Internal tensioning structure useable with inflatable devices

Abstract

An internal tensioning structure for use in an inflatable product fulfills the basic function of maintaining two adjacent inflatable surfaces in a desired geometric arrangement when the inflatable product is pressurized. The tensioning structure is formed by connecting a pair of plastic strips sheets via spaced-apart strands, such as strings or wires. When pulled taut, the strands provide a high tensile strength between the two opposed plastic strips. At the same time, the plastic strips facilitate a strong, long-lasting weld between the tensioning structure and the inflatable product.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method for producing a tensioning structure, the method comprising:
 arranging a first pair of weld strips parallel to one another on a joining device;   wrapping at least one continuous strand around a plurality of members arranged along a pair of rows adjacent the first pair of weld strips respectively, each of the pair of rows of members offset with respect to the other of the pair of rows of members, the step of wrapping comprising alternating between the pair of rows, such that the at least one continuous strand forms a plurality of end-to-end V-shaped strands; and   using the joining device to join the first pair of weld strips to the plurality of strands at respective V-shaped corners formed by the at least one continuous strand, such that the tensioning structure has a tensile strength along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the first pair of weld strips.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising the step of:
 arranging a second pair of weld strips in abutting relationship with the first pair of weld strips,   the step of arranging after the step of wrapping such that respective V-shaped corners of the at least one continuous strand are clamped interposed between the first pair of weld strips and the second pair of weld strips prior to the step of using the joining device.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising placing at least one reinforcement strand between at least one of the first pair of weld strips and a respective abutting one of the second pair of weld strips such that the at least one reinforcement strand extends along the longitudinal extent the at least one of the first pair of weld strips. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the joining device comprises at least one of a high frequency welder, a thermofusion device, an adhesive device, or a sewing machine. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the plurality of members are uniformly spaced along each of the pair of rows, respectively, and the plurality of members arranged near outer edges of the first pair of weld strips. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the members are hook-shaped. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising the step of coupling at least one of the weld strips to an interior surface of an inflatable product. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first pair of weld strips comprise a first weld strip and a third weld strip, the method further comprising a step of positioning a second weld strip adjacent to the plurality of strands with the plurality of strands positioned between the first weld strip and the second weld strip. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , further comprising the step of positioning the third weld strip adjacent to a fourth of the weld strips and the plurality of strands, the third and fourth weld strips being spaced apart from the first and second weld strips, wherein the using step couples the first and second weld strips together and the third and fourth weld strips together. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising a step of coupling at least one of the first and second weld strips to a first sheet of an inflatable product and coupling at least one of the third and fourth weld strips to a second sheet of an inflatable product. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising a step of cutting the first, second, third, and fourth weld strips along their longitudinal length before the coupling step.