METHOD OF PRODUCING AN INTERNAL TENSIONING STRUCTURE USEABLE WITH INFLATABLE DEVICES
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An internal tensioning structure for use in an inflatable product fulfills the basic function of maintaining two adjacent inflatable surfaces in a desired geometric arrangement when the inflatable product is pressurized. The tensioning structure is formed by connecting a pair of plastic strips sheets via spaced-apart strands, such as strings or wires. When pulled taut, the strands provide a high tensile strength between the two opposed plastic strips. At the same time, the plastic strips facilitate a strong, long-lasting weld between the tensioning structure and the inflatable product.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1-16. -16. (canceled)
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17. A method for producing a tensioning structure of an inflatable product, the method comprising:
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aligning a plurality of strands with a strand guide, positioning a first weld strip adjacent to the plurality of strands; positioning a second weld strip adjacent to the plurality of strands with the plurality of strands positioned between the first and second weld strips; positioning third and fourth welds strips adjacent to the plurality of strands spaced apart from the first and second weld strips; positioning the plurality of strands into at least one of a welder and an adhesive device; and activating the welder or adhesive device to fixedly connect the first weld strip to the plurality of strands and couple the first and second weld strips together and the third and fourth weld strips together. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 22, 23)
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20. (canceled)
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21. (canceled)
Specification