AU2006203312B2 - Inflatable Structure - Google Patents

Abstract

An inflatable structure (10) comprises a plurality of inflatable frame members (12-20) supporting one or more wall and/or roof panels (32-36), a first end wall (42) at one end of the structure, a second end wall (48) at another end of the structure, the first end wall (42) including an air inlet (44), the second end wall (48) including an air outlet , the air outlet including a filter or being in fluid communication with a filter such that air leaving the structure is filtered, wherein one of the air inlet or the air outlet is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a blower (54) such that operation of the blower causes air to flow in through the air inlet, through an internal volume of the structure and out through the air outlet.

Description

I INFLATABLE STRUCTURE The present invention relates to an inflatable structure. In preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to a controlled environment inflatable structure. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION A number of tasks require a controlled work environment to ensure either a satisfactory outcome for that task or to ensure that environmental damage is not caused. Some examples include: a) Spray painting. In spray painting operations, adequate ventilation must be provided in order to prevent paint fume concentrations from building up to undesirably high concentrations in the spray painting areas. Similarly, ventilation air admitted to a spray painting area should be relatively clean in order to prevent dust or other particulates from landing on the painted article, thus causing an undesirable finish. Furthermore, air leaving the spray painting booth often carries paint mist, discharge of which may be environmentally undesirable. b) Sandblasting. In sandblasting operations, significant quantities of particulate material are thrown into the air by the very nature of the sandblasting operation. c) Growing of hydroponic crops which typically require a controlled environment. Throughout this specification, the word "comprising" or its grammatical equivalents are taken to have an inclusive meaning unless the context of use clearly indicates otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention provides an inflatable structure comprising a plurality of inflatable frame members supporting one or more wall and/or roof panels, a first end wall at one end of the structure, a second end wall at another end of the structure, the first end wall including an air inlet, the second end wall including an air outlet, the air outlet including a filter or being in fluid communication with a filter such that air leaving the structure is filtered, wherein one of the air inlet or the air outlet is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a 2 blower such that operation of the blower causes air to flow in through the air inlet, through an internal volume of the structure and out through the air outlet. In one embodiment of the present invention, one of the end walls of the structure includes a rigid frame that supports the blower. Suitably, the rigid frame may also support a filter. The rigid frame may be positioned next to or attached to the second end wall. Desirably, the blower is positioned outside the structure and extracts air from the structure. In another embodiment of the present invention, the air inlet includes a filter such that air entering the structure is filtered. The air inlet may include a first mesh material fitted to the first end wall, a second mesh material overlying the first mesh material and a filter material fitted between the first and second mesh materials. One of the mesh materials may be openable to allow the filter material to be placed between the first mesh material and the second mesh material. Suitably, one of the mesh materials has one or more edges attached to the end wall by a zip or other fastening means. In this arrangement, the filter material in the air inlet may be easily removed for cleaning or replacement. In some embodiments, the end walls may be releasably connected to the structure. For example, one or both of the end walls may be connected to the structure by zips or other releasable fasteners. This allows for the possibility of providing a longer structure by removing one of the end walls and adding further panels to the side of the structure. The end wall may then be fastened to the end of the added side panels. Thus, it will be appreciated that the structure may comprise a modular structure. The one or more inflatable frame members may comprise a plurality of spaced frame members. The frame members may be pneumatically separate from each other, or they may be pneumatically connected to each other. The frame members are arranged such that they can be inflated using pressurised air. The inflated frame members suitably remain inflated without requiring constant addition of pressurising air. Thus, the inflatable frame members are suitably sealed when inflated.

