Reconfigurable storage bins having a structural component formed of a shape memory material
US8061550B2 · kind B2 · utility
7Cited by
7References
8Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 22, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 20, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R7/046
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Reconfigurable bins include at least one structural component formed of shape memory materials such as a shape memory polymer, a shape memory alloy, or a combination thereof. The shape memory material is in operative communication with an activation device adapted to provide an activation signal effective to change at least one attribute of the shape memory material such that the bin can be reconfigured from a first shape to a second shape. The reconfigurable bin can include a mesh network or may be formed of panels or a combination panels and mesh.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.