AU2014202945A1

AU2014202945A1 - Portable inflatable shelter

Info

Publication number: AU2014202945A1
Application number: AU2014202945A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Salvatore Anthony Rizza; Lee Alan Spouse
Original assignee: CHARLES PARSON HOLDINGS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: CHARLES PARSON (HOLDINGS) Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-05-31
Filing date: 2014-05-30
Publication date: 2014-12-18
Also published as: AU2017228674A1; AU2016204152A1

Abstract

- 31 This invention relates to portable shelter system, such as a tent. The shelter comprises an inner tent layer (inner tent) configured to form an internal space (such as a living and/or sleeping space) bounded by an inner wall of the inner tent when in an assembled and deployed state. One or more inflatable members are coupled to the inner tent and located adjacent to or on an outer wall of the inner tent when in an assembled state. The one or more inflatable members give the inner tent structure to form the internal space therein when in an inflated state of the member(s), and at least one valve is operatively coupled to the one or more inflatable members and operable to enable inflation or deflation of the associated inflatable member(s) to deploy/collapse the tent. 136bii --- 1147 136bii I 136bii tt ------ ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- --- ---- ---- -- Jk- l ------- --- --- --- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT, 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL Name of Applicant: CHARLES PARSONS (HOLDINGS) PTY LIMITED Actual Inventors: SPOUSE, Lee Alan and RIZZA, Salvatore Anthony Address for service AJ PARK, Level 11, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT in Australia: 2601, Australia Invention Title: Portable Inflatable Shelter Details of Associated Provisional Application: 2013901960 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us. 6435656_1 -2 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to inflatable shelters such as inflatable tents and/or portable sleeping units/swags. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 5 Portable shelters such as tents and sleeping units (commonly referred to as swags in New Zealand and Australia), used in camping and/or other outdoor activities are well known. Conventionally, such portable shelters are constructed from at least one sheet of fabric attached to a structural frame, to form an enclosure having an internal living/sleeping 10 space. The frame can be formed from a series of structural members such as poles. The process of erecting a portable shelter requires the assembly of a frame from the poles and the connection of the sheet(s) of fabric to the frame. This can be quite a complex and time consuming process when multiple connections are to be made and/or when complicated shelter structures are involved for example. 15 Single skin shelters comprise a single layer of (generally waterproof/breathable) fabric. Double skin shelters comprise an inner layer of fabric (inner skin/tent layer) and an outer layer of fabric (outer skin/flysheet). The flysheet is waterproof on the outside and provides a surface for collecting condensation on the inside. The inner tent forms the enclosure surrounding the internal living/sleeping space of the shelter and is typically not 20 waterproof as it is protected by the flysheet. Either one of the inner or outer layers can be the structural layer that couples the frame to form the shelter. Inflatable portable shelters utilise inflatable members to provide the frame for the shelter, thereby (at least partially) eliminating the need and complexity of utilising poles. The inflatable members are either integral with or easily coupled to the structural layer of 25 the shelter such that pitching or erecting the shelter is simply achieved by inflating the structural members. Inflatable portable shelters are typically lighter, less complex to assemble and require less time to pitch than the conventional shelters described above. They are thus a desired alternative to conventional shelters for some applications. It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative or improved inflatable 30 shelter system or to at least provide the public with a useful choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a portable shelter system comprising: - 3 a layer of material configured to provide an enclosure for an internal space (such as a living and/or sleeping space) in a deployed state, one or more inflatable members configured to couple to the layer of material, the one or more inflatable member giving structure to and deploying the enclosure in the 5 inflated state, and at least one valve operatively coupled to the one or more inflatable members and operable to enable inflation or deflation of the associated inflatable member(s). In a first preferred embodiment of the above aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist of a portable shelter system in the form of a portable tent comprising: 10 an inner tent layer (hereinafter: inner tent) configured to form an internal space (such as a living and/or sleeping space) bounded by an inner wall of the inner tent when in an assembled and deployed state, one or more inflatable members coupled to the inner tent and located adjacent to or on an outer wall of the inner tent when in an assembled state, the one or more 15 inflatable members giving the inner tent structure to form the internal space therein when in an inflated state of the member(s), and at least one valve operatively coupled to the one or more inflatable members and operable to enable inflation or deflation of the associated inflatable member(s). Preferably the portable tent further comprises an outer cover layer (hereinafter: outer 20 cover) that may be configured to lay over at least a portion of the inner tent and the one or more inflatable members in the assembled state of the shelter, such that, in the inflated state, the one or more inflatable member(s) create a gap between the inner tent and the outer cover. Preferably the outer cover is a flysheet. 25 Preferably the one or more inflatable members when coupled to the inner tent in the inflated state, is / are restrained in a manner to define a predetermined shape of the enclosure in the deployed state. Preferably each one of the one or more inflatable members is formed from an elongate length of material shaped to form an elongate structural beam in the inflated state.

-4 Preferably the inner tent, in the deployed state, comprises a front face, a rear face, opposing side walls and a roof. Preferably one or more of the inflatable members are configured to extend at least over the roof, or a side wall or both side walls, or each of these, of the inner tent to thereby 5 give the inner tent structure by pulling from the outer surface and stretching the sides and the roof of the inner tent outwardly in the inflated state. Alternatively one or more of the inflatable members are configured to, in the inflated state, apply tension to the inner tent. Preferably, one or more of the inflatable members are configured to extend at least along 10 the roof, such as along a roof ridge or as additional inflatable members extending along the roof between a pair of inflatable members which extend over the roof from one side of the tent to an opposing side of the tent. Preferably the system comprises one or more of the inflatable members are configured to be distributed and/or spaced along a longitudinal axis of the inner tent in the assembled 15 state. Alternatively, or in addition, the system comprises one or more of the inflatable members distributed and / or spaced apart in-line with a longitudinal axis of the inner tent in the assembled state. Preferably each one of the one or more inflatable members comprises a valve for inflating or deflating the member. 20 In a preferred configuration of the first embodiment, the system further comprises one or more restraints or a restraint mechanism is provided along the outer surface of the inner tent, each restraint or the restraint mechanism configured to couple or constrain one or more of said inflatable member(s) to the inner tent. Preferably each restraint or the restraint mechanism is configured to removably couple 25 the one or more inflatable member(s) to the inner tent. Preferably the one or more restraint(s) comprises one or more sleeves provided along the outer surface of the inner tent, each sleeve configured to accommodate one or more of said inflatable member(s) therein in the inflated state of the member(s). Preferably each sleeve comprises an open end for removably and slidably receiving one 30 or more inflatable member(s) therethrough.