3 The frame members may be spaced from each other. In this embodiment, panels may extend from one frame member to the next frame member. In this way, the panels form the side wall and/or roof panels. In a particularly suitable embodiment, the frame members include generally vertical side wall portions and an arch portion connecting the generally vertical side wall portions. In this fashion, the structure is provided with generally vertical side walls, and a roof that is of generally semi-cylindrical shape. The structure may be provided with one or more door passages to enable entry to and egress from the structure. The one or more door passages may be formed in one or more of the side wall panels. Suitably, the one or more door passages are able to be closed. Desirably, the one or more door passages may be closed by use of a zip. In this regard, the one or more door passages may simply comprise a flap in a side panel, the flap being closable and openable by operation of a zip extending around one or more edges of the flap. In this embodiment, the door is similar to a door flap of a tent. The structure may be provided with tie-down points to enable the structure to be securely tied. The tie-down points may include ring tags. The structure may also include openings in one or more of the side walls to enable cables or hoses to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the end walls may be provided with a brace or a frame to give further strength and stability to the end of the structure. Alternatively, the end of the side walls may be provided with a brace or a rigid frame to provide further support thereto. The lower periphery of the structure may be provided with one or more flaps that, in use, can extend outwardly beyond the side walls of the structure. Weighted articles, such as water filled containers or bricks, may be placed on these flaps to assist in holding down the structure. The internal volume of the structure may be provided with rings, hooks or other holding means to hold lighting, cables, hoses and the like. The structure may further be provided with a disposable inner liner that is fixable to the inner walls of the structure. The inner liner may, for example, be a thin plastic sheet. The inner 4 liner may be used to catch overspray if the structure is being used as a spray painting booth or to catch sandblasting detritus if the structure is being used as a sandblasting booth. It is desirable that the structure includes a floor. The floor is suitably connected to the side walls or integrally formed with the side walls. However, in some embodiments, it may be possible that the structure does not have its own floor, but rather rests on the floor of another building or on the ground. In such embodiments, it is desirable that the structure is firmly held in contact with the floor of the building or the ground to minimise air leakage from underneath the side walls of the structure. In a second aspect, the present invention provides an inflatable structure comprising a plurality of inflatable frame members supporting one or more wall and/or roof panels, an air inlet for admitting air into the structure, an air outlet for allowing air to leave the structure, the air outlet including a filter or being in fluid communication with a filter such that air leaving the structure is filtered, wherein one of the air inlet or the air outlet is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a blower, such that operation of the blower causes air to flow in through the air inlet, through an internal volume of the structure and out through the air outlet. In the second aspect of the present invention, the air outlet is suitably positioned opposite to the air inlet. This assists in ensuring maximum blow through of air through the internal volume of the structure. The structure may also include one or more generally horizontal ribs arranged to space the inflatable frame members. The one or more generally horizontal ribs may be inflatable ribs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure I is a perspective view of an inflatable structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is perspective view of the inflatable structure shown in Figure 1, but seen from the opposite end; Figure 3 is an end view of the air inlet end of the inflatable structure shown in Figure 1; 5 Figure 4 is an end view of the inflatable structure shown in Figure 2, with the end view showing the air outlet; Figure 5 is a plan view of the inflatable structure shown in Figures 1-4; and Figure 6 is a side view of the inflatable structure shown in Figures 1-5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It will be understood that the attached drawings are provided for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention. Thus, it will be further understood that the present invention should not be considered to be limited to the embodiments as shown. The inflatable structure 10 shown in Figures 1-6 comprises a plurality of inflatable support members 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 & 22. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-6, the inflatable structure includes six inflatable support members. However, it will be understood that the number of inflatable support members is not limited to this number. As best shown in Figure 3, the inflatable support member 12 includes a generally vertical wall 24 and an opposed generally vertical wall 26. The vertical walls 24, 26 are interconnected by an arch portion 28. Thus, the inflatable member 12 generally takes the form of an arch when it is inflated. As best shown in Figures 1 & 2, the lower ends of each of the inflatable support members 12-22 open up into a common manifold 30. In this fashion, each of the inflatable support member 12-22 may be inflated by providing pressurised air to the manifold 30. This allows for convenient inflation. Typically, a compressor or blower will be connected to an opening in manifold 30, and the compressor or blower operated to provide pressurised air to the manifold 30 to thereby cause inflation of the inflatable support members 12-22. In an alternative embodiment, each of the inflatable support members 12-22 is pneumatically separate from the other inflatable support members. Erection of the structure in such an embodiment requires separate inflation of each of the inflatable support members 12-22. Although this is less convenient, this embodiment does have the advantage that deflation of one support member caused by a hole or a leak (for example), will not result in deflation of the other support members.

6 When the inflatable support members 12-22 are fully inflated, the inflation hole or holes may be closed or sealed (for example, by using known closures or one way valves) such that the inflatable support members remain inflated without having to continuously supply pressurised air to the support members. In order to assist in maintaining the inflated frame members in spaced relationship, the side walls of the structure may be provided with inflatable ribs 24, 26. Inflatable ribs 24, 26 extend in a generally horizontal direction when the structure is erected and act to increase resistance to longitudinal movement of the frame members relative to each other, thus assisting in maintaining the inflated frame members in the desired position. For purposes of clarity, ribs 24, 26 have been omitted from Figures 3 to 6. The structure further includes panels positioned between each of the inflatable support members. For example, panels 32, 33 & 34 may be positioned between inflatable support members 12 & 14. It will be understood that there are further panels positioned between inflatable support members 12 & 14, but these panels are not shown in Figure 1. Suitably, the panels 32, 33 and 34 are made from a fabric or a flexible sheet material. Suitably, the fabric or flexible sheet material is essentially impermeable to air and other gases. The panels may be joined to the inflatable support members using any known joining techniques. For example, panels may be joined to the inflatable support members by use of adhesives, by use of plastic welding techniques or by use of closures, such as zippers. The person skilled in the art will readily appreciate how the panels may be joined to the inflatable members. Although the embodiments shown in Figures 1-6 has panels joined between the inflatable support members, it will also be understood that the inflatable structure may be constructed such that the one or more panels extend between and over the inflatable support members. In one particularly suitable embodiment, one or more of the panels are made from a transparent or translucent material in order to allow ambient light into the interior of the structure. For example, panel 34 and the other panels at a similar height may be made from a translucent or transparent material, such as a clear vinyl material.

