EP1426286B1 - Device, in particularly a boat or a swimming-pool, with an inflatable enclosure which comprises an integrated accessory - Google Patents

Abstract

The inflatable device includes at least one inflatable enclosure (2) including an opening (7) defined in an edge in which is disposed a rigid compartment (6), having a perimeter edge (9) coincident with the edge of the opening. The edge of the compartment is attached by a fixation device via a sealing element, including a flexible pocket, so as to assure sealing of the edge of the inflatable enclosure. Independent claims are included for an inflatable boat and an inflatable swimming pool.

Description

The present invention relates to improvements brought to the devices constituted by or having at least one inflatable enclosure delimited by at least one flexible wall and at least one accessory secured to said flexible wall of the enclosure.

The provisions of the invention can find application in all types of devices less an inflatable enclosure of any type. It seems, however, that they must find a favorite application in the inflatable boats that is the specific arrangement (with flexible hull, with rigid hull) and in inflatable pools that is the constitution of the inflatable flank, being understood that other types of devices (eg inflatable life rafts, flexible tanks for liquids, etc.) are also part of application of the provisions of the invention.

It is common to equip boats with various accessories such as handles, cleats, etc., intended for the practical implementation of the boat (pull handles or carry handles, cleats for hanging halyards: mooring at berth, mooring at another boat, hooking a load, ...). In the case specific for inflatable boats, accessories are reported on the wall of the inflatable enclosure and various techniques are known and used for their fixation ; in general the accessories present a base or extended foot which is secured (especially by bonding or soldering) to the wall of the inflatable enclosure. With this type of traditional arrangement and assembly, the accessory is totally protruding on the speaker inflatable. Such an accessory, made of rigid and hard material, protruding can be dangerous during the use of the boat, even though their effective use is of relatively short duration. At surplus, the permanent presence of these accessories highlights on the inflatable enclosure - which, in turn, is generally presents as an inflatable bead elongated with a very streamlined appearance - is poorly perceived on the map aesthetic.

Moreover, the users of boats, and pneumatic craft, wish to have at their disposal various closed storage spaces for storing materials, food, documents, etc. The manufacturers of inflatable boats, to meet these expectations by avoiding the vaults reported on floor bulky and unsightly, proposed various solutions of integrated safes in structures of the boat: bow box, safe (s) in the steering console, trunk (s) in a transom accordingly, etc.

Pool users can, too, wish to have a place to group small accessories that can be used in the water (such as floating toys, a balloon, ...) and easily accessible from inside the pool.

In the case of other enclosure devices inflatable pneumatically or hydraulically to use industrial (case of flexible tanks for liquids - water, fuel, ... - for example), it can be useful to have, in the device itself, a space for storage of tools and / or control devices necessary for its operation and / or maintenance.

DE 71 17 265 U discloses a boat tire whose inflatable bead is arranged to receive and support an inner chest; the perimeter of the edge of an opening made in the inflatable bead is pinched between the smooth edge of the inner trunk at flange and the smooth edge of an outer cover at flange, these two edges being bolted to each other at through the material of the inflatable bead. In such a arrangement, the recovery of the tension forces of the material inflatable pudding is only intermittently ensured by the fastening bolts and this risk material to be torn. The mechanical strength of this arrangement known is bad and watertight is mediocre.

Document FR 2 259 742 also discloses various embodiments of inflatable boat including the sausage inflatable has an opening on the periphery of which is secured an inner accessory to the coil. However, here too, the various solutions proposed prove to be unsatisfactory both in terms of keeping mechanics (inadequate recovery of tension of the inflatable bead around the opening) that of waterproofness.

The present invention aims to respond to aspirations of the various users of devices in question in an original way, either in substitution existing solutions, in addition to these, without resulting in additional congestion in the device or a substantial modification of the general infrastructure of the device.

• une ouverture définie par un bord prévue dans ladite paroi souple de ladite enceinte gonflable et un renfort saillant solidarisé à ladite paroi souple sur le pourtour du bord de l'ouverture,
• deux cadres sensiblement rigides conformés sensiblement en correspondance avec le susdit bord de l'ouverture pour chevaucher celui-ci et disposés respectivement de part et d'autre de la paroi souple, respectivement cadre extérieur et cadre intérieur, l'un au moins de ces cadres comportant une gorge propre à abriter au moins en partie le susdit renfort,
• des moyens de serrage associés à au moins les deux cadres pour serrer les deux cadres l'un contre l'autre en emprisonnant ledit renfort dans la gorge,
• des moyens de solidarisation solidarisant l'accessoire à l'un des cadres, et
• des moyens d'étanchéité assurant l'étanchéité, vis-à-vis du fluide de gonflage de l'enceinte, du montage de l'accessoire sur la paroi souple.

