Patent · US Active

Fluid-filled chambers with tether elements

US8381418B2 · kind B2 · utility

15Cited by
47References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 10, 2010
Grant dateFeb 26, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 26, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/231
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A chamber may have an outer barrier and a tensile member. The barrier is formed from a polymer material that defines an interior cavity. The tensile member is located within the interior cavity and includes (a) a first layer element secured to the barrier, (b) a second layer element secured to an opposite portion of the barrier, and (c) a plurality of I-shaped tether elements that extend through the first layer element and the second layer element. In some configurations, the tether elements may include (a) a first end member located between the barrier and the first layer element, (b) a second end member located between the barrier and the second layer element, and (c) a central member extending through the first layer element and the second layer element and secured to the first end member and the second end member.

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