US 12,274,037 B2
Self-expanding gap filler for decreasing air leakage between adjacent elements in a data center
Brian T. Fanning, Leesburg, VA (US); and Alfred B. Cook, Potomac Falls, VA (US)
Assigned to BLUEMAMBA, INC., Sterling, VA (US)
Filed by BLUEMAMBA, INC., Sterling, VA (US)
Filed on May 20, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/669,278.
Application 18/669,278 is a continuation of application No. 18/225,853, filed on Jul. 25, 2023, granted, now 12,010,818.
Application 18/225,853 is a continuation of application No. 17/854,920, filed on Jun. 30, 2022, granted, now 11,778,788, issued on Oct. 3, 2023.
Application 17/854,920 is a continuation of application No. 17/138,187, filed on Dec. 30, 2020, granted, now 11,382,240, issued on Jul. 5, 2022.
Application 17/138,187 is a continuation of application No. 16/431,443, filed on Jun. 4, 2019, granted, now 10,912,228, issued on Feb. 2, 2021.
Application 16/431,443 is a continuation of application No. 15/483,323, filed on Apr. 10, 2017, granted, now 10,327,360, issued on Jun. 18, 2019.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/321,057, filed on Apr. 11, 2016.
Prior Publication US 2024/0314982 A1, Sep. 19, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. H05K 7/20 (2006.01); H05K 7/14 (2006.01); B32B 3/04 (2006.01); B32B 5/18 (2006.01)
CPC H05K 7/20745 (2013.01) [H05K 7/1488 (2013.01); H05K 7/20736 (2013.01); B32B 3/04 (2013.01); B32B 5/18 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A self-expanding gap filler positionable in a gap between adjacent elements in a data center, the self-expanding gap filler comprising:
a compressible material; and
a tubular outer member configured to define a sealed inner space, the tubular outer member configured to encapsulate the compressible material in a compressed state within the sealed inner space,
wherein an overall thickness of the self-expanding gap filler when the compressible material is in the compressed state is between ⅛ inch to ½ inch, and
wherein the compressible material is configured to, upon placement of the self-expanding gap filler into the gap and unsealing of the sealed inner space, expand from the compressed state within the sealed inner space of the tubular outer member to an expanded state within the unsealed inner space of the tubular outer member,
whereby the self-expanding gap filler at least partially fills the gap between the adjacent elements in the data center.