High strength, lightweight blow-molded plastic structures
First Claim
1. A structure constructed from blow-molded plastic, the structure comprising:
- a first surface;
a second surface that is disposed generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first surface, the first surface being separated from the second surface by a distance, the first and second surfaces enclosing at least a portion of a generally hollow interior of the blow-molded structure;
a plurality of depressions formed in the second surface and extending towards the first surface, each of the plurality of depressions including a sidewall and an end, each of the plurality of depressions having a height measured from the second surface to the end of the depression, the plurality of depressions being arranged into a pattern in which a distance separating adjacent depressions is approximately equal to or less than three times the distance separating the first surface and the second surface.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Blow molded plastic structures are provided for use in various structures such as, but not limited to, tables, chairs, walls, backboards, storage bins, sports equipment and the like. The blow molded plastic structure has a first surface and a second surface extending between a first end and a second end and forming a chamber there between. A plurality of depressions is formed on the second surface and extends into the chamber. The depressions are usually unitary structures formed by a depression wall. Generally, the steeper the depression wall, the more strength is provided to the structure. In addition, where the plurality of depressions has a low profile and a greater density, increased strength is provided to the structure. The depressions may or may not be joined to the first surface.
70 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A structure constructed from blow-molded plastic, the structure comprising:
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a first surface;
a second surface that is disposed generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first surface, the first surface being separated from the second surface by a distance, the first and second surfaces enclosing at least a portion of a generally hollow interior of the blow-molded structure;
a plurality of depressions formed in the second surface and extending towards the first surface, each of the plurality of depressions including a sidewall and an end, each of the plurality of depressions having a height measured from the second surface to the end of the depression, the plurality of depressions being arranged into a pattern in which a distance separating adjacent depressions is approximately equal to or less than three times the distance separating the first surface and the second surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A table comprising:
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a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic and including a generally hollow interior, the table top including an upper surface, a lower surface and a thickness measured from the upper surface to the lower surface;
a plurality of depressions integrally formed in the lower surface of the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece structure, the plurality of depressions being sized and configured to increase the strength of the table top, each adjacent depression of the plurality of depressions being separated by a distance that is generally equal to or less than three times the thickness of the table top; and
a support structure that is connected to the table top to support the table top above a surface. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A basketball backboard constructed from blow-molded plastic, the basketball backboard comprising:
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a first surface;
a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, at least a portion of the first surface and the second surface enclosing a generally hollow interior portion of the basketball backboard; and
a plurality of depressions integrally formed in the second surface as part of a unitary, one-piece structure, the depressions including a height and being located in a pattern that covers substantially all of the second surface, each of the adjacent depressions in the pattern of depressions being separated by a distance that is generally less than or equal to three times a distance separating the first surface from the second surface. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A table comprising:
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a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic and including a generally hollow interior, the table top including an upper surface, a lower surface and a thickness measured from the upper surface to the lower surface;
a plurality of depressions integrally formed in the lower surface of the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece structure, each of the plurality of depressions having a height generally measured from the lower surface to an end of the depression, each adjacent depression of the plurality of depressions being separated by a distance that is generally equal to or less than three times the height of the depression; and
a support structure that is connected to the table top to support the table top above a surface.
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Specification