EP1346119A1 - Inflatable structure - Google Patents

Inflatable structure

Info

Publication number
EP1346119A1
EP1346119A1 EP01991641A EP01991641A EP1346119A1 EP 1346119 A1 EP1346119 A1 EP 1346119A1 EP 01991641 A EP01991641 A EP 01991641A EP 01991641 A EP01991641 A EP 01991641A EP 1346119 A1 EP1346119 A1 EP 1346119A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
structural elements
inflatable
legs
tubes
structural
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP01991641A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1346119B1 (en
Inventor
Etienne Visser
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1346119A1 publication Critical patent/EP1346119A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1346119B1 publication Critical patent/EP1346119B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/20—Tents or canopies, in general inflatable, e.g. shaped, strengthened or supported by fluid pressure
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/20—Tents or canopies, in general inflatable, e.g. shaped, strengthened or supported by fluid pressure
    • E04H2015/201—Tents or canopies, in general inflatable, e.g. shaped, strengthened or supported by fluid pressure with inflatable tubular framework, with or without tent cover

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an inflatable structure.
  • inflatable structures such as inflatable boats, inflatable life rafts and the like are manufactured from airtight fabrics.
  • These fabrics conventionally consist of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fabric reinforced with woven polyester. The fabric is cut and welded, either with the use of heat welding or with adhesives, to obtain the desired shapes.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • tubes that are relatively long and narrow tend to distort, particularly if they are unsupported.
  • Frame structures as typically utilised in a tent or canopy utilise structural intersections that are typically too complex and difficult to manufacture with the current state of art in inflatable tube manufacturing.
  • tent construction where the frame is constructed out of solid structural elements such as metal tubing or spring steel rods, a fare amount of labour and knowledge and time is needed to construct the tent.
  • These tents even in its simplest form still comprises out of different parts that needs assembly.
  • an inflatable structural unit comprises at least three inflatable tubes arranged in the form of a polyhedron.
  • the structural unitAeneid comprises three inflatable tubes arranged in the form of a tetrahedron.
  • the three tubes are co-extensive with three edges of an imaginary tetrahedron.
  • the structural element comprises three legs that radiate from a point of interconnection to define an inverted, Y-shaped element, the arms of the Y constituting support legs and the stem of the Y being angled relatively to the legs to complete the tetrahedral shape of the support unit and defining an apical leg that, in use in a structure will constitute a support beam.
  • the inflatable tubes used in the support unit may be adapted to extend substantially straight under inflation pressure to obtain a conventional, straight-sided tetrahedron.
  • the tubes may be adapted to curve under inflation pressure to provide a more dome- shaped tetrahedron.
  • tubes made of polyester reinforced PVC may be adapted to extend substantially straight by aligning the warp of the polyester reinforced fabric with the principal tube axis.
  • a tube made in such a manner will have a high resistance to bending.
  • the polyester reinforcing fabric may be arranged on the bias (with the warp at an angle to the tube axis) to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the desired curvature.
  • the structural element of the invention will yield, in combination with similar structural elements, a variety of geodesic structures.
  • the apical legs of the structural elements may be secured to the apical legs of adjacent, similar structural elements.
  • the support legs of the structural elements may be secured to the support legs of adjacent, similar structural elements.
  • each structural element may be provided with mating connector formations to permit easy connection and disconnection to the apical legs of adjacent structural elements.
  • the support legs of each structural element may be provided with mating connector formations to permit easy connection and disconnection to the support legs of adjacent structural elements.
  • the connector constitutes the mating track and slider formations that can be inter engaged with one another to connect the structural elements together.
  • each structural element is geometrically shaped along the natural complimentary lines along the intersecting surfaces of the adjacent structural element.
  • the connectors are fixed along their relative axial angles.
  • Figure 1 is a diagrammatic isometric view of a tetrahedral structural element according to this invention
  • Figure 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of a simple inflatable structure made up of four of the structural elements of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a diagrammatic end elevation of the structure of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a diagrammatic plan view on the point of connection of the structural elements in the structure of Figures 2 and 3;
  • Figure 5 is a diagrammatic sectional side elevation illustrating a novel lighting arrangement for structures according to the invention:
  • Figures 6,7 and 8 are diagrammatic plan view, end elevation and side elevation respectively of a structure that combines the structural element of Figure 1 with a number of similar and dissimilar units to provide a more complex geodesic dome structure than that illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.
  • the inflatable structure of the invention is more of a construction system than a simple structure.
  • the system relies on the use of an inflatable polyhedral structural element as its basic unit of construction. By combining such a structural element with similar structural elements or with similarly polyhedral structural elements, a large variety of structures can be created as will be illustrated below.
  • the structural element 10 illustrated in Figure 1 has an essentially tetrahedral shape.
  • a tetrahedron being a polyhedron with four triangular sides, the structural element is made of three inflatable relatively narrow tubes 10.2, 10.2, 10.3, each lying on an edge of the tetrahedron.
  • Three of the triangular sides of the tetrahedron are constituted by the triangular planes included between the three legs and the fourth triangular side is constituted by the plane defined by the free ends of the legs.