For these purposes, the invention proposes a device as mentioned in the preamble which, being arranged according to the invention, is characterized in that it comprises:

• an opening defined by an edge provided in said flexible wall of said inflatable enclosure and a projecting reinforcement secured to said flexible wall on the periphery of the edge of the opening,
• two substantially rigid frames shaped substantially in correspondence with the aforesaid edge of the opening for overlapping thereof and respectively disposed on either side of the flexible wall, respectively outer frame and inner frame, at least one of these frames having a groove adapted to house at least partially the aforesaid reinforcement,
• clamping means associated with at least the two frames for clamping the two frames against each other by trapping said reinforcement in the groove,
• fastening means solidarisant the accessory to one of the frames, and
• sealing means sealing against the inflation fluid of the enclosure, mounting the accessory on the flexible wall.

The means according to the invention are of a great universality of employment and ensure the mounting many kinds of accessories as will be explained later. These means are structurally simple and therefore inexpensive to manufacture and install. The presence of the protruding reinforcement (rush) on the periphery of the opening, which is engaged and retained in the groove provided in at least one of the frames makes it possible to hold mechanics of the flexible wall all around opening and in all directions so the shape and resistance of the inflatable enclosure does not in no way affected by the presence of the opening: the functional combination of the reinforcement protruding peripheral and rigid frame equipped with a reinforcement receiving groove provides recovery particularly effective tension forces to which is subjected the flexible wall stretched by the fluid of inflation.

As regards, for the sealing means, to ensure a tightness to the inflation fluid (a gas, usually air), a simple and effective solution consists in that the sealing means comprise a flexible pouch in a waterproof material, which is secured tightly to the inner face of the wall of the inflatable enclosure around the opening, said pocket extending inside the inflatable enclosure into sealingly surrounding the aforesaid accessory.

The resumption of tension forces will be even more effective if both frames have two grooves respective vis-à-vis defining together a channel of retaining adapted to house said reinforcement.

In practice, it can advantageously be provided that the clamping means are screws or bolts distributed around the perimeter of the opening, although could also consider (especially for small accessories) that the wall lining the opening, the inner frame and outer frame are joined by gluing and / or welding.

The invention aims in particular at mounting accessories such as handles, cleats or other devices of the same nature. For this purpose, provision is made for substantially rigid base, for mounting the accessory, which extends at least partly inside of the enclosure and is provided with a perimeter edge constituting the aforesaid inner frame. In this case, can provide that the base is substantially shaped plate, in which case the base will extend approximately in the plane of the flexible wall and the accessory that is solidaire will protrude on said wall. But, so very interesting, we can also predict that the base in the form of an open box which then extends at least partly under the level of the flexible wall and at the inside of the inflatable enclosure (recessed base): it becomes possible that the accessory is housed in the box-shaped base so that this accessory becomes embedded at least in part (by example, flush-mounted cleat), ie retractable (for example extractable handle, spring loaded inside of the base).

In this context, it can be expected that the accessory has a functional part that is integral with the base or that the accessory has a part functional which is reported on the base and fixed to it.

To improve the aesthetic appearance of the parts visible means implemented and / or to make less aggressive said visible parts, it is advantageous the outer frame is equipped or lined externally of a hubcap.

The means according to the invention allow installing, on the wall of the inflatable enclosure, a accessory of an unusual type, namely a safe substantially rigid which extends at least in part to the interior of said inflatable enclosure and which comprises a substantially rigid ridge projecting transversely at the trunk wall, located outside the wall of the enclosure.

This type of installation makes use of the presence of speaker volume, for example the "empty" volume (i.e. filled with air) of the pneumatic enclosure (s) (Flotation rods of a watercraft, peripheral ring of an inflatable pool or raft survival, filling volume of a bladder) equipping the device. This volume, certainly relatively important, assumes an essential function in the operation of the device (including buoyancy for a boat, retention of a volume of water for a pool, storage of a liquid for a tank); But in practice the volume of the inflatable speaker (s) is largely dimensioned, especially with regard to what would be strictly necessary. Also the invention provides she to divert a party, proportionately small, of this volume to assign it an additional function storage.

We can foresee, in a first mode of possible realization, that the edge of the trunk constitutes the aforesaid outer frame.