- 5 Additionally or alternatively each sleeve may comprise a reclosable opening or an opening mechanism, such as a zip fastener or hook and loop fastener or other two-part connection systems, along a length or at least a part of a length of the sleeve for removably receiving and accommodating one or more inflatable member(s) therein. 5 Preferably one of more of each sleeve or other restraint spans along an outer surface of the inner tent from a bottom edge of the tent at one side and across to a bottom edge on the opposing side of the inner tent. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of each sleeve or other restraint spans along an outer surface of the inner tent from a bottom edge of the inner wall of the inner tent, through the inner tent wall to the outer wall of 10 the inner tent at one side and across to another side, through the outer tent wall to a bottom edge of the inner wall of the inner tent. Preferably there are three inflatable members, each of said inflatable members extending from one side of the shelter to an opposing side. Preferably, there are two inflatable members, each of said inflatable members extending 15 from one side of the shelter to an opposing side. Preferably, one or more additional inflatable members are provided to extend along or adjacent to a roof line or ridge portion of the inner tent, and to be located between or to substantially engage with the one or more inflatable members extending from one side of the shelter to an opposing side. 20 Preferably the system comprises a plurality of sleeves or restraints are distributed/spaced along an axis, or multiple axes, of the inner tent, for example along a longitudinal axis or along another axis of the inner tent which facilitates a predetermined shape of the enclosure in the deployed state. Preferably each sleeve or restraint is sewn onto the inner tent. 25 In an alternative embodiment, the one or more inflatable members are integrally formed with the inner tent. Preferably the system further comprises a groundsheet spanning at least the width and length of the inner tent to form a floor surface for the internal space. Preferably the groundsheet is coupled about a peripheral edge of the groundsheet to a 30 peripheral bottom edge of the inner tent. Preferably the groundsheet is sewn to the inner tent. Alternatively the groundsheet is integrally formed with the inner tent.

-6 Preferably the groundsheet is formed of a waterproof material. Preferably the inner tent comprises one or more apertures or windows for providing air ventilation to the internal space. Preferably the inner tent comprises a window adjacent the groundsheet. Preferably at least one window is covered by a mesh fabric. 5 Preferably the outer cover extends over at least an upper end of the inner tent opposing the groundsheet in the assembled state of the shelter. Preferably the system further comprises an outer cover securing mechanism for connecting the outer cover adjacent the one or more inflatable members. Preferably the outer cover securing mechanism comprises a first set of connectors for 10 coupling a peripheral edge of the outer cover to a portion of the inner tent or adjacent a bottom peripheral edge of the inner tent. Preferably each connector of the first set of connectors comprises a two-part connection system or a male part to be received by a female part, such as a tongue at the peripheral edge of the outer cover and a corresponding buckle adjacent the bottom peripheral edge of the inner tent. Preferably at 15 least one female part or buckle is on one of the sleeve(s) or restraint(s). Preferably the outer cover securing mechanism comprises a second set of connectors for coupling an inner surface of the outer cover adjacent the outer surface of the inner tent. Preferably the second set of connectors comprises of a hook and loop type fastener. Preferably the hook and loop fasteners are distributed on the one or more sleeves or 20 restraints and on or along corresponding locations on the inner surface of the outer cover. Preferably the outer cover comprises a main body portion and a plurality of leg portions extending from the body. Preferably the main body portion of the outer cover is configured to couple over the roof 25 of the inner tent. Preferably the main body portion is configured to couple the one or more sleeves or restraints via the first or second set of connectors. Preferably the leg portions are configured to couple over the sides or side wall portions of the inner tent. Preferably one or more of the leg portions are configured to couple the sleeve(s) or restraints(s) and/or outer surface of the inner tent via the first and second 30 set of connectors.

-7 Preferably a first set of leg portions of the outer cover is configured to extend over the opposing side walls of the inner tent. Preferably the first leg portions are configured to extend adjacent and along the one or more sleeves or restraints. Preferable the buckle associated with each leg portion of the first set is located at an end of the corresponding 5 inflatable member. Preferably a plurality of hook and loop type fastener are provided along the length and adjacent or on each inflatable member for connecting to a corresponding plurality of hook and loop fasteners on the first set of leg portions. Preferably a plurality of hook and loop fasteners are provided on an inner wall of the main body portion for connecting to corresponding hook and loop fasteners on or 10 adjacent the sleeves at or adjacent the roof of the inner tent. Preferably a second set of leg portions of the outer cover are configured to extend over the front and rear faces of the inner tent to couple buckles at bottom edges of the front and rear faces. In a second preferred embodiment, the invention may broadly be said to consist of a 15 portable sleeping unit (hereinafter: swag) comprising: a outer cover layer (hereinafter: outer cover) forming an enclosure with an internal space therein in a deployed state, a groundsheet forming a floor space for the enclosure, one or more inflatable members coupled to the cover, the one or more inflatable 20 members giving the cover structure to form the internal space therein when in the inflated state of the member(s), and at least one valve operatively coupled to the one or more inflatable members and operable to enable inflation or deflation of the associated inflatable member(s). Preferably, when in the deployed state, the enclosure formed by the outer cover defines 25 a head end and a foot end. More preferably, the head end has a relatively larger enclosure region than an enclosure region of the foot end. Preferably the one or more inflatable members configured to couple with an inner surface of cover. Preferably an inflatable member is provided to couple either end of the outer cover. 30 Preferably the swag further comprises a restraint at either end of the outer cover for constraining an inflatable member thereat in the inflated state.