  • the structural element constitutes an inverted Y shaped support element.
  • the legs 10.1 and 10.2 lie on the inverted arms of the Y and constitute support legs.
  • the remaining leg 10.3 defines the stern of the Y, which is angled relatively to the legs 10.1, 10.2 to define a support beam in structures to be erected with the use of the structural element 10.
  • the tubes making up the legs 10.1 , 10.2, 10.3 of the structural support element are made from airtight PVC fabric reinforced with woven polyester.
  • the woven polyester reinforcing fabric is arranged with the warp thereof aligned longitudinally with the principal axis of each of the tubular legs 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3. This gives the tubes a high resistance to bending.
  • the polyester reinforcing fabric may be arranged on the bias to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the curvature that will be permitted.
  • the airtight fabric is double welded along the length of each tube.
  • the fabric is welded along axially extending seams with a separate strip of fabric welded internally along each of the seams to provide enhanced sealing.
  • the tubes making up the legs 10.1, 30.2, 10.3 are interconnected across a joint 12 through which the pressurising fluid can flow freely during inflation and deflation of the structural element 10.
  • the structural element 10 is inflated and deflated by means of an inflation valve (illustrated diagrammatically at 14).
  • pressurising fluid would be compressed air obtained from a blower or compressor, or from a pressurised gas canister, but alternative pressurising fluids such as motor vehicle exhaust gas could also be used, provided the appropriate inflation fittings are used.
  • the structural element 10 of the invention can be combined into relatively complex structures that, because of the tetrahedral shape of the unit 10, will have the characteristics of geodesic domes.
  • the simple structure 100 illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 provides an example of the structure building capabilities of the basic structural element 10.
  • the structure 100 four of the units 10 are interconnected to form a four-sided structural frame.
  • the apical legs 10.3 of the units 10 are connected to one another at the apex 102 of the structure 100 by means of connectors that will be described below.
  • the support legs 10.3, 10,2 of the structural elements 10 extend down to the ground and are connected to one another by means of connectors that will be described below.
  • the structure 100 may now be clad with a fabric cover (not shown).
  • the structure 100 is clad with a fabric cover and fastened to a groundsheet, it is completely free standing and needs no pegs or anchor ropes to keep it stable. Very little experience or knowledge is now required to pitch the tent.
  • the energy that pitches the tent is supplied by the compressed gas and the whole prosess is done in a fraction of the normal time.There is also no assembly needed to pitch the tent.
  • the unit only needs to be unfolded and inflated to pitch the tent. The same applies when putting the tent down.
  • the valves in the tubes are opened to let the compressed gas out and the whole structure collapses. It is then folded as a unit in the normal way. There is thus no poles or other structural elements to account for.
  • the structure 100 provides a high degree of wind resistance but, if required, the structure can be pegged to the ground.
  • the structure 100 is preferably erected using four separate structural elements 10 that are connected to one another. However, it is also possible to construct the frame of the structure 100 in such a way that the structural elements 10 are not discrete, but rather interconnected at the apex 102 and at the vertices where the leg ends intersect 103.
  • Figure 4 illustrates two of the metal connectors 15 that are used to interconnect the structural element ends 10.4 of the structural elements 10 (the free ends of the legs 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 of the structural elements 10).
  • the ends 10.4 of the structural elements 10 are shaped complementary to permit interconnection of the structural elements along the axial angle of the completed structure.
  • Each such leg end 10.4 is finished off with a flat end weld 13 that is double welded and inserted between the flat strips of metal making up the connectors 15.
  • Each structural element 10 is provided, at its leg ends 10.4 with a connector 15 that comprises a slider 16 and track formation 18, the slider 16 being adapted to slide into the track 18 of an adjacent connector 15.
  • the slider and track formations 16, 18 are dimensioned to provide a secure friction fit once interconnected.
  • the utilisation of the connector 15 on each tube end has the advantage that two or more tube ends can be interconnected in a very strong and stable bond alleviating the need for a complex welded joint.
  • the entire connector 15 is riveted together with blind rivets. This has the advantage that the connector formations 16, 18 can be removed to permit reopening of the tube ends and the servicing of the tubes.
  • the structure 100 illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 are a relatively simple structure that utilises only the basic structural element 10 illustrated in Figure 1.
  • the basic structural unit 10 can be used in conjunction with similar yet slightly more complex structural elements to provide more complex structures as is illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8.
  • the structure 200 shown in these drawings utilises two of the basic structural elements 10 at each of its short ends.
  • the basic structural elements 10 are each flanked by a slightly modified structural element 202, each of which differs from the basic structural element 10 only in the fact that it has an asymmetrical tetrahedral shape.
  • the apex and long sides of the structure 200 are defined by a pair of opposed structural elements 204, each of which incorporates a pair of support legs 204.1 and a pair of apical legs 204.2 that extend upwardly towards an apical beam 206 that defines the apex of the structure 200.
  • the structures of the invention being inflatable, lend themselves to novel uses.
  • the structure could be internally lit using light fittings 20 fitted to the insides of the tubes making up the structural elements.
  • the fabric of the tubes and the structure as a whole will be chosen for translucency to enhance the lighting effect.
  • the structures need not be confined to land. Being inflatable, the structures will float on water to provide a novel staging facility for events and advertising.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
  • Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)

