Spring loop with protective covering
AssigneePatent Category Corp.
InventorYu Zheng
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A spring loop assembly is provided which has an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The spring loop assembly can be twisted and folded from the expanded configuration to reduce the overall size of the spring loop assembly in the collapsed configuration. The spring loop assembly includes a loop member forming a continuous loop, with the loop member having an elongated cross-section throughout. The loop member forms a plurality of concentric loops when in the collapsed configuration. The spring loop assembly further includes a covering surrounding the outer surface of the loop member in a tight-fit manner, the covering having an elongated cross-section throughout.
Claims27
A spring loop assembly which has an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, and which can be twisted and folded from the expanded configuration to reduce the overall size of the spring loop assembly in the collapsed configuration, the spring loop assembly comprising:
- a loop member forming a continuous loop, the loop member having an elongated cross-section throughout, first and second opposing ends, and an outer surface, the loop member forming a plurality of concentric loops when the loop member is in the collapsed configuration, the first and second ends of the loop member each having a short segment which is not surrounded by the covering;
- a covering surrounding the outer surface of the loop member in a tight-fit manner, the covering having an elongated cross-section throughout;
- and
- a first sheath having a lumen for receiving the first and second ends of the loop member, and wherein the first sheath covers the uncovered short segments.
A method of making a spring loop assembly, comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a loop member having an elongated cross-section throughout, an outer surface, and first and second opposing ends, the loop member having an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, and which can be twisted and folded from the expanded configuration to reduce the overall size of the loop member in the collapsed configuration, wherein the loop member forms a plurality of concentric loops when in the collapsed configuration;
- b. applying a covering to surround the outer surface of the loop member, the covering having an elongated cross-section throughout;
- c. ensheathing the first and second ends of the loop member;
- and
- d. covering the ensheathed first and second ends of the loop member.
A collapsible object having:
- a. a spring loop assembly which has an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, and which can be twisted and folded from the expanded configuration to reduce the overall size of the spring loop assembly in the collapsed configuration, the spring loop assembly including:
- (i) a loop member forming a continuous loop, the loop member having elongated cross-section throughout, and an outer surface, the loop member forming a plurality of concentric loops when the loop member is in the collapsed configuration;
- and
- (ii) a covering surrounding the outer surface of the loop member in a tight-fit manner, the covering having an elongated cross-section throughout;
- and
- b. a panel extending across the spring loop assembly;
- the panel having a sleeve for retaining the spring loop assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.