Preferably, however, in a second mode of realization, the edge of the chest is independent of the aforesaid outer frame and covers it; in this case, the trunk edge is fixed by the above means of tightening, or else the trunk is secured to a single two frames by second fixing means distinct from the aforesaid clamping means. In this last case, it can be advantageously provided that the wall side of the chest has a shoulder and that the second fastening means comprise screws or bolts passing through said side wall of the trunk and engaged with one of the inner or outer frames, the heads of these screws or bolts bearing on a support piece resting against the aforesaid shoulder; especially then, the support piece is unique and frame-shaped wedding the inner contour of the trunk to reinforce this one. These provisions make it possible to mechanically resistant box capable of withstanding load, without resulting in a risk of rupture at the edge.

In a possible example of embodiment, the rim of the chest, the inner frame and possibly the second outer frame are substantially planar. However, if it is considered that such an arrangement does not fit enough in the general conformation, often curved at least in part, of the inflatable enclosure and / or is aesthetic, it can then provide a modified arrangement according to which the edge of the trunk, the inner frame and possibly the second outer frame are curved substantially to match the curvature of the wall flexible inflatable enclosure.

Of course, the chest can be equipped with all the means necessary for its function and its environment ; cover (removable, sliding or swiveling), closing lock, gasket, .... Similarly, the chest can receive any desired conformation, including parallelepipedic, in particular parallelepipedic elongated rectangle, which fits more easily into a elongated enclosure such as a pudding boat buoyancy or poolside.

An accessory arrangement as defined above according to the invention can be integrated, as as needed, in many types of devices provided with at least one inflatable enclosure with at least one flexible wall, whatever the type (pneumatic, hydraulic) of inflation of said enclosure. However, the invention attaches particularly (but not exclusively) to pneumatic devices less a sidewall comprising at least one inflatable bead pneumatically, which inflatable bead then corresponds to the device exposed above, the above pregnant inflatable being constituted here by said inflatable bead pneumatically receiving said accessory.

In particular, an application more particularly in the context of the present invention relates to the the field of pneumatic boats: according to the invention, a inflatable boat having two lateral floats joining forward to form a bow and braced by a rigid floor and a transom, each lateral float being formed of at least one inflatable bead pneumatically, is characterized in that this inflatable bead corresponds to a device exposed above to be equipped at least one accessory. Another favorite app also particularly targeted in the context of the invention relates to the field of inflatable swimming pools: according to the invention, a pneumatic pool delimited perimetrically by at least one pneumatically inflatable bead is characterized in what this boudin corresponds to a device exposed above to be equipped with at least one accessory.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique, en coupe, éclatée, d'une partie d'un dispositif gonflable agencé conformément à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue d'ensemble simplifiée, en perspective, d'une embarcation pneumatique agencée conformément à l'invention ;
• les figures 3A et 3B sont des vues en coupe transversale, éclatées, illustrant respectivement deux variantes d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'agencement de la figure 1 ;
• les figures 4A, 4B et 4C sont des vues en coupe transversale, éclatées, illustrant respectivement trois variantes d'un deuxième mode de réalisation préféré, de l'agencement de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective, à échelle agrandie, d'une partie de l'embarcation de la figure 2 montrant un coffre installé conformément à l'invention ;
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe transversale, éclatée, montrant un troisième mode de réalisation de l'agencement de la figure 1 en relation avec le coffre de la figure 5 ;
• les figures 7A et 7B sont respectivement deux variantes de réalisation de l'agencement de la figure 5 ;
• les figures 8A et 8B sont des vues en coupe transversale, éclatées, de respectivement deux variantes d'un autre mode de réalisation du montage de la figure 5 ;
• la figure 9 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une piscine gonflable équipée conformément à l'invention ; et
• la figure 10 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un réservoir souple pour liquide équipé conformément à l'invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments given solely by way of non-limiting examples. In this description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view, exploded, of a portion of an inflatable device arranged in accordance with the invention;
• Figure 2 is a simplified overall view, in perspective, of a pneumatic craft arranged according to the invention;
• Figs. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional exploded views respectively illustrating two variants of a first embodiment of the arrangement of Fig. 1;
• Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C are exploded cross-sectional views respectively showing three variants of a second preferred embodiment of the arrangement of Fig. 1;
• Figure 5 is a perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of the boat of Figure 2 showing a chest installed according to the invention;
• Figure 6 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of the arrangement of Figure 1 in relation to the trunk of Figure 5;
• FIGS. 7A and 7B are respectively two alternative embodiments of the arrangement of FIG. 5;
• Figs. 8A and 8B are exploded cross-sectional views of two variants of another embodiment of the assembly of Fig. 5, respectively;
• Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of an inflatable pool equipped according to the invention; and
• Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a flexible tank for liquid equipped according to the invention.