Abstract

This invention comprises an inflatable structure that is constructed by combining polyhedron structural elements to form more complex geodesic structures. The structural elements are constructed out of straight inflatable tubes, in which the warp of the polyester reinforced fabric is aligned with the principal tube axis, giving it high resistance to bending. The complementary leg ends are connected at the vertices with connectors that comprise a slider and track formation, fixed along the axial angle at the end of each leg. Each leg end is shaped along the natural complimentary lines along the intersecting surfaces of the adjacent structural element. Once assembled, in combination with a fabric cover and groundsheet, the tent is stable and completely freestanding.

Description

Description
Title: Inflatable structure
This invention relates to an inflatable structure.
The applicant is the patentee in respect of SA patent no 97/ 5569 - Inflatable tent frame - which describes a frame comprising at least three tubular legs each constituting a separately sealed chamber that is capable of being inflated with a fluid such as air or gas to constitute a frame structure for a tent or canopy.
Conventionally, inflatable structures such as inflatable boats, inflatable life rafts and the like are manufactured from airtight fabrics. These fabrics conventionally consist of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fabric reinforced with woven polyester. The fabric is cut and welded, either with the use of heat welding or with adhesives, to obtain the desired shapes.
However, tubes that are relatively long and narrow tend to distort, particularly if they are unsupported.
This kind of problem normally does not arise with inflatable water craft since these craft utilise relatively short, large diameter tubes and normally include rigid or semi-rigid structures to which the tubes are attached.
In the known inflatable tent technology it is very difficult to construct a frame that is fully free standing, unsupported by anchors and anchor ropes. Stability is normally achieved by utilising relatively large diameter tubes combined with an anchoring system, making the tent relatively heavy and expensive, limiting the application potential to relative small-specialised market sectors.
Frame structures as typically utilised in a tent or canopy, utilise structural intersections that are typically too complex and difficult to manufacture with the current state of art in inflatable tube manufacturing.
In conventional tent construction where the frame is constructed out of solid structural elements such as metal tubing or spring steel rods, a fare amount of labour and knowledge and time is needed to construct the tent. These tents, even in its simplest form still comprises out of different parts that needs assembly.
It is an object of this invention to provide tubular structural elements that address these deficiencies and to provide structures that utilise such structural elements.
Disclosure of the invention
According to this invention an inflatable structural unit comprises at least three inflatable tubes arranged in the form of a polyhedron.
In its simplest form, the structural unitAeneid comprises three inflatable tubes arranged in the form of a tetrahedron. In this arrangement, the three tubes are co-extensive with three edges of an imaginary tetrahedron. In this form of the invention, the structural element comprises three legs that radiate from a point of interconnection to define an inverted, Y-shaped element, the arms of the Y constituting support legs and the stem of the Y being angled relatively to the legs to complete the tetrahedral shape of the support unit and defining an apical leg that, in use in a structure will constitute a support beam.
The inflatable tubes used in the support unit may be adapted to extend substantially straight under inflation pressure to obtain a conventional, straight-sided tetrahedron.
Alternatively, the tubes may be adapted to curve under inflation pressure to provide a more dome- shaped tetrahedron.
In tubes made of polyester reinforced PVC, the tubes may be adapted to extend substantially straight by aligning the warp of the polyester reinforced fabric with the principal tube axis. A tube made in such a manner will have a high resistance to bending.
To permit curvature of the tubes and to obtain varying degrees of curvature, the polyester reinforcing fabric may be arranged on the bias (with the warp at an angle to the tube axis) to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the desired curvature.
Being polyhedral, the structural element of the invention will yield, in combination with similar structural elements, a variety of geodesic structures. In such structures, the apical legs of the structural elements may be secured to the apical legs of adjacent, similar structural elements. In the same way the support legs of the structural elements may be secured to the support legs of adjacent, similar structural elements.
