INFLATABLE FRAME ASSEMBLY
An inflatable frame assembly comprises a plurality of inflatable tubular members elements having a longitudinal dimension. A first portion of the plurality of tubular members is connected in fluid communication end to end in a continuous relationship for defining a closed area. A second portion of the plurality of tubular members is connected in fluid communication at their ends with the first portion of the tubular members. The second portion of the tubular members forms uprights for suspending and supporting the first tubular members. A first inflating valve is disposed on at least one of the tubular members for introducing air for inflating the plurality of tubular members, wherein the plurality of tubular members are self-supporting when inflated and define a closed volume.
An inflatable apparatus is described and, more particularly, an apparatus comprising an inflatable frame assembly that is lightweight and, when operatively associated with a cover, provides shelter for one or more persons.
An inflatable shelter may comprise a plurality of pneumatic tubes and a cover for cooperatively supporting the shelter in an upright position. Each of the inflatable tubes is configured so that, with the addition of air, the tube is expanded into a frame member of the shelter. The deflated frame structure can be collapsed and rolled or compacted in any desired manner for transport.
Inflatable shelters are useful as tents for camping tents, which typically rely on rigid frame members or flexible fiberglass poles for support structure. The inflatable shelter substitutes inflatable pneumatic tubes for the rigid frame members and poles by providing a framework on which exterior fabric cover or a tent canopy is mounted.
There is a need for an improved inflatable frame assembly or structure comprising inflatable elements capable of supporting a covering material for providing shelter for one or more persons. The inflatable frame or structure should be quickly constructed by single person. Ideally, the inflatable frame or structure should be light weight and small volume when collapsed so as to be relatively easily transportable.
SUMMARYAn inflatable frame assembly comprises a plurality of inflatable tubular members elements having a longitudinal dimension. A first portion of the plurality of tubular members is connected in fluid communication end to end in a continuous relationship for defining a closed area. A second portion of the plurality of tubular members is connected in fluid communication at their ends with the first portion of the tubular members. The second portion of the tubular members forms uprights for suspending and supporting the first tubular members. A first inflating valve is disposed on at least one of the tubular members for introducing air for inflating the plurality of tubular members, wherein the plurality of tubular members are self-supporting when inflated and define a closed volume.
In one aspect, the tubular members extend substantially linearly when inflated and unconstrained, and the tubular members are collapsible without inflating fluid at a minimum pressure.
In a second aspect, the first portion of the plurality of tubular members is in a plane. The second plurality of tubular members may extend perpendicular to the plane.
In a third aspect, the closed area defined by the first portion of the plurality of tubular members is rectangular.
In another aspect, the inflatable frame assembly further comprises a removable cover. The cover may span between and extend over the closed area defined by the first plurality of tubular members for forming a shelter. Alternatively, the cover has a configuration corresponding to the closed volume for enclosing a top and sides of the closed volume and forming an enclosed shelter. The cover may comprise a flexible sheet material, wherein the flexible sheet material comprises a waterproof nylon fabric. At least one loop fastener may be provided along a periphery of at least one of the tubular members for fastening the cover so as to form a shelter. The cover may be detachably fastened to the at least one loop fastener, wherein the cover can be selectively removed.
In a further aspect, the inflatable frame assembly further comprises a plurality of selectively closable fluid passages in fluid communication between adjacent tubular members of the first plurality of tubular members.
For a more complete understanding of the inflatable frame assembly, reference should now be had to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. In the drawings:
Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, words such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward,” and “downward” merely describe the configuration shown in the FIGs. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, an inflatable frame assembly is shown in
The inflatable tubular members include a pair of upper side beams 22 which are of substantially equal length. The respective ends of the side beams 22 are interconnected by a pair of end beams 24 which are also of substantially equal length. The length of the end beams 24 is relatively shorter than the side beams 22. The ends of the side beams 22 and the end beams 24 are adjoined at right angles such that each pair of the side beams 22 and the end beams 24 extend parallel to one another in respective spaced relation for defining a rectangular area.
Four inflatable tubular members 26 are connected at their ends at the corners of the adjoined side beams 22 and end beams 24. The tubular members 26 extend downwardly from the corners and function as legs for supporting the interconnected side beams 22 and end beams 24. The leg members 26 are of substantially equal length such that, when inflated, the side beams 22 and end beams 24 are in substantially the same plane. For example, when the leg members 26 extend substantially vertically, the side beams 22 and the end beams 24 extend substantially horizontally.
A transverse tubular member 28 extends between and interconnects the side beams 22 intermediate along their length. The transverse member 28 extends slightly upwardly to a peak 30 at its midpoint when inflated. This configuration of the transverse tubular member 28 resists buckling at the vertex when supporting the cover.
Each of the inflatable tubular members 22, 24, 26, 28 comprises an outer flexible substantially non-resilient sleeve 32 and an inner resilient inflatable bladder 34 inside and extending substantially along the entire length of the sleeve 32. As used herein, the phrase substantially non-resilient means that the corresponding material or fabric expands slightly under tension to an estimated five percent expansion when highly tensioned. A cross-section of an exemplary tubular member is shown in
The outer sleeve 32 is formed from sheets of flexible fabric such as a coated or waterproof nylon cloth. Each sheet is substantially rectangular having a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension. The linear edges of the sheet includes a substantially linear common seam inset from each side edge forming a flat side seam extending completely along each side edge. The thread used to form the edge seams may be mono-cord bonded polyester thread or other suitable thread as would be known to one skilled in the art to withstand the loading of the sleeves. It is understood that the tubular members may be vulcanized, glued or otherwise connected to one another by known means. The result is a sleeve 32 having a uniformly tubular or cylindrical shape, when unbent, of substantially constant diameter. Each tubular member may have a circumference of about six inches, for example, meaning a diameter of approximately two inches. The side beams 22 may be, for example, about eight feet long and the end beams 24 may be, for example, about four feet long.
