Retractable closure system
US5658037A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60J5/067
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A retractable closure includes a flexible sheet that is comprised, at least in part, of torsion spring material that causes the flexible sheet to form a roll when retracted. The flexible sheet preferably is of sufficient length and width, when extended, typically to close, cover, curtain or partition a selected area. In preferred practice, the torsion spring material comprises a plurality of torsion spring members carried in separate pockets of the flexible sheet at intervals spaced across the width of the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is unrolled and extended lengthwise by pressurizing and expanding a plurality of elongate fluid-pressure-expansible members that are connected to the flexible sheet, with the expansible members extending along a selected portion of the length of the sheet at intervals spaced across the width of the sheet--preferably with each expansible member carried in a separate pocket of the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is retracted lengthwise and formed into a roll under the influence of the torsion spring members during the release of pressurized fluid from the expansible members. Other aspects of the invention relate to features of component parts t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.