The apical leg of each structural element may be provided with mating connector formations to permit easy connection and disconnection to the apical legs of adjacent structural elements. In the same way the support legs of each structural element may be provided with mating connector formations to permit easy connection and disconnection to the support legs of adjacent structural elements.
In the preferred form of the invention, the connector constitutes the mating track and slider formations that can be inter engaged with one another to connect the structural elements together.
The tube ends of each structural element is geometrically shaped along the natural complimentary lines along the intersecting surfaces of the adjacent structural element. The connectors are fixed along their relative axial angles.
Connecting adjacent structural elements in this manner is simple yet it results in a very strong and supportive joint, utilising the inherent strength of the inflatable tube.
Structural elements connected together into a composite structure in this way form a very stable inflated structure.
Brief description of the drawings
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic isometric view of a tetrahedral structural element according to this invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of a simple inflatable structure made up of four of the structural elements of Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic end elevation of the structure of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic plan view on the point of connection of the structural elements in the structure of Figures 2 and 3;
Figure 5 is a diagrammatic sectional side elevation illustrating a novel lighting arrangement for structures according to the invention:
Figures 6,7 and 8 are diagrammatic plan view, end elevation and side elevation respectively of a structure that combines the structural element of Figure 1 with a number of similar and dissimilar units to provide a more complex geodesic dome structure than that illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.
Description of embodiments of the invention
The inflatable structure of the invention is more of a construction system than a simple structure. The system relies on the use of an inflatable polyhedral structural element as its basic unit of construction. By combining such a structural element with similar structural elements or with similarly polyhedral structural elements, a large variety of structures can be created as will be illustrated below.
The structural element 10 illustrated in Figure 1 has an essentially tetrahedral shape. A tetrahedron, being a polyhedron with four triangular sides, the structural element is made of three inflatable relatively narrow tubes 10.2, 10.2, 10.3, each lying on an edge of the tetrahedron. Three of the triangular sides of the tetrahedron are constituted by the triangular planes included between the three legs and the fourth triangular side is constituted by the plane defined by the free ends of the legs.
Seen differently, the structural element constitutes an inverted Y shaped support element.
The legs 10.1 and 10.2 lie on the inverted arms of the Y and constitute support legs. The remaining leg 10.3 defines the stern of the Y, which is angled relatively to the legs 10.1, 10.2 to define a support beam in structures to be erected with the use of the structural element 10.
The tubes making up the legs 10.1 , 10.2, 10.3 of the structural support element are made from airtight PVC fabric reinforced with woven polyester.
The woven polyester reinforcing fabric is arranged with the warp thereof aligned longitudinally with the principal axis of each of the tubular legs 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3. This gives the tubes a high resistance to bending.
If it is desired to permit curvature of the tubes, the polyester reinforcing fabric may be arranged on the bias to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the curvature that will be permitted.
The airtight fabric is double welded along the length of each tube. In practice, the fabric is welded along axially extending seams with a separate strip of fabric welded internally along each of the seams to provide enhanced sealing. The tubes making up the legs 10.1, 30.2, 10.3 are interconnected across a joint 12 through which the pressurising fluid can flow freely during inflation and deflation of the structural element 10.
The structural element 10 is inflated and deflated by means of an inflation valve (illustrated diagrammatically at 14).
The most convenient pressurising fluid would be compressed air obtained from a blower or compressor, or from a pressurised gas canister, but alternative pressurising fluids such as motor vehicle exhaust gas could also be used, provided the appropriate inflation fittings are used.
The structural element 10 of the invention can be combined into relatively complex structures that, because of the tetrahedral shape of the unit 10, will have the characteristics of geodesic domes.
