Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for attaching pool accessories, such as LED light strings, to a pool liner. The systems and methods for attaching pool accessories can comprise a re-sealable pocket attached to a pool liner where the re-sealable pocket can hold a LED light string or another pool accessory.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an attachment and an air beam comprising a hug strap attached to a hug strap pad, the hug strap adapted to connect with the attachment, and the hug strap pad adapted to attach to the air beam. A method of securing an attachment to an air beam comprising providing an air beam, attaching a hug strap to a hug strap pad, securing the hug strap pad (with the hug strap attached) to the air beam, and securing the attachment to the hug strap.

Abstract: A low cost method for constructing barriers to eliminate a flat or low pitch roof's low spots. Puddles, if allowed to stand there, shorten the roof's life and can do structural damage to the roof deck. Each barrier includes a flexible membrane initially sized and shaped and then positioned to cover at least one low spot and substantially overlap the latter's edges. So positioned, the membrane is heat welded or otherwise joined to form a continuous watertight seal, along its outer periphery, between the membrane and an existing roof deck covering and, when the low spot is next to a parapet, the existing parapet covering as well. Filled with a solidified plastic foam sandwiched between the membrane and the existing covering(s), such barriers, once they have been mechanically fastened to the roof deck and, if necessary, to the parapet, permanently direct storm water away from each of the roof's barrier-covered low spots.

Abstract: A lightweight, raised roof edge segmented to accommodate narrow openings for scupper-fed downspouts. The edge's segments include at least one pair of elongated, inflatable or otherwise fillable, membrane-covered barriers, each of which spans about 20 feet, making it compatible with typical spacings between industrial building downspouts. Retrofitted onto a flat or low pitch roof at the latter's joint with an exterior wall, the barrier, still in its flattened state, is secured and sealed not only to the roof but also to the wall. So secured, the barrier straddles the joint between them longitudinally. Subsequently filled with gas or solids, the barrier functions as a check dam, collecting and temporarily storing storm water and/or funneling it, via scupper, into a downspout. Barriers with rigid, longitudinally extending, angular peaks also tend to break up and lift high winds, further reducing potential roof damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates a refuge used in underground mines, and more particularly to a type of isolated refuge cabin used in underground mines, including the supporting airbag (1), the body shell (2) equipped outside the supporting air bag (1), a breathable air supplier (4) and an air inflation device (3); the air outlet (5) of the air inflation device (3) is linked with an air outlet (7) of the supporting air bag (1) through an air supply passage (6); the air inlet (8) of the breathable air supplier (4) is connected to the interior cavity of the body shell (2) through an air intake passage (9); the air outlet (10) of the breathable air supplier (4) is linked with the lower part of the interior cavity of the body shell (2) through the air outlet passage (11); the breathable air supplier (4) includes a shell (12), the oxygen generating agent (13) equipped inside the shell (12); the emergency exit (14) is installed on the body shell (2).

Abstract: A deployable and inflatable roof, wall, or other structure has first and second covers made of flexible panels and cables arranged from edge to edge along the covers. Couplings along the edges of the covers connect the structure to supports, such as rails on which the structure can deploy and other supports of a building. Air from blowers blow air in between the covers to inflate the structure like an air cushion. In addition to cables, lateral support for the structure can use struts disposed edge to edge along the covers. Traction or rack and pinion drive mechanisms or cable drive systems can be used to deploy and retract the structure along the rails to cover or open a rooftop or other opening or area of the building.

Abstract: A low cost method and device for diverting water away from a flat roof's low spots, thus preventing it from puddling there during a rainstorm. Such puddles, if allowed to stand, can damage a roof deck structurally. The device includes a flexible membrane, an air valve mounted thereon, and mechanical fasteners for attaching the membrane along its periphery, to both the roof deck and its existing covering. Ideally, the membrane can be heat welded, taped or glued to the roof covering and joined thereto to form an airtight seal, thus simplifying construction of inflatable barriers for the roof's low spots. For each such barrier, a membrane, sized and shaped to cover at least one low spot, substantially overlaps the latter's edges and defines, in combination with the roof covering, an air pocket which, when inflated via the air valve, causes the membrane to protrude upwardly, effectively elevating the covered spot.

Abstract: Embodiments include an inflatable support structure enclosing a region fillable by a fluid at a positive pressure above an atmospheric pressure. A flexible screen is attached to the support structure, a region between the flexible screen and the support structure fillable by a fluid at a negative pressure below the atmospheric pressure that holds the flexible screen in a shape suitable for image projection. A method according to embodiments includes inflating an inflatable support structure with a fluid at a positive pressure above an atmospheric pressure and removing fluid from a region between the support structure and a flexible screen attached to the support structure to hold the flexible screen in a shape suitable for image projection with the fluid at the negative pressure below the atmospheric pressure between the flexible screen and the support structure.