• la paroi souple 2 de l'enceinte présente une ouverture 4 définie par un bord et un renfort saillant (ou jonc) 5 est solidarisé au bord de l'ouverture 4 sur le pourtour de celle-ci ;
• deux cadres 6, 7 sensiblement rigides sont conformés sensiblement en correspondance avec le susdit bord de l'ouverture 4 pour chevaucher celui-ci et sont disposés respectivement de part et d'autre de la paroi souple 2 (respectivement cadre extérieur ou supérieur 6 et cadre intérieur ou inférieur 7), l'un au moins de ces cadres comportant une gorge 8 propre à abriter au moins en partie le susdit renfort 5 ;
• des moyens de serrage 9 (schématisés par un axe de vis à la figure 1, mais d'autres exemples sont envisageables comme indiqué plus loin) sont associés à au moins les deux cadres 6, 7 pour serrer les deux cadres l'un contre l'autre en emprisonnant ledit renfort 5 dans la gorge 8 ;
• des moyens de solidarisation (non schématisés à la figure 1) solidarisent l'accessoire 3 à l'un des cadres 6, 7 ; et
• des moyens d'étanchéité 10 assurent l'étanchéité vis-à-vis du fluide de gonflage de l'enceinte 1, du montage de l'accessoire 3 sur la paroi souple 2.

Referring firstly to the very schematic view of FIG. 1, the invention relates to devices comprising at least one inflatable enclosure 1 delimited by at least one flexible wall 2 and at least one accessory 3 secured to said flexible wall 2 of the enclosure. In such devices, the invention provides that:

• the flexible wall 2 of the enclosure has an opening 4 defined by an edge and a projecting reinforcement (or ring) 5 is secured to the edge of the opening 4 on the periphery thereof;
• two substantially rigid frames 6, 7 are shaped substantially in correspondence with the aforesaid edge of the opening 4 to overlap the latter and are respectively disposed on either side of the flexible wall 2 (respectively outer or top frame 6 and frame interior or bottom 7), at least one of these frames having a groove 8 adapted to house at least partially the aforesaid reinforcement 5;
• clamping means 9 (shown diagrammatically by a screw axis in FIG. 1, but other examples are possible as indicated below) are associated with at least the two frames 6, 7 for clamping the two frames against each other; other by imprisoning said reinforcement 5 in the groove 8;
• fastening means (not shown schematically in Figure 1) secure the accessory 3 to one of the frames 6, 7; and
• sealing means 10 seal against the inflation fluid of the chamber 1, the mounting of the accessory 3 on the flexible wall 2.

In a way that is both simple and effective, the sealing means 10 with respect to the inflation fluid can be arranged so as to completely isolate the zone of the wall 2 on which the accessory 3 of the rest of the housing is mounted. enclosure 1. For this purpose it can be provided that the sealing means comprise a sheet of flexible material (in particular of the same nature and the same characteristics as that constituting the wall 2) forming a flexible pocket 10 which is secured in a sealed manner on its periphery at 10 a (in particular by gluing or welding) to the inner face of the flexible wall 2 around the opening 4, said pocket 10 then extending inside the enclosure 1 by sealingly sealing the accessory 3 and its mounting parts on the wall 2.

Preferably, the two frames 6 and 7 are provided of respective grooves 8 vis-à-vis defining together a retaining channel suitable for housing said reinforcement 5 which is thus retained symmetrically. The presence of reinforcement or ring 5 allows to resume, all around the opening 4, the tension forces of the wall 2 of so that the enclosure has no weakening or no distortion and retains its general shape despite the presence of the accessory.

In a preferred embodiment, the clamping means are screws or bolts (reference 9 denoting the schematization of the axes thereof) which are distributed around the periphery of the opening 4. However, it can also be envisaged that the clamping means are constituted simply by a bonding and / or welding against each other from the edge 2a of the opening 4, the outer frame 6 and inner frame 7 (reference 2 a denotes the peripheral portion of the wall 2 which is sandwiched between the two frames 6, 7 and which is bordered by the ring 5).

It is understood that the provisions in accordance with the invention which have just been stated are applicable general for all types of devices concerned, both as regards the characteristics of the inflatable enclosure (inflatable enclosure pneumatically, hydraulically inflatable enclosure) only for the type of accessory and its use, and also as regards the field of application of those devices.

The invention will now be described so even more detailed through several examples specific (but not exclusive) belonging to different fields and / or accessories various.

