# US 12,006,007 B2 · Connectors for inflatable structures > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,006,007 B2 - Document ID: US12006007B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/974,314 - Filed: 2020-12-22 - Published: 2022-08-25 - Granted: 2024-06-11 - Earliest claimed: 2019-12-24 - Applicants: Dirk Steinhour - Inventors: Dirk Steinhour - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12006007B2 ## CPC - B63B 7/085: {Accessories or mountings specially adapted therefor, e.g. seats, sailing kits, motor mountings} - B63B 32/51: Inflatable boards, e.g. drop-stitch inflatable boards - B63B 1/242: {Mounting, suspension of the foils (B63B1/30 takes precedence)} - B63B 32/66: Arrangements for fixation to the board, e.g. fin boxes or foil boxes - 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) ## 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. ## Claims ### Claim 1 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. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The connector of claim 1, further comprising a flange configured to overlap the surface of the inflatable member. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The connector of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to engage opposing surfaces of the inflatable member. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The connector of claim 3, wherein the connector comprises multiple interlocking portions, including at least one ventral portion that engages one surface of the inflatable member and at least one dorsal portion that engages an opposing surface of the inflatable member. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The connector of claim 3, wherein the recess is defined by a tubular bore. ### Claim 6 (depends on 3) The connector of claim 3, further comprising a bracket sized for a width of the inflatable member. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The connector of claim 1, wherein the recess is configured to secure a fin tab. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The connector of claim 1, wherein the recess is configured to secure a hydrofoil mast. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The connector of claim 1, wherein the recess is configured to secure a sail mast. ### Claim 10 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. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The inflatable member of claim 10, wherein the inflatable member is configured as a watercraft hull. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The inflatable member of claim 11, wherein the recess is configured as at least one of a fin box, a hydrofoil mast receptacle and a sail mast receptacle. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The inflatable member of claim 10, wherein the connector engages the opposing surfaces. ### Claim 14 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. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, further comprising partially pressurizing the internal volume before sealing the connector to the surface to facilitate creation of a bond with the surface. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, further comprising engaging an opposing surface of the inflatable member with the connector. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16, further comprising forming an opening in the opposing surface, wherein the connector comprises at least one ventral portion that extends through the opening in the first surface and at least one dorsal portion that extends through the opening in the opposing surface.