Inflatable structure and method of manufacture
US8673102B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S482/907
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of thermoforming an inflatable structure of dissimilar materials includes the steps of providing a first sheet formed of a first material and a second sheet formed of a second material different than the first material, the second sheet being spaced from the first sheet, and a valve being positioned between the first and second sheets; heating the first and second sheets to a temperature above their glass transition temperature and below their melting point; bonding the first and second sheets together in a mold having an opposed pair of cavities to form an inflatable structure having a seal around a periphery thereof, the valve extending through the seal and being in fluid communication with an interior and exterior of the inflatable structure; and trimming excess material from the periphery of the inflatable structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.