We will first take into consideration the the field of inflatable boats, because it is in this case that the provisions of the invention seem to apply preferentially, although nonexclusive. In Figure 2 is illustrated an example of inflatable boat 11 likely to be concerned by the invention. The boat 11 is a boat pneumatic which includes two pneumatic floats 1 bilaterally bordering a bottom 13 and a hull (no visible). The rear part of the boat is closed by a transom 14 secured to the bottom 13 and floats 1 and bridging them. Both floats 1 join forward to form a bow. In the illustrated example, each float 1 is consisting of a pneumatically inflatable bead. Each float 1 (or each constituent coil of it) represents the inflatable enclosure mentioned previously in Figure 1. The specific type of boat (hull flexible, rigid hull, equipment) does not enter into consideration in the context of the invention.

The boats, and in particular the boats inflatable, are equipped with traditional accessories such than carrying handles, cleats for ropes moorings, or others, which are attached (glued, welded, bolted) in projecting position on the float. The provisions in accordance with the invention allow only to consider mounting these accessories on the float wall 1 in their usual situation - that is to say projecting on the float - but they allow to consider also an original assembly of these accessories, namely an assembly in part or in whole recessed and / or retractable.

So in a possible embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 3A, a base plate is provided substantially rigid assembly 15 for the mounting of the accessory 3 (for example a handle or a cleat), which base 15 extends at least in part to inside the enclosure 1 (ie below the wall level 2) and is provided with a flange perimeter constituting the above-mentioned internal framework. the example of FIG. 3A, the mounting base 15 and the flange forming the inner frame 7 are located in the extension of each other and the assembly is presented globally in the form of a plate 17 provided with the groove 8 perimeter. In the example of Figure 3A, it has been assumed in addition that the plate 17 formed by the base 15 and the inner frame 7 was made of the same material that the accessory 3 (shown here in the form of a cleat): in this case the entire plate 17 and the part functional 16 of the accessory 3 can be realized under integral form as shown in Figure 3A.

On the other hand, in the case where one wishes to have use of a standard accessory 3 available in the trade and / or in the case where the plate 17 and the accessory 3 are not made of the same material (eg example the plate 17 is made of synthetic material and accessory 3 is metallic), the accessory 3 (by example the cleat) is attached to the plate 17 and fixed (for example by screwing in 18) on this one as illustrated in Figure 3B.

According to a preferred variant illustrated in FIG. 4A, the mounting base 15 can be arranged substantially in the form of an open box surrounded by a rim perimetric constituting the aforesaid inner frame 7 (the whole box being designated by the reference 19). The accessory 3 is then fixed on the base 15 (by example by screwing 18). In such an arrangement shown in FIG. 4A, the accessory 3 is erased in part or all (as illustrated in Figure 4A) of so that the accessory is no longer likely to prove dangerous and that, moreover, the float 1 presents a line continuity offering an aesthetic appearance interesting.

The fixed mounting of the accessory 3 inside the box 19 may be suitable for some accessories such as a cleat as shown in Figure 4A. On the other hand, for other accessories such as a handle, it would give the box 19 important dimensions for keep its functionality to the accessory (for example to leave enough free space for gripping of the handle). In such a case, the provisions according to the invention offer the possibility of a retractable accessory in part or in screen. The example shown in Figure 4B is for a retractable handle, which handle then constitutes accessory 3. The senior manager 6, in particular at his ends, extends internally beyond the frame lower 7 and overflows partly above the box 19, while the handle 3 has, at its base, a sole Overflowing at the ends; springs 21 are interposed between the protruding part of the upper frame 6 and the overflowing portion of the sole 20, so as to elastically push the handle 3 on the bottom of the box 19. The inner contour of the upper frame 6 is shaped so that one can grab the top of the handle 3, slightly protruding, and pull it up when one wishes to use it (position illustrated in dashes). Possibly, one can provide means to erasable ratchet (not shown) to block the handle in projecting position.

Such a retractable accessory arrangement is not reserved for the implementation of a handle and, by example, could be provided for the implementation of a retractable cleat. The fixed flush mount shown in FIG. 4A requires, for its use, that the box 15 is very large enough to leave a space free around the cleat to allow the winding of a halyard or rope around it. AT Fig. 4C is illustrated a cleat arrangement retractable two positions stable, retracted and exit respectively. For this purpose it can be provided that the cleat 3 is provided with a body 22 which is hollowed out by a channel axial 26 which opens advantageously, superiorly, in a recess or countersink 23 with a flat bottom. A ratchet of retainer 24 has an elastic rod 25 passing through the channel 26 and terminating at the top with a spout. base 28 of the rod 25 is secured to the bottom 15 of the box 19. Springs 29 are interposed between the sole 30 of the cleat 3 and the bottom 15. In the erased position of cleat illustrated in Figure 4C, cleat 3 is depressed in the box 19 by compressing the springs 29 and is retained by the spout 27 resting on the bottom of the recess 23. When the spout 27 is released, the springs 29 push back the cleat 3 upwards, in the out position or position use.

