a release material to prevent closure of the conduits and enable coplanar sealing of the chambers onto the panel about the perimeter of the apertures and orifices when disposed in registered relation.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.