-8 Preferably the restraint is a sleeve at either end of the outer cover for receiving and accommodating an inflatable member therethrough in the inflated state. Preferably each inflatable member is formed from an elongate length of material shaped to form a structural beam in the inflated state. 5 Preferably each one of the one or more inflatable members is of a length substantially sufficient to span along the inner surface of the cover across the width of the cover, the one or more inflatable members giving the cover structure by pushing out and stretching the cover outwardly when in the inflated state. Alternatively, in the inflated state, the inflatable member(s) apply tension to the outer cover. 10 Preferably the swag further comprises a securing mechanism associated with each end of each inflatable member for securing the respective ends of each member within the internal space of the enclosure. Preferably at each end of the internal space, a pair of connections corresponding to either end of the associated inflatable member is provided, the pair of connections being separated by a distance substantially less than the length of 15 the member, to thereby form an arched structural beam from each inflatable member. Preferably the securing mechanism is configured to secure the associated end of an inflatable member to the groundsheet. Preferably the securing mechanism provides a connection at each corner of the groundsheet adjacent a head end of the cover, and a connection at each corner of the groundsheet adjacent a foot end of the cover. 20 Preferably the securing mechanism is a hook and loop fastener provided between an end of an inflatable member and an associated location on the groundsheet. Preferably the inflatable member at a head end of the cover is longer than an inflatable member at a foot end of the cover to thereby provide an enclosure having a higher internal space at the head end relative to the foot end. 25 Preferably the cover and the groundsheet are of a substantially constant width along its length in the deployed state. Preferably the cover comprises an entrance on at least one side of the cover. Preferably a zip fastener is provided along a peripheral edge of the entrance for opening and closing the entrance accordingly. 30 Preferably the swag further comprises a front vestibule extending from the head end of the cover.

-9 The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the 5 same manner. As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both. As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun. This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features 10 referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. 15 The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which: 20 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of an inflatable tent system, Figure 2 is a side view of an inner tent and inflatable frame of the first embodiment in the deployed state, Figure 2B and 2C are side views of an inner tent and inflatable frame for alternative 25 embodiments in the deployed state, Figure 3 is a side view of an outer cover layer of the first embodiment, Figures 3B and 3C are side views of an outer cover layer of for alternative embodiments, Figure 4 is a side view illustrating the assembly of the tent system of figure 1, - 10 Figures 4B and 4C are side views illustrating the assembly of the tent for alternative embodiments, Figure 5 shows perspective views of a sleeping unit in accordance with a second preferred embodiment and its associated components, 5 Figures 6A and 6B are side views showing horizontal inflatable members for alternative embodiments in the deployed state, Figures 7A and 7B are side views showing an awning assembly for alternative embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 10 The invention relates to preferred forms of inflatable shelter systems having one or more layers of material, at least one of which being configured to provide an enclosure for an internal living/sleeping space in the deployed state. The structural layer is coupled to one or more inflatable frame members that give structure and deploy the enclosure when inflated. At least one valve is provided and operatively coupled to the one or more 15 inflatable members to enable inflation or deflation of the associated inflatable member(s). Some of the benefits provided by such inflatable shelter systems of the invention include: * A reduction in the number of components and complexity associated with the pitching of the shelter, 20 0 A reduction in the pitching time associated with the shelter, * Relatively simple disassembly and storage - involves deflation and rolling of the shelter and inflatable members together as one unit, * Reduced storage space required for the disassembled shelter, and * Reduced susceptibility to damage to any of the frame components of the shelter 25 during storage. The inflatable shelter of the invention is embodied in an inflatable tent system and in an inflatable sleeping unit as described in further detail below. Tent System - 11 Referring to figure 1, a first preferred embodiment of an inflatable shelter 100 of the invention is shown. The inflatable shelter 100 is a portable tent system 100 comprising an inner skin or inner tent layer 110 supported by a frame 120, and protected by an outer skin or cover layer 130. 5 The tent system 100 is shown in its fully assembled and erect/deployed state. The frame 120 provides structure to the inner tent 110 in this state to form an enclosure having an internal living or sleeping space 150 therein. A ground sheet 140 is provided at the bottom edge of the inner tent 110 to provide a floor surface for the internal living or sleeping space 150 of the tent system 100. The 10 outer cover layer 130 lays over the top of the inner tent 110 and frame 120 to predominantly protect these components. The frame 120 encages the inner tent 110 to form a gap between the inner tent 110 and the outer cover layer 130. This gap allows air to flow between the inner tent 110 and outer cover 130 layers to maintain breathability of the inner tent 110 and/or dry 15 condensate formed on the inner surface of the outer cover 130 for example. The outer cover layer 130 is secured to the remainder of the tent system 100 by multiple connections 135 about the tent system 100. The connections 135, in the preferred embodiment are predominantly made between the outer cover layer 130 and the frame 120. Other connections may be made with the inner tent 110, the ground sheet 140 20 and/or any other component of the tent system 100. Referring to figure 2, the frame 120 is formed from a plurality of inflatable components or members 121. The inflatable members 121 are elongate to form structural beams for the inner tent 110 in their inflated state. The shape, size, orientation and distribution of the inflatable members 121 relative to the 25 inner tent 110 are dictated by the intended structure of the inner tent 110 and/or its associated internal living/sleeping space. In the preferred configuration, the frame 120 is provided by a plurality of longitudinal extending/elongate inflatable members 121. The members 121 may be of varying lengths and may in some embodiments be substantially equally distributed along a longitudinal axis, A, of the inner tent 110. In 30 combination, each of these members 121 when inflated and appropriately coupled to the inner tent 110, pull a respective portion of the inner tent 110 outwards to deploy the tent system 100. Each member 121 is of a length sufficient to substantially couple and extend - 12 about the exterior perimeter or outer surface of the inner tent 110 in the direction of the transverse axis (into the page - not shown) of the inner tent 110. For example, in one embodiment, each member 121 is configured to extend along the outer surface 111 of the inner tent 110 from the bottom edge 112 on one side 113a of 5 the inner tent 110 to the bottom edge 112 on the opposing side (113b - not shown). Each member 121 extends continuously along the outer surface 111 of the inner tent 110, upwards from one side 113a, over a roof portion 114 of the inner tent 110 and down to the other side 113b of the inner tent 110. In an alternative embodiment, referring to figures 2B and 2C, the members 121 may 10 protrude through a section or aperture 122 of the inner tent 110 to extend along the outer surface 111 of the inner tent 110. The members 121 may be coupled to the inner tent 110 through aperture 122 for additional structural stability, for example, or sturdiness. In one embodiment, the apertures 122 may be positioned in a region adjacent or near 15 the lower edge of the inner tent 110. Apertures 122 may be in the form of a skirt or zip locked section, and positioned along the overlapping length of the member 121 and the inner tent 110. Each member 121 is coupled to or otherwise restrained against the inner tent 110 at a plurality of locations along its length to thereby act on the inner tent 110 in a number of 20 directions upon inflation and expand the respective portion of the inner tent 110 to deploy the tent system 100. In the preferred configuration each inflatable member 121 is continuously coupled or retrained along its length to the outer surface of the inner tent 110. Alternatively, discrete connections may be distributed along the length of the inflatable member 121. 25 The inflatable members 121 when coupled to the inner tent 110 in the inflated state, are restrained in a manner to define a predetermined shape of the enclosure in the deployed state. In the inflated state, the members 121 give the inner tent 110 structure by pulling from the outer surface and stretching/expanding the inner tent 110 outwardly. The members 121 are thereby configured to, in the inflated state, apply tension to the inner 30 tent 121. The preferred configuration shown comprises three inflatable members 121a-c, that are substantially equally distributed along a major body portion of the inner tent 110.