Advantageously, the upper frame 6 can be covered with a hubcap 31, for example stainless steel or chrome; or it may be the senior executive 6 himself which, being made for example of synthetic material molded, has an external face which presents all desired decorative conformation and which can possibly be metallized on the surface (chrome plating).

In Figure 2, we have schematized the location accessories 3 arranged according to the invention (for example a retractable cleat on the bow and two retractable handles laterally on each float 1).

In the examples that have just been exposed have been specifically considered arrangements small accessories. But the provisions of the invention are not limited to the implementation of such small accessories and can just as easily to be able to equip the inflatable float 1 with accessories of relatively large size. Among these rigid and watertight chests Boat users have a constant need. Traditionally there are provided chests, rigid or flexible, installed on the floor, cluttering the space reserved for passengers (including chests bow, flexible, as shown at 32 in Figure 2); or chests arranged in equipment (console of piloting, jockey seat base) specific to certain boats.

According to the invention, provision is made to install at least one trunk 33 which is then the accessory 3 mentioned in at least one of the inflatable tubes components of the floats 1, thereby benefiting from fraction of the interior space of the inflatable bead without however, affect the characteristics of buoyancy.

In Figure 2, a safe 33 is installed as a example in each of the inflatable tubes or floats 1.

As seen best on the view to larger scale of Figure 5 and on the exploded sectional view of FIG. 6, the flange 1 has an opening 4 on the edge of which is sealed the chest 33 made in a rigid way (for example in plastic). For this purpose, the trunk 33 has an edge perimeter which coincides substantially closely with the edge of the opening 4 of the inflatable coil 1, the trunk being engaged for the most part, through the opening 4, inside the inflatable bead. The edge perimeter trunk 33 is secured by means of fixing to said edge of the opening 4 over the entire periphery of it.

As seen on the exploded view, in section cross section of FIG. 6, the sealing means are constituted as described above and include a flexible pouch 10 secured in a sealed manner (bonding, welding) to the inner face of the wall 2 of the coil inflatable 1 all around the opening 4.

In a preferred embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the trunk 33 presents a rim 34 substantially rigid, surrounding its edge perimeter and protruding outward. The rim 34 thus covers the edge of the opening 4 on the face external wall 2 of the inflatable ring 1.

As in the previous examples, a lower rigid frame 7 having substantially the same shapes and dimensions that the aforesaid rim 34 of the trunk 33 and disposed within the inflatable bead 1 against the inner face of the wall 2 thereof and facing the rim 34 of the trunk 33. The rim 34 of the trunk could then constitute the outer frame 6 that was mentioned above, the assembly of the box 33 to the flexible wall 2 then by tightening the lower frame 7 and the edge 9.

However, according to a variant embodiment advantageous, a second external frame 6 is provided for inflatable bead 1 and interposed between the outer face of the wall 2 of said inflatable bead 1 and the rim 34 of the safe 33.

The assembly of the box 33 to the flexible wall 2 is made, as before, preferably by bolting or screwing 9 through the rim 34, the possible frame additional exterior 6, flexible wall 2 and frame 7. In the case of screws, the holes in the frame inside 7 can be threaded to receive the ends of these screws 13.

The trunk 33 can, of course, be provided with a appropriate cover: removable, sliding, or pivoting preference as shown in FIG. cover 35 is arranged anyway required for relates to the sealing of its closure by a seal device, locking means thereof, etc.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the trunk 33 is arranged, in a simple manner, with a flange 34 which is substantially planar; the inner frames 7 and possibly outside 6 are then, too, substantially planes. Due to the general curvature of the wall of the inflatable ring 1, the result is tension unequal of this wall on the periphery of the opening 4. In any case, the rim 34 of the trunk 33 extends approximately in a tangent plane of the inflatable pudding 1 and it follows that its edges parallel to the axis of the boudin 1 are raised compared to the pudding. Such layout can be considered unsightly.

To avoid these projections, one can resort to the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 7A, in which both portions of the flange 34 extending transversely to the flange 1 are curved so as to fit the curvature of the 1. Inside frames and possibly outside, as well as the lid, are, too, curved in the same way. We thus create a safe whose visible part fits perfectly, visually, in the general conformation of the pudding inflatable 1.

Eventually, one can resort to a intermediate solution illustrated in Figure 7B, according to which the rim 34, as well as the inner frames 7 and possibly outside 6 are curved to marry the curvature of the inflatable pudding 1 in the same way as in the embodiment of Figure 7A, while the lid 35 remains flat as in the mode of embodiment of FIG. 5. In this arrangement, the part top of the chest 33 with the lid 35 remains certainly projecting slightly above the curved face of the 1, but the curvature of the rim 34 and others components of the fastening means makes it possible to eliminate the unevenness of the wall of the coil 1 around the opening 4.