7 Similar clear panels may be used on the other side of the inflatable structure. As best shown in the plan view of Figure 5, the panel 34 and other panels marked by reference numeral 36 in Figure 5, may be clear panels. Suitably, the remainder of the panels may be made from an opaque material. In order to allow entry and egress of personnel into the inflatable structure, doors 38 & 40 may be provided. Conveniently, the doors 38 & 40 are simple flaps formed in their respective panels. The doors 38, 40 may be opened and closed by use of appropriate zips. For example, a zip may extend around three sides of door 38 to enable the zip to opened and closed, thereby enabling the flap of door 38 to also be opened and closed. The structure 10 may be provided with further openings for entry and egress. The inflatable structure 10 has a first end wall 42. First end wall 42 may also be made from fabric or sheet material. Suitably, first end wall 42 is releasably connected to support member 12. For example, end wall 42 may be zipped onto end wall 12. Other releasable fasteners may be used to connect the end wall 42 to the support member 12. Joining the end wall 42 to the support member 12 by use of releasable fasteners allows the length of the inflatable structure 10 to be easily increased by simple removing the end wall 42 and connecting further side wall modules to the support member 12. For example, a further side wall module may comprise a support member having panels attached thereto, which panels can be releasably fastened to the support member 12. The end wall 42 can then be connected to the additional support member that has been joined to support member 12. The end wall 42 includes an air inlet 44. Air inlet 44 suitably includes an opening having a filter mesh 46 positioned therein. This allows filtering of the air entering the interior volume of the inflatable structure 10. Suitably, the filter material comprises a mesh material that forms a sheet. The sheet of filter material may be sandwiched between two sheets of mesh material that are attached to the end wall 42. One of the sheets of mesh material attached to the end wall 42 may have a zip arranged to allow the zip to be opened to enable removal of the filter material 46 for cleaning or replacement. The person skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a number of filter materials may be used for the inlet filter 46.

8 The inflatable structure 10 also includes a second end wall 48. Second end wall 48 is located at the opposite end to first end wall 42. Second end wall 48 may also be made from a similar material to that from which first end wall 42 is made. This material may be the same as the material used to make panels 32. The second end wall 48 includes a frame 50. The end 52 of frame 50 that lies adjacent the end wall 48 surrounds an air outlet. The frame 50 also carries a blower 54. Blower 54 is in fluid communication with the air outlet in the end wall 48. To achieve this, the frame 50 also supports solid panels 56, 58, 60 62, which extend from the air outlet to the blower 54. The frame 50 also carries a filter that filters the air leaving the interior volume of the inflatable structure 10. The filter may be positioned adjacent to the air outlet, or it may be positioned adjacent to the blower 54. The outlet filter may be slideably received in the frame 50. This allows for easing fitment of the filter, and easy removal of the outlet for cleaning and/or replacement. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that a number of filter materials may be used in the outlet filter. The blower 54 is suitably an explosion-proof fan rated EXE. The fan is preferably totally sealed and does not generate any sparks. Fans or blowers known to be suitable for use in areas of explosion risk are suitable for use in the present invention. Some of the side wall panels of the inflatable structure 10 may be provided will openings covered by flaps 64, 66. In this way, power cords, pneumatic hoses, other hoses and the like may be passed into the inflatable structure. The structure 10 may also be provided with a number of tie-down rings 68. These are most clearly shown in Figure 6. Tie-down rings 68 can be used to tie down the inflatable structure when it has been erected. The inflatable structure 10 may also be provided with laterally extending flaps 70 (see Figures 3 & 4). Laterally extending flaps 70 may have weighted articles placed thereon in order to assist in holding down the structure. The inside walls of the structure 10 may also be provided with one or more rings for holding power cords, hoses and the like. The one or more rings may also be used to support a removable liner. The removable liner may be a disposable liner, 9 such as a light plastic sheet. The inflatable structure 10 suitably has a floor integrally formed with or joined to the side walls. The inflatable structure is preferably made from a fabric that is chemically resistant and fire resistant. For example, the inflatable structure may be made from a flexible heavy duty composite fabric, either laminated or impregnated with synthetic resins to render them airtight, and also render them resistant to both fire and chemical reactions. The support members may each comprise airtight welded structures. Flat panels are joined, preferably by welding, to the support members. The present invention provides a structure which can be easily and quickly erected for use. The structure provides a controlled environment workspace. The air leaving the structure is filtered to remove contaminants therefrom. The filter medium used in the air outlet may also remove gaseous contaminants ( in this regard, the filter medium may also adsorbent components). Thus, air leaving the structure is less likely to cause environmental damage. The structure may be used for conducting a number of tasks, such as spray painting or sandblasting. It may also be used for other tasks, such as hydroponic growth of crops. In some embodiments, the structure has at least one removable end wall which allows the length of the structure to be varied. The structure may be positioned underneath a roof of a shed or enclosure. Alternatively, the structure may be positioned in the open. The structure is easy to erect. When inflated, the structure has suitable structural integrity. The structure is also easy to deflate for storage or transport. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variation and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims (25)