- 13 Inflatable members 121a and 121b are of substantially equal lengths. When inflated, these members 121a/b, in association with the constant width of the inner tent 110 between these members, provides a first central living/sleeping region 152 towards the front of the living/sleeping space 150 that is of substantially constant width and height 5 throughout its length (ignoring any potential drooping that may be present if the inner tent 110 between these members 121a/b is not taut). The third inflatable member 121c of the tent system 100 is of a shorter length compared to the front two members 121a and 121b. The second 121b and third 121c members, in association with the tapering/decreasing width of the inner tent 110 between these 10 members, provides a second central living/sleeping region 153 towards the rear of the living/sleeping space 150 this is of substantially constant width and a substantially tapered height towards the rear of the tent system 100. Either side of the central regions 152/153, the inner tent 110 tapers towards the groundsheet 140 to provide tapered (in both width and height) front 151 and rear 154 living/sleeping regions of the internal 15 living/sleeping space 150. A particular benefit of incorporating the inflatable members 121 on an outer surface (as opposed to the inner surface) of the inner tent 110 is that it enables a larger internal space/volume for the same size tent 110. The resulting deployed enclosure can preferably house up to six people within the internal living/sleeping space 150. 20 It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the invention, any number of inflatable members 121 may be utilised, each one taking on any shape, size, distribution and/or orientation relative to the inner tent 110 so to provide the overall desired frame 120 suitable for erecting/deploying an associated inner tent layer 110 having a corresponding surface profile or contour. For example, a network of inflatable members 25 121 may be utilised and coupled to the inner tent 110 to effect the desired enclosure, or alternatively a single networked member 121 may be formed and appropriately coupled to the inner tent 110. The inflatable member 121 may be formed in a shape that corresponds to the desired shape of the inner tent 110 when inflated or, as in the case for the preferred 30 configuration, may conform to the desired shape upon connection to the inner tent 110 by the associated restraint mechanism and after inflation. The inflatable member(s) 121 of the tent system 100 may be coupled directly to the outer surface 111 of the inner tent 110 via any suitable connection mechanism. The member(s) 121 may be permanently coupled or removably coupled to the inner tent - 14 110, and in the latter case, the member(s) 121 may be configured to couple the inner tent 110 before or after inflation. The cross-sectional shape of the member 121 when inflated is annular in the preferred embodiment, but it may be appreciated that the shape may be rectangular, triangular, polygonal or any other shape suited to the tent system 5 100. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable members 121 can be pre-coupled to the outer surface 111 of the inner tent layer 111 and are removable for replacement and/or maintenance purposes. The tent system 100 comprises one or more restraints or a restrained mechanism adjacent or on the outer surface 111 of the inner tent 110 for 10 constraining the inflatable members 121 in the inflated state, giving the members and therefore the corresponding inner tent and enclosure the desired predetermined shape. In another preferred configuration, the restraint mechanism is provided by a series of sleeves 160 coupled to the outer surface of the inner tent layer 110. The sleeves 160 are preferably sewn to the outer surface for removably receiving and accommodating 15 corresponding inflatable members 120. Each sleeve 160a-c is sewn along the surface in the same manner as intended for the corresponding inflatable member 121a-c it is to accommodate. For example, in one preferred embodiment, each sleeve 160a-c may extend as a series of segments or segmentally, continuously for a full or partial length along the outer 20 surface 111 of the inner tent 110, upwards from one side 113a, over a roof portion 114 of the inner skin 110 and down to the other side 113b of the skin 110. The sleeves 160 can provide protection to the inflatable members 121 and also enable simple removal of the members 121 for maintenance or replacement purposes for example. Insertion and removal of the inflatable members 121 can be achieved via one 25 or more openings in the sleeve. For example, one or both ends of the sleeves 160 may be open to receive and remove the corresponding inflatable member 121 therethrough or from. In an alternative embodiment, a full-length sleeve version may extend along the outer surface 111 of the inner skin 110 and down to the other side 113b to the aperture 122. It 30 will be understood that in some embodiments the sleeves may cover the aperture 122 such that the member 121 received inside the sleeve is not exposed to weather elements (e.g. rain).