In Figure 8A is illustrated, in exploded view and in another embodiment of the provisions of the Figure 5. The two inner frames 7 and outer 6 are provided with respective grooves 8 capable of reinforcement 5 forming retaining ring which is secured to the wall 2 of the inflatable ring 1. The two frames 6 and 7 are secured, by enclosing said wall 2 of the flange inflatable 1, using first fixing means, by example of screws or bolts 9 (schematized by their axes) distributed around the reinforcement 5.

Thanks to the provisions according to the invention, is a perfectly integrated storage space in the basic structure of the craft, which does not affect said structure, which can therefore be implemented whatever the constitution of the boat, and who does not encumber in any way the interior space of the boat. In addition, the sealing means used particularly effective protection of the inflatable tube and the presence of the safe does not affect nothing buoyancy characteristics.

The trunk 33 is then secured by its rim superior 34 which rests on the upper frame 6, at this only frame 6 using second fixing means such as that screws or bolts 36, which in this example of implementation, extend parallel to the screws or bolts 9 above.

This arrangement offers the advantage of a possibility easy dismantling of the trunk, while in the arrangement of Figure 6 such disassembly was rendered more complex in that the same fastener (bolt, screw) ensured both the fastening of the trunk on the upper frame and the attachment of the two frames on the wall of the inflatable pudding.

In Figure 8B is illustrated a variant of the mode previous realization. Here, the fastening of the trunk 33 does not is more for securing its rim 34 to the frame outside 6, but is by securing the wall side 37 of the chest to one of the frames 6, 7, for example to the inner frame 7 using screws 38 extending perpendicular to the assembly screws 8 of the two frames 6, 7 with the wall 2 of the inflatable bead 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 8B.

In addition, to reinforce the trunk 33, the wall 37 of the latter has an upper portion of transversal dimension greater than that of the part lower, so as to form a shoulder 39 which can extend around the trunk or only on two faces vis-à-vis. In addition, the head of each screw 38 relies on a support piece 40, that there is a support piece 40 for each screw 38, that is provided a single support piece 40, conforming to the inner contour of the chest 33 and bearing against the shoulder 39, this single support piece 40 forming a peripheral reinforcement inside the trunk.

The arrangements illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B allow easy and quick disassembly / reassembly of the trunk 33 while ensuring a good tension of the sheet of material (eg coated fabric) constituting the wall 2 of the inflatable ring 1 thanks to the reinforcement 5 forming rush that is trapped in the channel defined by both gorges 8 frames 6, 7 together.

Another area of application of the provisions of the invention relates to inflatable pools. An example such a swimming pool, designated as a whole by the reference 41, is illustrated in Figure 9. The pool 41 is defined perimetrically by a pneumatic coil inflatable 1 large volume that occupies the entire height of pool and which, below, is secured in a waterproof to a bottom (not visible). The inflatable pudding 1 can extend according to a closed contour, in particular round (as shown) or oval, to retain a volume of water 42. Given the large volume of the inflatable ring 1 (which is here the inflatable enclosure 1 mentioned more top) and its relatively large section, it is possible to equip it with a box 33 of rigid structure under the same conditions as explained above for the equipment of an inflatable flotation rod of a inflatable boat.

The trunk 33 (which is then the accessory above mentioned generically by 3) may be constituted as indicated above and its solidarity with the pudding inflatable can be carried out in the manner described in with reference to figures 6, 8A or 8B, and resort to configurations of implantation on the boudin illustrated at Figures 5, 7A and 7B.

As regards more specifically the fastening of the box 33 to the inflatable tube 1, it will be noted it is possible to implement other means such as bonding and / or welding, having regard to the conditions less severe than in the case of pneumatic craft and less stress to which the constitutive material of the blood sausage inflatable is subject.

Of course, the trunk 33 can be shaped and arranged, especially internally, anyway desirable in relation to possible use special. So, in the case of the equipment of a aircrafts, the trunk can be provided with inside, fixing means and / or partitioning suitable for storing navigation equipment. Of even, in the case of equipping a pool, the trunk can be arranged for storage of objects / toys floats that remain accessible from the water. In all cases, and especially for the equipment of a pool, we can also consider that the trunk is arranged in cooler with the interesting advantage that being in most of it engaged inside the inflatable pudding, the trunk is better protected from the sun.