The simple structure 100 illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 provides an example of the structure building capabilities of the basic structural element 10.
In the structure 100, four of the units 10 are interconnected to form a four-sided structural frame.
The apical legs 10.3 of the units 10 are connected to one another at the apex 102 of the structure 100 by means of connectors that will be described below.
The support legs 10.3, 10,2 of the structural elements 10 extend down to the ground and are connected to one another by means of connectors that will be described below.
The structure 100 may now be clad with a fabric cover (not shown).
Once the structure 100 is clad with a fabric cover and fastened to a groundsheet, it is completely free standing and needs no pegs or anchor ropes to keep it stable. Very little experience or knowledge is now required to pitch the tent. The energy that pitches the tent is supplied by the compressed gas and the whole prosess is done in a fraction of the normal time.There is also no assembly needed to pitch the tent. The unit only needs to be unfolded and inflated to pitch the tent. The same applies when putting the tent down. The valves in the tubes are opened to let the compressed gas out and the whole structure collapses. It is then folded as a unit in the normal way. There is thus no poles or other structural elements to account for.
The structure 100 provides a high degree of wind resistance but, if required, the structure can be pegged to the ground.
The structure 100 is preferably erected using four separate structural elements 10 that are connected to one another. However, it is also possible to construct the frame of the structure 100 in such a way that the structural elements 10 are not discrete, but rather interconnected at the apex 102 and at the vertices where the leg ends intersect 103.
Figure 4 illustrates two of the metal connectors 15 that are used to interconnect the structural element ends 10.4 of the structural elements 10 (the free ends of the legs 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 of the structural elements 10). The ends 10.4 of the structural elements 10 are shaped complementary to permit interconnection of the structural elements along the axial angle of the completed structure. Each such leg end 10.4 is finished off with a flat end weld 13 that is double welded and inserted between the flat strips of metal making up the connectors 15. Each structural element 10 is provided, at its leg ends 10.4 with a connector 15 that comprises a slider 16 and track formation 18, the slider 16 being adapted to slide into the track 18 of an adjacent connector 15. The slider and track formations 16, 18 are dimensioned to provide a secure friction fit once interconnected.
The utilisation of the connector 15 on each tube end has the advantage that two or more tube ends can be interconnected in a very strong and stable bond alleviating the need for a complex welded joint.
The entire connector 15 is riveted together with blind rivets. This has the advantage that the connector formations 16, 18 can be removed to permit reopening of the tube ends and the servicing of the tubes.
In certain situations it might be appropriate to insert a gasket within the sealing arrangement constituted by the connector 1 5 and the welded end of the tube in order to enhance the sealing effect.
The structure 100 illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 are a relatively simple structure that utilises only the basic structural element 10 illustrated in Figure 1. However, the basic structural unit 10 can be used in conjunction with similar yet slightly more complex structural elements to provide more complex structures as is illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8.
The structure 200 shown in these drawings utilises two of the basic structural elements 10 at each of its short ends.
In the structure 200 the basic structural elements 10 are each flanked by a slightly modified structural element 202, each of which differs from the basic structural element 10 only in the fact that it has an asymmetrical tetrahedral shape.
The apex and long sides of the structure 200 are defined by a pair of opposed structural elements 204, each of which incorporates a pair of support legs 204.1 and a pair of apical legs 204.2 that extend upwardly towards an apical beam 206 that defines the apex of the structure 200.
The structures of the invention, being inflatable, lend themselves to novel uses. For instance, the structure could be internally lit using light fittings 20 fitted to the insides of the tubes making up the structural elements. In this kind of an application, the fabric of the tubes and the structure as a whole will be chosen for translucency to enhance the lighting effect.
In addition, the structures need not be confined to land. Being inflatable, the structures will float on water to provide a novel staging facility for events and advertising.