- 15 Alternatively, one or more sleeves 160 may be provided with zip or hook and loop fasteners for opening a length of the sleeve 160 and inserting/removing the inflatable member. In some configurations, the member 121 may be inflatable or deflatable within the corresponding sleeve 160. In such configurations, the sleeve 160 may comprise an 5 aperture for an inflation/deflation valve 123 of the member 121 to project through for access by a user. In yet further alternative configurations, some sleeves 160 may require the inflation of the members 121 before insertion into the sleeve 160. The sleeves 160 in the preferred embodiment shape the inflatable members 121 to provide the desired shape structural 10 beam in the inflated state of the corresponding member 121. In other words, the members 121 are generally linearly extending elongate members in shape and when coupled to the sleeves 160 and inflated form the desired arched structural beams of the framework 120. In some configurations, the sleeves 160 may be configured to receive more than one 15 inflatable member 121 to achieve the same overall desired frame component 121. In another alternative embodiment, referring to figures 6A and 6B, two additional or generally horizontal inflatable members 125a and 125b are positioned between the inflatable members 121a and 121b, and between 121b and 121c for providing additional structural stability. In one embodiment, the members 125a and 125b may extend along 20 the roof or ridge line region of the inner tent and may be positioned towards the upper region of the inner tent 114 and coupled to the inner tent 114 with hook and loop fasteners 126A. The horizontal members 125a and 125b may then further coupled to members 121a-c via coupling to corresponding sleeves 160 containing members 121a-c with two-part re-closable mechanisms such as hook and loop fasteners. The use of 25 horizontal members 125a and 125b provides additional tension on both front and rear of the inner tent 110. The tent system 100 comprises one or more valve members 123 operatively coupled to the inflatable members 121 of the frame 120. In the preferred embodiment, each inflatable member 121 comprises a valve 123 configured to connect to an inflation/air 30 source including, but not limited to, any one or more of an air compressor such as a 12V car battery air compressor unit, a manually operated air pump, and/or manual pumping by a user (via mouth). In a preferred configuration, each member 121 comprises a valve that is configured to connect to both a 12V car compressor unit and a manual hand operated pump for - 16 inflation. In some configurations, a portable compressed gas cylinder may also be provided with the system 100 for emergency inflation of the inflatable frame members 121. The cylinder may be coupled and/or can be operatively coupled to the inner tent 110 for example. 5 Referring now to figures 1-4, the outer cover layer 130 (hereinafter referred to as flysheet 130 or "fly") is configured to be laid over the inner tent 110 and frame 120 and secured to the same via a securing or connection mechanism. In the preferred configuration, the flysheet 130 is formed to have a main body portion 131 configured to lay over roof 114 of the inner tent 110 and a plurality of leg portions 132 configured to 10 extend from the main body portion 131 and along the remainder of the outer surface 111 of the inner tent 110 in accordance with the deployed profile of the inner tent 110. In particular, three legs 132a-c extend from either side of the main body portion 131 to couple corresponding inflatable members or sleeves 121a-c/160a-c. As shown in figure 1, a first pair of front legs 132d extends from a front end of the main 15 body portion 131 to extend along the front face 115a of the inner tent 110. A second pair of hind legs 132e extends from the rear end of the main body portion 131 to extend along the rear face 115b of the inner tent 110. Each side leg 132a-c is shaped and sized to conform to the size and shape of the corresponding inflatable member or sleeve 121a c/160a-c, whilst the front and rear legs 132d and 132e are sized and shaped to conform 20 to the front and rear surfaces 115a and 115b respectively of the outer surface 111 of the inner tent 110. The configuration of the legs 132 of the flysheet 130 provides openings in the flysheet 130 for windows or other openings of the inner tent 110 that will be described in further detail below. In alternative embodiments, the flysheet 130 may comprise any other number of legs corresponding to the configuration of the frame 120 25 and/or profile of the inner tent 110. In yet another alternative, the flysheet 130 may be configured to cover the entire or a substantial portion of the outer surface 111 of the inner tent 110. For the main body portion 131 of the flysheet 130 is provided with a first type of connection mechanism 136a, distributed about a peripheral edge of an inner surface of 30 flysheet 130 for coupling the roof portions of the sleeves 160a-c. In particular, hook and loop fasteners 136a are provided between the inner surface of the main body portion 131 of the flysheet 130 and the roof portions of the sleeves 160a-c. Similar connections (hook and loop fasteners 136a) are also provided along the length of each side leg portion 132a-c of the flysheet 130. Furthermore, each leg 132 is provided with a second - 17 type of connection mechanism 136b at the terminal end of the leg opposing the main body portion. In particular, each leg 132 is terminated with a tongue 136bi for coupling a corresponding buckle 136bii on either the corresponding sleeve 160 (as in the case for side legs 132a-c) or the outer surface of the groundsheet 140 (as in the case for the 5 front and hind legs 132d/e). In one embodiment, referring to figures 2B and 2C, the corresponding buckle 136bii may be positioned along the length of the sleeve 160. In the preferred embodiment, the connection mechanism(s) 136 used to couple the flysheet 130 above the inner tent 110 and frame 120 achieves a relatively loose connection between the flysheet and the inner 10 tent 110. Preferably, the flysheet 130 is not connected to the roof 114 of the inner tent 110 at the main body portion 131 of the flysheet 130. In this manner, and by action of the inflatable members 121 being located on the outer surface 111 of the inner tent 110, a gap is formed between the main body portion 131 and the roof 114 of the inner tent 110. This 15 gap allows air to flow through the two (flysheet 130 and inner tent 110) layers to dry any water vapour and/or condensate existing between these two layers. The gap also provides ventilation to the enclosure. It will be appreciated that in alternative configurations, one or more connection mechanisms may be used to couple the flysheet 130 above the inner tent 110 and frame 20 120. Also, connection mechanisms known in the art can be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. In a preferred embodiment the inflatable members 121 are formed with a diameter of approximately 100mm to 200mm, more preferably between 125mm and 175mm and most preferably 150mm. This would provide a gap between the flysheet 130 and the 25 inner tent 110 (and mainly between the roof portion 114 and the main body portion 131) of approximately the same size as the diameter of the members 121 at least in the regions adjacent the members 121. The inner tent 100 comprises one or more openings in the form of windows and/or doors 138. The windows 138 are provided for ventilation and some of which include a mesh 30 covering 138a or other perforated material or netting for insect proofing the opening for example. Other windows may (alternatively or additionally) be provided with a closure flap 138b to give the user the option of covering the opening if necessary. The doors 138 are provided for entry into and exit from the internal living/sleeping space and can be - 18 opened via a zip or hook and loop fastening system 138c for example. Some windows may also be openable via a zip or hook and loop fastening system. In some configurations the inner tent may comprise a front door. The front door may have a bottom width of about 180-190cm (preferably about 186cm), a top width of about 5 130-150cm (preferably about 129cm) and a height of about 150-200cm (preferably about 182cm). In some configurations the inner tent may comprise one or two side doors (on either side of the tent for example). Each side door may have a width of between about 100-140cm (preferably about 120cm), and a height of between about 150-200cm (preferably about 10 177cm). In yet some other configurations, the inner tent may comprise one or two side windows (for example on either side), each having a width of between about 90-110cm (preferably about 102cm), and a height of between about 110-150cm (preferably a first height of 129cm and a second height of 113cm). 15 In some configurations the inner tent may comprise a rear window having a width of between about 100-120cm (preferably about 110cm) and a height between about 95 115cm (preferably about 106cm). The inner tent 110 also preferably comprises at least one window 138d that extends adjacent the groundsheet 140 and/or bottom edge of the inner tent 110. Such a window 20 138d would provide ventilation to a user when their head is located adjacent this region during sleep. Such a combination of window sizes and/or locations is particularly useful for recreational camping in dry and hot climates. The groundsheet 140 is preferably sewn about the bottom edge of the inner tent 110 to provide the floor surface for the internal living/sleeping space 150. A flap or tab 141 may 25 extend from the groundsheet out the sides 113a/b of the inner tent 110 for protecting the terminal ends of the sleeves 160/inflatable members 121. In an alternative embodiment, a separate groundsheet 140 may be provided with the inner tent 110 assembled atop the groundsheet 140 appropriately. In the preferred embodiment the inner tent 110 is formed from a breathable material or 30 fabric such as Polyester, and in particular Oxford Polyester. The groundsheet 140 and flysheet 130 are formed from a waterproof and durable material or fabric. The flysheet is preferably formed from Polycotton canvas, or other substantially water-proof yet - 19 breathable fabrics. The groundsheet is preferably formed from Polyvinylchloride (PVC). The sleeves are preferably formed from Oxford Polyester. The inflatable members 121 are preferably formed from a plastics material such as Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) but could otherwise be formed from other durable and deformable material. 5 Referring to figures 4, 4B and 4C, to assemble the tent system 100 of the invention, inner tent 110 and flysheet 130 (and inflatable members 121 if not already in sleeves 160) are first unpacked and spread out flat onto the ground. If the inflatable members 121 are already contained within sleeves 160, the inner tent 110 is deployed by inflating the members with the appropriate inflation source. 10 Otherwise, the members 121 are inserted into the sleeves 160 and inflated or alternatively inflated to a certain degree and then inserted. After the inner tent 110 is deployed, the main body portion 131 of the flysheet 130 is placed over the roof 114 of the inner tent and the various connections 136 are made to secure the flysheet 130 in place. In this state, the tent system 100 is now fully deployed and ready for use. 15 After use, the system 100 can be disassembled by carrying out the reverse steps of first disconnecting the flysheet 130 from the inner tent 110 and sleeves/members 160/121, then deflating the members 121 to collapse the inner tent 110 and finally rolling the inner tent 110 and flysheet 130 back up and packing the system away as desired. At any stage, the inflatable members 121 may be removed from the sleeves 160 for 20 maintenance, replacement and/or separate storage. Referring to figures 7A and 7B, a separate awning 170 can be coupled to the tent system 100. A roofing or awning sheet 171 can be configured to couple to a front edge of the inner tent 110 with zip or hook and loop fasteners. Poles 172 or other supports (e.g. may be yet more inflatable members) can be coupled to the awning sheet for providing a 25 sheltered space underneath the awning sheet. In an alternative embodiment, the awning sheet may be attached to a rear edge of the inner tent 110 or to the flysheet 130. It is to be understood the awning sheet can be made of any suitable weather-proof material. Sleeping Unit/Swag Referring now to figure 5, a second preferred embodiment of the invention is shown 30 comprising an inflatable sleeping unit 200 (hereinafter referred to as swag 200) having a single cover layer 210 of material, a groundsheet 220, and an inflatable frame 230. The inflatable frame 230 is provided by an opposing pair of inflatable members 231a and 231b similar to those previously described for the tent system 100. In this embodiment, - 20 the swag, which is preferably sized to house one or two people within the internal sleeping space 250, can be sufficiently structurally supported by a pair of inflatable frame members 231a/b. A first member 231a is provided to a head end 211 of the cover 210 of the swag 200 and a second member 231b is provided to a foot end 212 of the cover 210 5 of the swag 200. The inflatable members 231a/b are coupled to an inner surface of the cover 210 to thereby push the cover 210 out during erection/deployment of the swag 200. The swag comprises one or more restraints or a restrained mechanism adjacent or on the inner surface of the cover layer 210 for constraining the inflatable members 231a/b in the inflated state, giving the members and therefore the corresponding cover 10 and enclosure the desired predetermined shape. In one preferred configuration, each member 231a/b is coupled to the inner surface of the cover 210 via a corresponding fabric sleeve 260a/b. Each sleeve 260a/b is preferably sewn onto the inner surface of the cover 210 at its respective end 211/212 but may be otherwise coupled to the inner surface via any suitable method known in the art (for 15 example using hook and loop fasteners). As in the tent system embodiment, the inflatable members 231 are formed as elongate beams that can be arched in the inflated state to form arched structural beams 231. In this embodiment, each beam 231 is coupled to the groundsheet 220 at either end of the beam 231. 20 A securing mechanism provides a connection at each corner of the groundsheet adjacent a head end of the cover, and a connection at each corner of the groundsheet adjacent a foot end of the cover. Hook and loop fasteners 270a/b are provided at either end of the inflatable members 231a/b and on the corresponding corner locations of the groundsheet 220 to couple the structural beams 231 to the interior of the swag 200. The members 25 231 are oriented across the transverse axis/width of the cover 210 and groundsheet 220, with the width of both being less than the length of the members 231a/b. In this manner, by coupling either end of each member 231a/b to the groundsheet 220 and inflating the member 231/a/b, an arched structural beam 231a/b is formed. The arch of the beam 231 acts on the inner surface of the cover 210 to push the cover out and form 30 a curved layer along its length. The connection/mounting points between the inflatable members 231 and the groundsheet 220 are preferably provided at the peripheral edges (and more preferably the corners) of the groundsheet.

