A device comprises a spring and a sleeve. The spring is configured to form a closed loop. The spring is moveable between a coiled configuration when the spring is collapsed and an uncoiled configuration when the spring is expanded. The spring defines a circumference while in the uncoiled configuration. The spring is disposed within the sleeve. The sleeve includes an inflatable portion disposed about at least a portion of the circumference.

Classifications

2 codes

IPC · International Patent Classification

Section B — Performing operations; transporting

B63C9/08

USPC · US Patent Classification

441/131

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Pendency

1.8 y

673 days filing → grant

Office actions

non-final + final

Responses

1 RCE

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Examiner

Andrew Wright

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Priority chain

2 priority documents

Priority

10 Oct 2000

earliest claimed

›Priority documents — 2

Type	Document	Date
provisional	US 60/238988 00	10 Oct 2000
related publication	US 20030068940 A1	10 Apr 2003

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