INTERNAL TENSIONING STRUCTURE USEABLE WITH INFLATABLE DEVICES
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An inflatable product comprising:
- a first sheet;
a second sheet disposed opposite the first sheet, the first and second sheets spaced apart to define a gap; and
a tensioning structure spanning the gap between the first sheet and the second sheet, the tensioning structure comprising;
a plurality of strands uniformly spaced apart and arranged substantially parallel to one another;
a first weld sheet having the plurality of strands uniformly affixed to an upper surface of the first weld sheet and affixed to the first sheet; and
a second weld sheet disposed opposite the first weld sheet, the plurality of strands captured between the first and second weld sheets when the first and second weld sheets are affixed to one another.
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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
25 Claims
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1. An inflatable product comprising:
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a first sheet; a second sheet disposed opposite the first sheet, the first and second sheets spaced apart to define a gap; and a tensioning structure spanning the gap between the first sheet and the second sheet, the tensioning structure comprising; a plurality of strands uniformly spaced apart and arranged substantially parallel to one another; a first weld sheet having the plurality of strands uniformly affixed to an upper surface of the first weld sheet and affixed to the first sheet; and a second weld sheet disposed opposite the first weld sheet, the plurality of strands captured between the first and second weld sheets when the first and second weld sheets are affixed to one another. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An inflatable product comprising:
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a first plastic sheet; a second plastic sheet disposed opposite the first plastic sheet, the first and second plastic sheets being spaced apart to define a gap; a plurality of tensioning structures spanning the gap between the first plastic sheet and the second plastic sheet, the plurality of tensioning structure comprising; a plurality of strands spaced apart from one another; a first weld sheet having the plurality of strands affixed thereto and welded to the first plastic sheet; and a second weld sheet having the plurality of strands affixed thereto and welded to the second plastic sheet. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An inflatable product comprising:
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a first plastic sheet; a second plastic sheet disposed opposite the first sheet, the first and second plastic sheets spaced apart to define a gap; a plurality of tensioning structures spanning the gap between the first plastic sheet and the second plastic sheet, each of the plurality of tensioning structure comprising; a plurality of strands spaced apart from one another; a first strip affixed to the first plastic sheet and having the plurality of strands affixed thereto; and a second strip affixed to the second plastic sheet and having the plurality of strands affixed thereto, adjacent tensioning structures of the plurality of tensioning structures being spaced apart by a first distance, adjacent strands of one of the adjacent tensioning structures being spaced apart by a second distance that is significantly smaller than the first distance. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. An inflatable product comprising:
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an upper plastic sheet; a lower plastic sheet disposed opposite the upper plastic sheet, the upper and lower plastic sheets being spaced apart to define a gap; a plurality of tensioning structures spanning the gap between the upper plastic sheet and the lower plastic sheet, the tensioning structure comprising; a plurality of strands spaced apart from one another; an upper strip having the plurality of strands affixed thereto and being affixed to the upper plastic sheet, the upper strip having an upper surface and a lower surface, the plurality of strands being positioned between the upper surface of the upper strip and the upper plastic sheet, the plurality of strands being spaced apart from the lower surface of the upper sheet, and a lower strip having the plurality of strands affixed thereto and being affixed to the lower plastic sheet, the lower strip having an upper surface and a lower surface, the plurality of strands being positioned between the lower surface of the lower strip and the lower plastic sheet, the plurality of strands being spaced apart from the upper surface of the lower strip. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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Specification