Abstract: A method of assembling an inflatable shell of a structure comprises folding a plurality of shell sections about a set of fold lines and integrating the plurality of shell sections together with one another to form the shell. In another embodiment, an inflatable shell comprises a plurality of shell sections, each shell section having two pairs of fold lines for folding into stowage comprising a first gore section having a plurality of first gore panels layered and collectively folded about at a first set of fold lines. Each layer of the first gore panels and second gore panels are configured such that, once the first gore panel and second gore panel are attached to one another at the respective side edges of each panel, the lines of attachment forming a second set of fold lines for the shell section. A system and method for fabricating gore panels is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a support structure comprising a tension-compression element (1) which is composed of tension-compression bars (2) that are connected in real joints (3) as well as tension straps (4) that extend from one joint (3) to another (3). The outermost tension-compression bars (2) are connected in one respective knot (9). Two pressurized hollow members that are surrounded by a cover (6) are arranged on both sides of a plane that extends through the tension-compression element (1) such that the linear tensions ? generated in the cover (6) preload the tension straps (4) on the plane of the tension-compression element (1), secure the tension-compression bars (2) against bending, and stabilize the joints (3). The linear tensioning components that extend perpendicular to said plane of symmetry strut the tension-compression element (1) against lateral bending. Air-tight, optionally elastic pneumatic elements (7) can be inserted into the hollow members (5).

Abstract: A method of assembling an inflatable shell of a structure comprises folding a plurality of shell sections about a set of fold lines and integrating the plurality of shell sections together with one another to form the shell. In another embodiment, an inflatable shell comprises a plurality of shell sections, each shell section having two pairs of fold lines for folding into stowage comprising a first gore section having a plurality of first gore panels layered and collectively folded about at a first set of fold lines. Each layer of the first gore panels and second gore panels are configured such that, once the first gore panel and second gore panel are attached to one another at the respective side edges of each panel, the lines of attachment forming a second set of fold lines for the shell section. A system and method for fabricating gore panels is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wall panel which can be used to provide a lower, more rigid, perimeter wall to an air supported structure. The wall panels may be attached to the earth via a hinged connection to provide for improved ease of raising the air supported structure and to allow for flexing, or may be rigidly attached. The wall panels will generally be modular and interchangeable.

Abstract: An adjustable cover hold down system designed to be used with an awing cover or a tarp that includes a flexible elongated body capable of being rolled into a compact roll during storage and then unrolled prior to being used. The system includes a plurality of clips designed to attach to an enlarged, longitudinally aligned, perimeter beaded edge that extends the entire length of the body. The clips may include adjustable clamp, a hook clip or an elongated traveler that enables them to be attached to the lower free edge of a trap, a tarp gusset, or the slot formed on a roller bar used on an awning cover, respectively. The body includes a bladder with at least one port opening with a removable cap that allows the bladder to be selectively filled with different volumes of a fluid material, such as water or sand.

Abstract: Described is a building encasement element (100) with a foil cushion that comprises an outer foil layer (101) forming the outside of a building envelope and an inner foil layer (102) forming the outside of a building envelope, wherein these foil layers form, between themselves, at least one essentially fluid-tight, enclosed hollow space in which a fluid medium, in particular, air, is contained, and with a reinforcement element (107).

Abstract: A wall panel which can be used to provide a lower, more rigid, perimeter wall to an air supported structure. The wall panels may be attached to the earth via a hinged connection to provide for improved ease of raising the air supported structure and to allow for flexing, or may be rigidly attached. The wall panels will generally be modular and interchangeable.

Abstract: A mobile building module comprises rigid load-bearing surface elements and one or more inflatable flexible surface elements connected therewith. In the transport condition, several of the load-bearing rigid surface elements are disposed to form a parallelepiped container having a floor and surrounding rigid walls for accommodating the inflatable flexible surface elements, with the height of the container being lower than the height of the building. A building, which is assembled of several partial modules, which are constructed according to the above-mentioned principles, is also an object of the invention.

Abstract: A flexible connection joint for inflatable structures such as life rafts, evacuation slides, and the like, includes a flexible connection member to join walls of the inflatable structure together. The flexible connection member includes first and second strip portions that are bonded together at one end to from three legs that can be joined to two or three walls of the structure or to other connecting elements or strips. In this manner, a tensile force acting on at least one of the walls of the structure causes generation of shear forces between the flexible legs and walls to thereby resist their separation.

Abstract: Pneumatic hurricane shutters are designed to temporarily cover a window or door in a building or other structure. The shutters have a lightweight rigid frame for surrounding the openings and mounting on fasteners attached to the building. Elongated pneumatic tubes are connected to frame rails and span the space between the rails to protect the opening. The frames can be locked in place to prevent inadvertent removal once in place. The frames and deflated tubes can be stored until the approach of a storm at which time the frames may be attached to the building and the tubes inflated to protect the openings.

Abstract: A building component for forming a roof. The component includes an ETFE foil cushion comprising sheets of ETFE foil which are held in a frame about their periphery, and which are inflated. The frame includes a release mechanism for releasing the cushion from the frame, for example, in the event of a fire.

