Structurally efficient inflatable protective device

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:870848

Nelsen, James M ^[1]; Whinery, Larry D ^[2]; Gwinn, Kenneth W ^[3]; McBride, Donald D ^[2]; Luna, Daniel A ^[4]; Holder, Joseph P ^[5]; Bliton, Richard J ^[5]

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1. Tijeras, NM
2. Albuquerque, NM
3. Cedar Crest, NM
4. Los Lunas, NM
5. Greensboro, NC

An apparatus and method for making a low cost, self-venting, inflatable protective cushion of simple and structurally efficient design with a shape and construction that optimizes the cushion's ability to withstand inflation pressures and impact when deployed which includes a sheet defined by at least one fold line and a plurality of flap portions, each flap portion having a base edge corresponding to a fold line and at least two side edges each extending outwardly from a base edge and ultimately converging to meet each other, the flap portions being folded at the fold line(s) and being joined at corresponding side edges to define an inflatable chamber. The inflatable protective cushion and method for making same may further include a lightweight, low permeability, fabric that optimizes the cushion's ability to withstand inflation pressures and impact when deployed and minimizes the packed volume of the cushion when stored.

• Research Organization: AT&T
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• Assignee: Sandia Corporation (DE); Precision Fabrics Group, Inc. (NC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5607182
• OSTI ID: 870848
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

structurally
efficient
inflatable
protective
device
apparatus
method
cost
self-venting
cushion
simple
design
shape
construction
optimizes
ability
withstand
inflation
pressures
impact
deployed
sheet
defined
fold
line
plurality
flap
portions
portion
base
edge
corresponding
edges
extending
outwardly
ultimately
converging
meet
folded
joined
define
chamber
lightweight
permeability
fabric
minimizes
packed
volume
stored
withstand inflation
structurally efficient
base edge
inflation pressures
flap portions
extending outwardly
inflatable protective
fold line
protective cushion
protective device
sheet defined
ultimately converging
packed volume
efficient inflatable
efficient design
flap portion
edge corresponding
inflatable chamber
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