Claims

Claims
Claim 1
According to this invention an inflatable structural unit comprises at least three inflatable tubes arranged in the form of a polyhedron. The inflatable tubes are airtight and once it is filled with compressed gas to the desired pressure and sealed off, will maintain its rigidity and support strength without any further addition of compressed air.
In its simplest form, the structural unitAeneid comprises three inflatable tubes arranged in the form of a tetrahedron. In this arrangement, the three tubes are co-extensive with three edges of an imaginary tetrahedron.
In this form of the invention, the structural element comprises three legs that radiate from a point of interconnection to define an inverted, Y-shaped element, the arms of the Y constituting support legs and the stem of the Y being angled relatively to the legs to complete the tetrahedral shape of the support unit and defining an apical leg that, in use in a structure will constitute a support beam.
The inflatable tubes used in the support unit may be adapted to extend substantially straight under inflation pressure to obtain a conventional, straight-sided tetrahedron.
Being polyhedral, the structural element of the invention will yield, in combination with similar structural elements, a variety of geodesic structures. In such structures, the apical legs of the structural elements may be secured to the apical legs of adjacent, similar structural elements. In the same way the support legs of the structural elements may be secured to the support legs of adjacent, similar structural elements.
The tube ends of each structural element is geometrically shaped along the natural complimentary lines along the intersecting surfaces of the adjacent structural element. The connectors are fixed along their relative axial angles at the vertex of the polyhedron.
Claim 2
Being inflatable, the structures will float on water to provide a novel staging facility for events and advertising.
Claim 3
The structures of the invention, being inflatable, could be internally lit using light fittings fitted to the insides of the tubes making up the structural elements. In this kind of an application, the fabric of the tubes and the structure as a whole will be chosen for translucency to enhance the lighting effect.
EP01991641A 2000-11-14 2001-11-14 Inflatable structure Expired - Lifetime EP1346119B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA200006289 2000-11-14
ZA200006289 2000-11-14
PCT/ZA2001/000175 WO2002064917A1 (en) 2000-11-14 2001-11-14 Inflatable structure

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1346119A1 true EP1346119A1 (en) 2003-09-24
EP1346119B1 EP1346119B1 (en) 2006-02-08

Family

ID=25588963

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01991641A Expired - Lifetime EP1346119B1 (en) 2000-11-14 2001-11-14 Inflatable structure

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US20040031208A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1346119B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE317481T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2002231380B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2449262C (en)
DE (1) DE60117171T2 (en)
WO (1) WO2002064917A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA200206637B (en)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2581476A1 (en) * 2007-02-08 2008-08-08 Jean-Marc D. Turcot Inflatable structure for covering sport utility vehicles, boats and the like
US20090084043A1 (en) * 2007-08-13 2009-04-02 Drs Technical Services, Inc. Air support structures and methods of erecting same
DE202007015754U1 (en) * 2007-11-09 2009-03-26 Vector Foiltec Gmbh Foil cushion arrangement
FR2963631B1 (en) * 2010-08-03 2013-06-07 Komex SHELTER WITH INFLATABLE STRUCTURE
US9527261B1 (en) * 2012-09-14 2016-12-27 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Hollow polymer micro-truss structures containing pressurized fluids
US10465376B1 (en) * 2016-06-28 2019-11-05 Charles Hoberman Construction method for foldable polyhedral enclosures
WO2023064974A1 (en) * 2021-10-18 2023-04-27 Clinical Governance Australia Pty Ltd Inflatable sports net

