Patent ID: 7509774
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
1. For an inflatable structure having a flexible outer shell including a restraint layer comprising a plurality of circumferential and longitudinal flexible straps and at least one opening formed therethrough, wherein the circumferential and longitudinal flexible straps have respective end portions adjacent to the at least one opening; and at least one substantially rigid structure wherein each of the at least one opening is formed to receive one of the at least one substantially rigid structure, wherein each substantially rigid structure has at least one peripheral edge portion and is comprised of: a first connecting means for receiving respective ones of predefined circumferential straps and connecting them to the substantially rigid structure, the first connecting means comprising inner connecting mechanisms and outer connecting mechanisms, the inner and outer connecting mechanisms being mounted on the substantially rigid structure and spaced along at least one of the substantially rigid structure's at least one peripheral edge portion in an interleafed array in which respective outer connecting mechanisms are interposed between adjacent pairs of inner connecting mechanisms, the outer connecting mechanisms projecting outwardly from the at least one peripheral edge portion of the substantially rigid structure beyond the adjacent inner connecting mechanisms to form a staggered array of inner and outer connecting mechanisms extending along the substantially rigid structure at least one peripheral edge portion.