One-piece, dual-material suction cup
US6143391A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24983
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A one-piece, dual-material suction cup includes an inner face having a concave shape when the cup is inactive (that is, unattached to a surface) and an outer portion having a convex shape when the cup is inactive. The inner and outer portions are formed from different elastic materials. The characteristics of the outer material are selected to exhibit relatively high memory, elasticity and recovery to provide a biasing force on the inner face of the cup to increase the vacuum and enhance attachment. The characteristics of the inner material are selected to exhibit conformity, compliance and softness as compared to the outer material. Such characteristics enhance mating and sealing with a surface to which the cup is to be attached. The inner and outer portions are permanently bonded together to form the one-piece suction cup.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.