Abstract: In an airtight shelter or container having an impermeable flexible base sheet sealed to an impermeable flexible cover sheet by an inflatable tubular seal within a slotted tubular frame, the slotted tubular frame is formed of lengths of slotted tube secured together by a flexible part annular locking element having a lug or projection resiliently engaging in aligned transverse apertures through mated slotted tubes.

Abstract: A container of the kind having a rigid base to which a flexible cover is sealed by means of an inflatable sealing tube is formed with a rigid support plate as part of the base, the support plate being carried on a support member having an upwardly-extending pressure wall surrounding and facing inwardly towards the edge of the plate. The pressure wall extends upwardly from below the level of the edge of the plate to above that level and the sealing tube is located between the edge of the plate and the pressure wall so that when the tube is inflated the edge of the plate forms a localized pressure region along the length of the tube.

Abstract: For transporting palletized loads in a container, such as a standard shipping container, a pallet securing kit is provided comprising flanged members which are held against two side walls of the container by an end spreader bar and are held down on the base of the container by adjustable struts so that a loaded pallet or pallets may be slid along the floor with its peripheral edges retained under flanges on said flanged members, the pallets being secured by a closure member fitted between the flanged members to hold the pallet or pallets in position.

Abstract: In a container for a vehicle or other goods comprising an impermeable base, an impermeable cover and means for sealing the cover to the base, so that, by evacuation of air from the region within the cover, the latter is drawn down onto the vehicle or other goods on the base, provision is made for obtaining access to the vehicle or other goods without removing the cover. For this purpose the cover has an opening which is sealed by means of an inflatable tube forcing the lips of the opening tightly together. Inflatable tubes lift and support the cover when access is required.

Abstract: In a container of the kind having an impermeable base and a flexible cover which is sealed into a groove or slot in the base to form an airtight package, the cover has, around its periphery, an endless male member for engaging in the slot or groove, e.g. an endless inflatable tube, which is resiliently gripped in the slot or groove.

Abstract: A container of the kind having a cover, preferably an impermeable flexible cover, sealed to a base, an improved seal is provided comprising an endless slot or groove in the base into which the periphery of the cover fits adjacent a removable tube holder of resilient material carrying one or more inflatable sealing tubes, each extending around the slot or groove adjacent the cover. Each sealing tube, when inflated, protrudes out of an aperture in the holder to seal against the cover and, if the cover is flexible, to force it into sealing engagement with a wall of the slot or groove. The holder serves to locate the tubes, thereby enabling two or more tubes to be located at different depths in the slot or groove.

Abstract: A sealed container for storing a wheeled vehicle has roller supports for the wheels of the vehicle and drive means, e.g. an electric drive, for at least one of the roller supports, the drive means being controlled from outside the container whereby the supported wheel or wheels of the vehicle may be rotated without unsealing the container and removing the vehicle. If the vehicle is left in gear, the engine and vehicle transmission system, together with all the wheels, can be exercised using only one rotatably driven wheel support. Provision is made also for exercising the vehicle suspension by raising and lowering the wheels.

Abstract: In a container of the kind having an impermeable cover which is sealed to a base, air then being evacuated from the region between the cover and the base, an improved seal is provided for use with a rigid cover. The periphery of the cover fits into an endless groove or channel on the base, a temporary seal is then effected by inflating an endless tube or tubes in the groove and air is then evacuated from within the container so that the cover is drawn down onto an elastomeric strip in the base of the groove to effect a further seal which may hold even if pressure falls in the inflated tube or tubes.

Abstract: A clamped assembly comprising one or more clamps securing tubes or tubular members together has the clamp or each clamp formed of two parts securable together, the clamping parts having a regular array of surface singularities, e.g. protruberances, which engage with a complementary array of singularities, e.g. dimples, on the tube or tubes so that, in the assembly each tube is positively located and firmly held without relaying on a frictional grip. The arrangement is particularly applicable to the jointing of tubes to form a pipe line, two tubes being joined end-to-end with a seal between or around the joint.