1. An inflatable structure comprising a plurality of inflatable frame members supporting one or more wall and/or roof panels, a first end wall at one end of the structure, a second end wall at another end of the structure, the first end wall including an air inlet, the second end wall including an air outlet, the air outlet including a filter or being in fluid communication with a filter such that air leaving the structure is filtered, wherein one of the air inlet or the air outlet is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a blower such that operation of the blower causes air to flow in through the air inlet, through an internal volume of the structure and out through the air outlet.

2. An inflatable structure as claimed in claim I wherein one of the end walls of the structure includes a rigid frame that supports the blower.

3. An inflatable structure as claimed in claim 2 wherein the rigid frame also supports the filter.

4. An inflatable structure as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the rigid frame is positioned next to or attached to the second end wall.

5. An inflatable structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the blower is positioned outside the structure and extracts air from the structure.

6. An inflatable structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the air inlet includes a filter such that air entering the structure is filtered.

7. An inflatable structure as claimed in claim 6 wherein the air inlet includes a first mesh material fitted to the first end wall, a second mesh material overlying the first mesh material and a filter material fitted between the first and second mesh materials.

8. An inflatable structure as claimed in claim 7 whereinone of the mesh materials is openable to allow the filter material to be placed between the first mesh material and the second mesh material.

9. An inflatable structure as claimed in claim 8 wherein one of the mesh materials has one or more edges attached to the end wall by a zip or other fastening 11 means.

10. An inflatable structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein one or both of the end walls are releasably connected to the structure.

11. An inflatable structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more inflatable frame members comprise a plurality of spaced frame members.

12. An inflatable structure as claimed in claim 11 wherein the frame members remain inflated after inflation without requiring constant addition of pressurising air.

13. An inflatable structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the frame members are spaced from each other and panels extend from one frame member to the next frame member.

14. An inflatable structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the frame members include generally vertical side wall portions and an arch portion connecting the generally vertical side wall portions.

15. An inflatable structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the structure is provided with one or more door passages to enable entry to and egress from the structure.

16. An inflatable structure as claimed in claim15 wherein the one or more door passages comprise a flap in a side panel, the flap being closable and openable by operation of a zip extending around one or more edges of the flap.

17. An inflatable structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the structure is provided with tie-down points to enable the structure to be securely tied down.

18. An inflatable structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including openings in one or more of the side walls to enable cables or hoses to pass therethrough.

19. An inflatable structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the end walls or the end of the side walls are provided with a brace or a frame to give further strength and stability to the end of the structure.

20. An inflatable structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 12 wherein a lower periphery of the structure is provided with one or more flaps that, in use, can extend outwardly beyond the side walls of the structure.

21. An inflatable structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the structure includes a floor connected to the side walls or integrally formed with the side walls.

22. An inflatable structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the structure includes one or more generally horizontal ribs arranged to space the inflatable frame members.

23. An inflatable structure comprising a plurality of inflatable frame members supporting one or more wall and/or roof panels, an air inlet for admitting air into the structure, an air outlet for allowing air to leave the structure, the air outlet including a filter or being in fluid communication with a filter such that air leaving the structure is filtered, wherein one of the air inlet or the air outlet is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a blower, such that operation of the blower causes air to flow in through the air inlet, through an internal volume of the structure and out through the air outlet.

24. An inflatable structure as claimed in claim 23 wherein the air outlet is positioned opposite to the air inlet.

25. An inflatable structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 3 rd day of August 2006 Tingela Pty Ltd By its Patent Attorneys CULLEN & CO.