# US 11,993,348 B2 · Inflatable nose cone system

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- Number: US 11,993,348 B2
- Document ID: US11993348B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/503,654
- Filed: 2021-10-18
- Published: 2023-04-20
- Granted: 2024-05-28
- Earliest claimed: 2021-10-18
- Assignees: Parker Maritime Technologies, LLC
- Applicants: Parker Maritime Technologies, LLC
- Inventors: William J. Parker, III; Katherine Howell Brinson; James E Riseborough
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11993348B2

## CPC

- B63B 1/322: {using aerodynamic elements, e.g. aerofoils producing a lifting force (flying boats B64C35/00)}
- B63B 1/32: Other means for varying the inherent hydrodynamic characteristics of hulls
- B63B 7/082: {having parts of rigid material}
- B63B 15/00: Superstructures {, deckhouses, wheelhouses or the like}; Arrangements or adaptations of masts {or spars, e.g. bowsprits}(loading or unloading equipment B63B27/00; masts and staying in general E04H; sails, running rigging B63H; {mounting ladders or the like on masts B63B29/205})
- B63B 17/02: Awnings {, including rigid weather protection structures, e.g. sunroofs; Tarpaulins; Accessories for awnings or tarpaulins}
- B63B 2007/003: {with foldable members}
- B63B 2007/006: {comprising nestable elements}
- B63B 2017/0045: {Caps, hoods, or the like devices for protective purposes, not otherwise provided for}
- Y02T 70/10: Measures concerning design or construction of watercraft hulls
- B63B: SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING (arrangements of vessel ventilation, heating, cooling, or air-conditioning B63J2/00; floating substructures as supports of dredgers or soil-shifting machines E02F9/06)
- Y02T: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION

## Abstract

The present invention provides a nose cone system that comprises an inflatable body, a plurality of retainer ribs, a retainer trough positioned below the inflatable body, a plurality of winches attached along the outer surface of the retainer trough, and a plurality of winch straps with which to pull in the inflatable body as it is deflated while holding it in place, in coordination with the winch.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A nose cone system comprising:
an inflatable body that forms a half dome shape when inflated;
a plurality of retainer ribs attached to the inflatable body;
a retainer trough positioned below the inflatable body, the retainer trough including a channel;
a plurality of hull mounting feet coupled to the retainer trough;
a plurality of winches attached along an outer surface of the retainer trough; and
a plurality of winch straps attached to the inflatable body and the plurality of winches.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The nose cone system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inflatable body includes a plurality of inner air bladders and a plurality of outer air bladders.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The nose cone system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of inner air bladders and the plurality of outer air bladders are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The nose cone system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retainer ribs are made of mild steel tubing.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The nose cone system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of retainer ribs are rotatably mounted to the retainer trough.