- 21 It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the end sections of the inflatable members 231a/b may be coupled to the inner surface of the cover instead to achieve the same desired result. Furthermore, the major portion of the length each member 231a/b may not necessarily be coupled to a corresponding sleeve 260 but rather directly coupled 5 to the inner surface of the cover 210 such as at sides 213a/b or front/rear faces 211/212. In this embodiment, the inflatable member 231a at the head of the swag 200 is longer than the inflatable member 231b at the foot end of the swag 200. The cover 210 also comprises more material at the head end 211 than at the foot end 212 with a 10 gradual/continuous tapering of the length of material in between. The groundsheet 220 is preferably of a substantially equal/continuous width along its length. In this manner, after assembly and inflation of the members 231a/b, a higher internal space is achieved at the head end 211 than the opposing foot end 212 of the swag 200 with a gradual/continuous tapering in between. This preferred structure 15 provides a larger internal space 250 for a user at their head end 251 than their foot end 252 (for example for sitting substantially upright). As discussed above, the shape, size, orientation and distribution of the inflatable members 231 relative to the cover 210 are dictated by the intended structure/profile of the cover 210 and/or its associated internal living/sleeping space 250. 20 In a preferred embodiment the inflatable members 231a/b are formed with a diameter of approximately 100mm to 150mm, more preferably between 110mm and 130mm and most preferably 120mm. One or more valve members (not shown) are operatively connected to the inflatable members 231a/b for inflation of these members. In the preferred configuration a valve is 25 provided to each member 231a/b. Each sleeve 260a/b is preferably relatively shorter than the corresponding member 231a/b it is to accommodate to enable access to a valve located at an end of the member 231a/b for inflation/deflation. A shorter sleeve 260 also enables easy manoeuvrability of the member 231a/b during insertion/removal into/from the sleeve 260a/b. Each inflatable member 231a/b may be inserted into the sleeve 30 260a/b either before or after inflation. An entrance means is provided via an openable/closeable portion 216 of the cover 210. The entrance 216 can be opened and closed via a fastening mechanism such as a zip fastener 217 provided along a curved length on one side of the cover 210.