Abstract: An inflatable structure includes a first inflatable section having an interior open to an airflow from a blower, and a second inflatable section attached to the first inflatable section and having an interior that is substantially closed from the airflow such that if the airflow is stopped the second inflatable section will not deflate as fast as the first inflatable section and will support the first inflatable section.

Abstract: A kit for building a structure which includes a plurality of panels (28, 30), each panel having at least one respective peripheral formation (34) and a plurality of fasteners (10); each fastener having at least two clip formations (12, 14), and wherein the clip formations of a fastener are respectively engageable with the peripheral formations of two of the panels which are positioned adjacent each other, to secure the panels together.

Abstract: A flexible structural restraint layer for use with an inflatable modular structure, having a fore and aft assembly separated by a longeron and an inflatable bladder. The restraint layer is comprised of two circumferential strap assemblies, each attachedly fastened at opposing ends of a radial strap assembly. There are a plurality of axial straps that are secured in place to the circumferential strap assemblies and the radial strap assembly. The restraint layer surrounds the bladder and the ends of the axial straps are secured in place at the fore and aft end of the modular structure. When the bladder is inflated, the structural restraint layer distributes the load created by the inflated bladder.

Abstract: An erectable play structure for children including one or more enclosures or pods (10, 11, 12) which may be interconnected by one or more access tunnels (14) the whole structure being formed predominantly from a non-self supporting material thus to be collapsible for storage and adapted to be connected to an air pump (18) whereby the internal pressure within the structure may be slightly in excess of ambient pressure thus to maintain the structure in an erect condition. One or more access ports (15, 16) and/or blanking plates (17) may be provided in each enclosure to allow or prevent access to or exit from the enclosure. The access ports (16) are constructed such that after passage there through they resume a closed condition to resist escape of air therethrough. Hook and loop fasteners or the like are used to attach the enclosures, tunnels and access ports together in assembly of the structure.

Abstract: Described is a covering element for buildings comprising at least one, preferably fixedly arranged support apparatus and at least one film pillow that displays two outer film layers, between which is formed at least one hollow space closed in a gastight manner and containing gas, especially air, and displays a fastening section in which the two outer film layers are connected to each other and by which section the film pillow is anchored to the support apparatus. The special aspect of this covering element for buildings consists in the fact that at least one thermally insulating element is arranged in the fastening section of the film pillow and in the fact that the two outer film layers are spaced apart from each other by the thermally insulating element and thereby rest upon the latter.

Abstract: A building component for forming a roof. The component includes an ETFE foil cushion comprising sheets of ETFE foil which are held in a frame about their periphery, and which are inflated. The frame includes a release mechanism for releasing the cushion from the frame, for example, in the event of a fire.

Abstract: A waterproof vehicle parking shade device includes a shade having a space for receiving and parking a vehicle, a bottom board mounted on a bottom of the shade, multiple inflatable strips mounted on a peripheral face of the shade and capable of supporting the entire shade after inflation, and a door plate secured on one end of the shade for closing and sealing the shade, to prevent water from entering the shade, thereby preventing the vehicle in the shade from being soaked in the water.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a canopy which can be inflated, deployed and retracted, respectively, having a plurality of longitudinal inflatable beams arranged side by side, a device for supplying the inflatable beams with pressurized fluid, and a device for the foundation or ballasting of the canopy. Each of the inflatable beams is formed by a tubular envelope which is closed at its two ends by a mechanical leaktight confinement device.

Abstract: A pneumatic structure in the form of a barrel roof which has openings at the opposite ends thereof includes outer and inner walls of a sheet or membrane material connected by a plurality of partition walls in the form of ribs provided therebetween to define a plurality of air compartments in the form of ribs between the outer and inner walls. The partition walls includes a plurality of openings for fluid communication between adjacent air compartments. The pneumatic structure has specific dimensions defined as follows. 1.20≦b/a≦1.35 1.10≦d/c≦1.35 0.2≦a/c≦0.5 where a: the maximum opening width of the pneumatic structure; b: the total width of the pneumatic structure; c: the effective height (between ground and the maximum height of the inner wall; and d: the total height (between ground and the maximum height of the outer wall.

Abstract: An inflatable shelter includes a flexible membrane, a first elongate inflatable tube supported by the flexible membrane and a second elongated inflatable tube supported by the flexible membrane. The first tube has first and second axial ends and a first intermediate portion between the first and second axial ends. The second tube has third and fourth axial ends and a second intermediate portion between the third and fourth axial ends. The first, second, third and fourth axial ends terminate in a plane. The first and second intermediate portions converge towards one another such that the first and second tubes form four legs supporting the membrane. The flexible membrane preferably includes first and second sleeves defining first and second lumens receiving the first and second inflatable tubes, respectively, and a plurality of wall panels coupled to and extending between the first and second sleeves.