Family Cites Families (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2938526A (en) * 1958-06-02 1960-05-31 Iii Richard Harrison Inflatable shelter
US3221464A (en) * 1961-03-17 1965-12-07 Alvin E Miller Tetrahelical structure
US3277479A (en) * 1963-09-25 1966-10-04 Jr Arthur D Struble Passive communications satellite
US3502091A (en) * 1968-09-12 1970-03-24 Wendel V Goltermann Tent supporting frame
US3913105A (en) * 1971-04-05 1975-10-14 Trw Inc Collapsible self-erecting tubular frame structure and deployable electromagnetic reflector embodying same
US3994102A (en) * 1974-05-06 1976-11-30 Alley Friends Inflatable element and system
US4120024A (en) * 1976-10-18 1978-10-10 Julian Borisovich Aizenberg Lighting installation
GB2090622A (en) * 1980-11-13 1982-07-14 Williams Mervyn Ellis Emergency tent
US4723382A (en) * 1986-08-15 1988-02-09 Haresh Lalvani Building structures based on polygonal members and icosahedral
US4807405A (en) * 1987-08-20 1989-02-28 Borgquist Ronald B Geodesic inflatable structure, and methods of constructing and utilizing same
US4932169A (en) * 1989-11-01 1990-06-12 Robert Charbonneau Inflatable structure
US5007212A (en) * 1990-03-21 1991-04-16 Monty Fritts Inflatable shelter
US5311706A (en) * 1991-07-19 1994-05-17 Tracor Aerospace, Inc. Inflatable truss frame
FR2697045B1 (en) * 1992-10-19 1995-01-27 Semmel Alain Inflatable shelter with modular elements.
DE9418076U1 (en) * 1994-11-11 1995-01-12 Festo Kg, 73734 Esslingen Structural engineering structure
US6061969A (en) * 1997-02-11 2000-05-16 Leary; Jeremiah E. Inflatable greenhouse
US5987822A (en) * 1997-09-18 1999-11-23 Cyrk, Inc. Inflatable tent
US5893237A (en) * 1998-02-26 1999-04-13 Ryon; Michael J. Inflatable tent construction

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO02064917A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2449262A1 (en) 2002-08-22
US20040031208A1 (en) 2004-02-19
CA2449262C (en) 2008-03-18
DE60117171T2 (en) 2006-11-02
ATE317481T1 (en) 2006-02-15
DE60117171D1 (en) 2006-04-20
AU2002231380B2 (en) 2006-09-07
ZA200206637B (en) 2004-07-06
WO2002064917A1 (en) 2002-08-22
EP1346119B1 (en) 2006-02-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2391784B1 (en) Collapsible shelters with and without a floating hub
US3994102A (en) Inflatable element and system
US7533681B2 (en) Collapsible structural frame
US6418673B1 (en) Synetic structural forms and systems comprising same
RU2076191C1 (en) Transformed inflatable vault
US7562493B2 (en) Tensioned inflatable cover module
US4296585A (en) Permanent weather covers
CA2449262C (en) Inflatable structure
US2934075A (en) Inflatable structure
US4241746A (en) Collapsible building structure
US4918877A (en) Inflatable tubular structure
US20120131857A1 (en) Inflatable Enclosure
US10704289B1 (en) Inflatable shelter
AU2002231380A1 (en) Inflatable structure
US4676032A (en) Inflatable wall structure
US8429874B2 (en) Double-Y modular framing rhombicuboctahedron construction system
EP2511437A1 (en) Constructor for rapidly erectable dismountable assembled shell-type structures
EP4103801A1 (en) Self inflating canopy tent
GB2126464A (en) Portable of lightweight enclosures
WO2017143671A1 (en) Tent support frame, tent, and usage thereof
JP2790398B2 (en) Assembly structure and assembly method
JP4029876B2 (en) Assembled structure
JP3348950B2 (en) Sheet for encapsulated structural material and method of manufacturing the same
CN219061131U (en) Inflatable tent framework
CN219974066U (en) Inflatable tent support frame and inflatable tent

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20030613

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20040916

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAC Information related to communication of intention to grant a patent modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20060208

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060208

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060208

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060208

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060208

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060208

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060208

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60117171

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20060420

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060508

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060508

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060519

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060710

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

ET Fr: translation filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061114

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061130

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20061109

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060509

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20071130

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20071119

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20080125

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061114

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060208

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060208

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20081114

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20090731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090603

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081114

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081130