- 22 A vestibule 280 extends from the head end 211 of the swag 200 for covering the user's accessories (such as their shoes) which may be left outside the swag. A vestibule may also be provided at the foot end 212 of the swag 200 or alternatively the swag 200 does not comprise any vestibules. One or more windows may also be provided on the cover 5 layer that may also be openable via a zip fastener for example. For example, a window adjacent the head end 211 of the sleeping swag 200 may be advantageous. To assemble the swag 200, a user would unpack and flatten the cover 210. If the deflated members 231a/b are already fastened to the groundsheet 220 and accommodated within the sleeves 260a/b, then the user would inflate the sleeves via any 10 suitable source (as described for the tent system embodiment) to deploy the enclosure. Otherwise, the user may inflate the members 231a/b first then insert them through the respective sleeves 260a/b and secure them onto connection points 270 to deploy the enclosure. To disassemble the sway 200, the members 231a/b are deflated and may also be removed from the sleeves 260a/b before deflation. The swag 200 is then rolled up 15 and packed as desired. In the preferred embodiment the cover is preferably formed from Polycotton canvas, or substantially water-proof yet breathable fabric. The groundsheet is preferably formed from Polyvinylchloride (PVC). The sleeves are preferably formed from Oxford Polyester or PVC. The inflatable members 231 are preferably formed from a plastics material such as 20 Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) but could otherwise be formed from other durable and deformable material. It will be appreciated that any modification, alternative or construction described in relation to the first tent system embodiment is also applicable to the second swag embodiment where appropriate. For example, the swag may comprise one or more 25 additional inflatable member distributed along the longitudinal axis of the swag and restrained against the inner surface of the cover to give the cover and associated enclosure the desired predetermined shape. Any number of inflatable members may be utilised, each one taking on any shape, size, distribution and/or orientation relative to the outer cover so to provide the overall desired frame suitable for erecting/deploying an 30 associated outer cover having a corresponding surface profile or contour. The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A portable shelter system comprising: an inner tent configured to form an internal space bounded by an inner wall of the inner tent when in an assembled and deployed state, one or more inflatable members coupled to the inner tent and located adjacent to or on an outer wall of the inner tent when in an assembled state, the one or more inflatable members giving the inner tent structure to form the internal space therein when in an inflated state of the member(s), and at least one valve operatively coupled to the one or more inflatable members and operable to enable inflation or deflation of the associated inflatable member(s).

2. The portable shelter system as claimed in claim 1, wherein an outer cover is configured to lay over at least a portion of the inner tent and the one or more inflatable members in the assembled state of the shelter, such that, in the inflated state, the one or more inflatable member(s) create a gap between the inner tent and the outer cover.

3. The portable shelter system as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the outer cover is a flysheet.

4. The portable shelter system as claimed in claims 1 - 3, wherein the one or more inflatable members when coupled to the inner tent in the inflated state, is / are restrained in a manner to define a predetermined shape of the enclosure in the deployed state.

5. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein each of the one or more inflatable members is formed from an elongate length of material shaped to form an elongate structural beam in the inflated state.

6. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the inner tent, in the deployed state, comprises a front face, a rear face, opposing side walls and a roof.

7. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 6, wherein one or more of the inflatable members are configured to extend at least over the roof, or a side wall or both side walls, or each of these, of the inner tent. - 24

8. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein one or more of the inflatable members are configured to, in the inflated state, apply tension to the inner tent.

9. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 6 - 8, wherein one or more of the inflatable members are configured to extend at least along the roof.

10. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 9, wherein one or more of the inflatable members are configured to be distributed and/or spaced along a longitudinal axis of the inner tent in the assembled state.

11. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 10, wherein one or more of the inflatable members distributed and / or spaced apart in-line with a longitudinal axis of the inner tent in the assembled state.

12. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 11, wherein one or more restraints or a restraint mechanism is provided along the outer surface of the inner tent, each restraint or the restraint mechanism configured to couple or constrain one or more of said inflatable member(s) to the inner tent.

13. The portable shelter system as claimed in claim 12, wherein each restraint or the restraint mechanism is configured to removably couple the one or more inflatable member(s) to the inner tent.

14. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the restraint comprises one or more sleeves provided along the outer surface of the inner tent, each sleeve configured to accommodate one or more of said inflatable member(s) therein in the inflated state of the member(s).

15. The portable shelter system as claimed in claim 14, wherein each sleeve comprises an open end for removably and slidably receiving one or more inflatable member(s) therethrough.

16. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 14 or 15, wherein each sleeve comprises a reclosable opening or an opening mechanism along a length or at least a part of a length of the sleeve for removably receiving and accommodating one or more inflatable member(s) therein.

17. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 14 - 16, wherein one of more of each sleeve or other restraint spans along an outer surface of the inner tent - 25 from a bottom edge of the tent at one side and across to a bottom edge on the opposing side of the inner tent.

18. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 14 - 17, wherein one or more of each sleeve or other restraint spans along an outer surface of the inner tent from a bottom edge of the inner wall of the inner tent, through the inner tent wall to the outer wall of the inner tent at one side and across to another side, through the outer tent wall to a bottom edge of the inner wall of the inner tent.

19. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 14 - 18, wherein a plurality of sleeves or restraints are distributed/spaced along an axis, or multiple axes, of the inner tent.

20. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 12 - 19, wherein each sleeve or restraint is sewn onto the inner tent.

21. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 20, wherein the one or more inflatable members are integrally formed with the inner tent.

22. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 21, wherein the system further comprises a groundsheet spanning at least the width and length of the inner tent to form a floor surface for the internal space.

23. The portable shelter system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the groundsheet is coupled about a peripheral edge of the groundsheet to a peripheral bottom edge of the inner tent.

24. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein the groundsheet is sewn to the inner tent.

25. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein the groundsheet is integrally formed with the inner tent.

26. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 22 - 25, wherein the groundsheet is formed of a waterproof material.

27. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 26, wherein the inner tent comprises one or more apertures or windows for providing air ventilation to the internal space. - 26

28. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 27, wherein the inner tent comprises a window adjacent the groundsheet.

29. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 27 or 28, wherein at least one window is covered by a mesh fabric.

30. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 27 - 29, wherein an outer cover extends over at least an upper end of the inner tent opposing the groundsheet in the assembled state of the shelter.

31. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 2 - 30, further comprising an outer cover securing mechanism for connecting the outer cover adjacent the one or more inflatable members.

32. The portable shelter system as claimed in claim 31, wherein the outer cover securing mechanism comprises a first set of connectors for coupling a peripheral edge of the outer cover to a portion of the inner tent.

33. The portable shelter system as claimed in claim 32, wherein each connector of the second set of connectors comprises a two-part connection system or a male part to be received by a female part, such as a tongue at the peripheral edge of the outer cover and a corresponding buckle adjacent the bottom peripheral edge of the inner tent.

34. The portable shelter system as claimed in claim 33, wherein at least one female part or buckle is on one of the sleeve(s) or restraint(s).

35. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 31 - 34, wherein the outer cover securing mechanism comprises a second set of connectors for coupling an inner surface of the outer cover adjacent the outer surface of the inner tent.

36. The portable shelter system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the second set of connectors comprises of a hook and loop type fastener.

37. The portable shelter system as claimed in claim 36, wherein the hook and loop fasteners are distributed on the one or more sleeves or restraints and on or along corresponding locations on the inner surface of the outer cover.

38. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 31 - 37, wherein the outer cover comprises a main body portion and a plurality of leg portions extending from the body. - 27

39. The portable shelter system as claimed in claim 38, wherein the main body portion of the outer cover is configured to couple over the roof of the inner tent.

40. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 38 or 39, wherein the main body portion is configured to couple the one or more sleeves or restraints via the first or second set of connectors.

41. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 38 - 40, wherein the leg portions are configured to couple over the sides or side wall portions of the inner tent.

42. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 38 - 41, wherein one or more of the leg portions are configured to couple the sleeve(s) or restraints(s) and/or outer surface of the inner tent via the first and second set of connectors.

43. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 38 - 42, wherein a first set of leg portions of the outer cover is configured to extend over the opposing side walls of the inner tent.

44. The portable shelter system as claimed in claim 43, wherein the first leg portions are configured to extend adjacent and along the one or more sleeves or restraints.

45. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 43 or 44, wherein the buckle associated with each leg portion of the first set is located at an end of the corresponding inflatable member.

46. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 43 - 45, wherein a plurality of hook and loop type fastener are provided along the length and adjacent or on each inflatable member for connecting to a corresponding plurality of hook and loop fasteners on the first set of leg portions.

47. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 43 - 46, wherein a plurality of hook and loop fasteners are provided on an inner wall of the main body portion for connecting to corresponding hook and loop fasteners on or adjacent the sleeves at or adjacent the roof of the inner tent.

48. The portable shelter system as claimed in any one of claims 38 - 47, wherein a second set of leg portions of the outer cover are configured to extend over the front and rear faces of the inner tent to couple buckles at bottom edges of the front and rear faces.

49. A portable sleeping unit comprising: - 28 a outer cover layer forming an enclosure with an internal space therein in a deployed state, a groundsheet forming a floor space for the enclosure, one or more inflatable members coupled to the cover, the one or more inflatable members giving the cover structure to form the internal space therein when in the inflated state of the member(s), and at least one valve operatively coupled to the one or more inflatable members and operable to enable inflation or deflation of the associated inflatable member(s).

50. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in claim 49, wherein when in the deployed state, the enclosure formed by the outer cover defines a head end and a foot end.

51. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in claim 50, wherein the head end has a relatively larger enclosure region than an enclosure region of the foot end.

52. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in any one of claims 49 - 51, wherein one or more inflatable members configured to couple with an inner surface of cover.

53. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in any one of claims 49 - 52, wherein an inflatable member is provided to couple either end of the outer cover.

54. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in any one of claims 49 - 53, wherein further comprises a restraint at either end of the outer cover for constraining an inflatable member thereat in the inflated state.

55. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in claim 54, wherein the restraint is a sleeve at either end of the outer cover for receiving and accommodating an inflatable member therethrough in the inflated state.

56. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in any one of claims 49 - 55, wherein each inflatable member is formed from an elongate length of material shaped to form a structural beam in the inflated state.

57. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in any one of claims 49 - 56, wherein each one of the one or more inflatable members is of a length substantially sufficient to span along the inner surface of the cover across the width of the cover, the one or more inflatable members giving the cover structure by pushing out and stretching the cover outwardly when in the inflated state. - 29

58. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in any one of claims 49 - 57, wherein in the inflated state, the inflatable member(s) apply tension to the outer cover.

59. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in any one of claims 49 - 58, wherein further comprises a securing mechanism associated with each end of each inflatable member for securing the respective ends of each member within the internal space of the enclosure. Preferably at each end of the internal space, a pair of connections corresponding to either end of the associated inflatable member is provided, the pair of connections being separated by a distance substantially less than the length of the member, to thereby form an arched structural beam from each inflatable member.

60. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in claim 59, wherein the securing mechanism is configured to secure the associated end of an inflatable member to the groundsheet.

61. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in any one of claims 59 or 60, wherein the securing mechanism provides a connection at each corner of the groundsheet adjacent a head end of the cover, and a connection at each corner of the groundsheet adjacent a foot end of the cover.

62. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in any one of claims 59 - 61, wherein the securing mechanism is a hook and loop fastener provided between an end of an inflatable member and an associated location on the groundsheet.

63. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in any one of claims 49 - 62, wherein the inflatable member at a head end of the cover is longer than an inflatable member at a foot end of the cover to thereby provide an enclosure having a higher internal space at the head end relative to the foot end.

64. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in any one of claims 49 - 63, wherein the cover and the groundsheet are of a substantially constant width along its length in the deployed state.

65. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in claim 64, wherein the cover comprises an entrance on at least one side of the cover.

66. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in any one of claims 49 - 65, wherein a zip fastener is provided along a peripheral edge of the entrance for opening and closing the entrance accordingly. - 30

67. The portable sleeping unit as claimed in any one of claims 49 - 66, wherein further comprises a front vestibule extending from a head end of the cover.