Connectors for inflatable structures
OwnerDirk Steinhourinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is a connector for an inflatable member. A portion of the connector extends within an internal volume of the inflatable member to define a recess for accepting a structural connection. The connector has an air-impermeable surface that is configured to maintain integrity of the inflatable member to allow the internal volume to be pressurized when the connector is bonded to an opening in a surface of the inflatable member. The connector can optionally pass through the opposing surface or otherwise engage the opposing surface to enhance its structural properties.
Claims17
A connector for an inflatable member comprising a portion configured to extend within an internal volume of the inflatable member and define a recess for accepting a structural connection that is at least partially within the internal volume of the inflatable member and an air-impermeable surface that is configured to maintain integrity of the inflatable member to allow the internal volume to be pressurized when the connector is bonded to an opening in a surface of the inflatable member, wherein the connector is configured to create a pivot point for a bending moment of the structural connection behind the surface of the inflatable member.
An inflatable member comprising opposing surfaces that define an internal volume that can be pressurized with air, a connector with at least a portion that extends within an internal volume of the inflatable member, wherein the connector defines a recess for accepting a structural connection that is at least partially within the internal volume of the inflatable member and creates an air-impermeable surface that maintains integrity of the inflatable member when the internal volume is pressurized member and wherein the connector is configured to create a pivot point for a bending moment of the structural connection behind the surface of the inflatable member.
A method for securing a structural element to an inflatable member, comprising:
- forming an opening in a first surface of the inflatable member;
- positioning a connector through the opening such that a portion of the connector extends within an internal volume of the inflatable member and defines a recess for accepting the structural element that is at least partially within the internal volume of the inflatable member;
- and
- sealing the connector to the surface of the inflatable member;
- wherein the connector has an air-impermeable surface that is configured to maintain integrity of the inflatable member to allow the internal volume to be pressurized and member and wherein the connector is configured to create a pivot point for a bending moment of the structural connection behind the surface of the inflatable member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.