The inner bladder 34 is formed as a continuous hollow rubber or plastic tube wherein the ends of the bladder are sealed so that the bladder 34 is airtight. One bladder is enclosed within each sleeve.
As shown in
An air valve 50 is disposed in each of the legs 26 for providing an air passage for inflating and deflating the frame assembly 20. It is advantageous to provide means for introducing air under pressure at more than a single point of the frame assembly 20. Referring to
Referring to
The cover 60 can be releasably secured to the tubular members of the frame assembly 20. In one embodiment, shown in the
In use, the frame assembly 20 is spread on the ground or other supporting base. A means for supplying air to the tubular members, such as an air pump, is connected to one of the air inlet valves 50. Air is delivered to the tubular members via the valve 50. The tubular members gradually fill and distend and separate from one another to assume their predetermined angular relations. Because the tubular members are all in fluid connection with one another via the air hoses 36, the pump can inflate the entire frame assembly 20 upon introducing air at any one valve 50.
A minimum pressurization goal is about 8 psi, but considerably higher pressures are contemplated. Pressurization of the tubular member should be sufficient to support a cover without any additional rigid support. Accordingly, the pneumatic tubular members allow for pressurization to high air pressures in the order of 45-110 pounds per square inch (psi). Inflation of the frame to its operating pressure of, for example, fifty-five psi will cause the surface of the tubular members to become smooth. When inflated to substantially 8 psi or more, buckling or bending of the tubular members at the vertex of a bend is inhibited. The frame assembly 20 will be sufficiently rigid so as to provide load support for, and tensioning of, the cover or other structure being supported. After the frame assembly 20 is fully inflated, the inflating pump is removed. Although air-inflated tubular members are described, it is to be understood that any gas or other fluid substance serving the purpose of air may be employed to inflate the tubular members.
The inflated frame assembly 20 may be anchored to the ground or other base to minimize the effect of wind lifting or upsetting the frame assembly or moving from a selected position.
In one embodiment, stakes (not shown) may pass through the loops formed by the retainer strips 54 receiving suitable hold-down strips 12 (
When the frame assembly 20 is not in use, one of the valve caps 52 is opened to deflate the frame assembly 20. The deflated frame assembly 20 is folded or rolled into a relatively small light mass for storage and shipment.
The inflatable frame assembly 20 has many advantages, including providing a lightweight portable shelter which can be erected in a minimum of time and by the use of an air pump for inflating the frame assembly 20. The frame assembly 20 can be easily deflated for compact storage and transport.
The frame assembly 20 is for use in connection with tents or the like, although it is understood that the frame assembly 20 may be employed in various other structures or shelters and in combination with sport utility vehicles, boats, trailers, and other wheeled vehicles. Moreover, while the frame assembly 20 has been shown and described as generally rectangular, the tubular members may be arranged in a criss-cross pattern or circular formation to provide a round tent or any other arrangement for other possible form of tent or shelter.
Although the inflatable frame assembly has been shown and described in considerable detail with respect to a few exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that we do not intend to limit the invention to the embodiments since various modifications, omissions and additions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the frame assembly, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, we intend to cover all such modifications, omission, additions and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the description as defined by the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.
Claims
1. An inflatable frame assembly, comprising: wherein the plurality of tubular members are self-supporting when inflated and define a closed volume.
- a plurality of inflatable tubular members elements having a longitudinal dimension, a first portion of the plurality of tubular members connected in fluid communication end to end in a continuous relationship for defining a closed area, and a second portion of the plurality of tubular members are connected in fluid communication at their ends with the first portion of the tubular members, the second portion of the tubular members forming uprights for suspending and supporting the first tubular members; and
- a first inflating valve disposed on at least one of the tubular members for introducing air for inflating the plurality of tubular members, the inflating valve having an airtight valve cap,
2. The inflatable frame assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the tubular members extend substantially linearly when inflated and unconstrained.
3. The inflatable frame assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the tubular members are collapsible without inflating fluid at a minimum pressure.
4. The inflatable frame assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the first portion of the plurality of tubular members are in a plane.
5. The inflatable frame assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein the second plurality of tubular members extend perpendicular to the plane.
6. The inflatable frame assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the closed area defined by the first portion of the plurality of tubular members is rectangular.
7. The inflatable frame assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising a removable cover.
8. The inflatable frame assembly as recited in claim 7, wherein the cover spans between and extends over the closed area defined by the first plurality of tubular members for forming a shelter.
9. The inflatable frame assembly as recited in claim 7, wherein the cover has a configuration corresponding to the closed volume for enclosing a top and sides of the closed volume and forming an enclosed shelter.
10. The inflatable frame assembly as recited in claim 7, wherein the cover comprises a flexible sheet material.
11. The inflatable frame assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the flexible sheet material comprises a waterproof nylon fabric.
13. The inflatable frame assembly as recited in claim 7, further comprising at least one loop fastener along a periphery of at least one of the tubular members for fastening the cover so as to form a shelter.
14. The inflatable frame assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein the cover is detachably fastened to the at least one loop fastener, wherein the cover can be selectively removed.
15. The inflatable frame assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of selectively closable fluid passages in fluid communication between adjacent tubular members of the first plurality of tubular members.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 12, 2015
Publication Date: Jul 14, 2016
Inventor: Ryan Pirkle (Charleston, SC)
Application Number: 14/594,698