In Figure 10 is illustrated yet another scope of the provisions of the invention, which flexible tanks for liquids (water, fuel, ...). Here is the closed pocket with flexible wall which constitutes the inflatable enclosure mentioned above, the inflation of this chamber being of hydraulic type and caused by the liquid introduced into the enclosure. The flexible tank 43 comprises a flexible enclosure 1, any shape, which can be equipped with a safe 33 under the same conditions as explained above for the equipment of an inflatable flotation rod of a inflatable boat. The fastening of the safe 33 to the flexible wall 2 of the enclosure 1, in particular on the face top of it, can be performed as exposed previously with reference to FIGS. 6, 8A and 8B. Such chest 33 can be used to receive tools necessary for the exploitation of the tank 43, for example for the actuation of a valve 44 controlling the introduction of the liquid in the pocket or its extraction out of the pocket, or it can be used to house control equipment (pressure measurement, temperature measurement, measurement of filling height) necessary for the operation of the tank.

It will be understood from the examples above that the invention can be applied in many fields for the equipment of various inflatable enclosures.

Claims (24)

1. Apparatus comprising at least one inflatable enclosure (1) delimited by at least one flexible wall (2) and at least one accessory (3) secured to said flexible wall (2) of the enclosure, characterized by comprising:

   an opening (4) defined by an edge, provided in said flexible wall (2) of said inflatable enclosure (1), and a protruding reinforcement (5) secured to said flexible wall along the circumference of the edge of the opening (4),

   two substantially rigid frames (6, 7) designed substantially corresponding with said edge of the opening (4) in order to straddle the latter and each arranged on a respective side of the flexible wall (2), respectively outer frame (6) and inner frame (7), at least one of these frames (6, 7) comprising a groove (8) able to at least partially accommodate said reinforcement (5),

   clamping means (9) associated to at least the two frames (6, 7) in order to clamp the two frames against one another, trapping said reinforcement (5) in the groove (8),

   securing means for securing the accessory (3) to one of the frames (6, 7), and

   leakproofing means (10) providing leaktightness, with respect to the fluid used for inflating the enclosure, for the mounting of the accessory (3) on the flexible wall (2).
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the leakproofing means comprise a flexible bag (10) made of a leaktight material and secured in a leaktight manner to the inner face of the wall (2) of the inflatable enclosure (1) around the opening (4), said bag (10) extending inside the inflatable enclosure (1) and surrounding said accessory (3) in a leaktight manner.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two frames (6, 7) comprise two respective grooves (8) situated opposite one another and together defining a retaining channel able to accommodate said reinforcement (5).
4. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the clamping means (9) are screws or bolts distributed about the circumference of the opening (4).
5. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the wall (2) bordering the opening (4), the inner frame (7) and the outer frame (6) are secured by adhesive bonding and/or welding.
6. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a substantially rigid base (15) is provided for mounting the accessory (3), which base (15) extends at least partially inside the enclosure (1) and is equipped with a peripheral shoulder constituting the abovementioned inner frame (7).
7. Apparatus according to Claim 6, characterized in that the base (15) is substantially in the form of a plate (17).
8. Apparatus according to Claim 6, characterized in that the base (15) is substantially in the form of an open box (19).
9. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the accessory (3) comprises a functional part (16) which is integral with the base (15).
10. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the accessory (3) comprises a functional part (16) which is applied on the base (15) and fixed thereto.
11. Apparatus according to Claim 8, characterized in that the accessory (3) is designed to be retractable, at least partially, inside the box (19).
12. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the outer frame (6) is equipped with or covered on the outside with a decorative cap (31).
13. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the accessory (3) is a substantially rigid compartment (33) which extends at least partially inside said inflatable enclosure (1) and which comprises a substantially rigid shoulder (34) protruding transversely with respect to the wall of the compartment and situated outside the wall (2) of the enclosure (1).
14. Apparatus according to Claim 13, characterized in that the shoulder (34) of the compartment (33) constitutes said outer frame (6).
15. Apparatus according to Claim 13, characterized in that the shoulder (34) of the compartment (33) is independent of said outer frame (6) and covers the latter.
16. Apparatus according to Claims 4 and 15, characterized in that the shoulder (34) of the compartment (33) is fixed by said clamping means (9).
17. Apparatus according to Claims 4 and 15, characterized in that the compartment (33) is secured to only one of the two frames (6, 7) by second fixing means (38) distinct from said clamping means (9).
18. Apparatus according to Claim 17, characterized in that the lateral wall (37) of the compartment (33) has a ledge (39), and in that the second fixing means (38) comprise screws or bolts passing through said lateral wall (37) of the compartment (33) and engaged with one of the lower (7) or upper (6) frames, the heads of these screws or bolts bearing on a support piece (40) resting against said ledge (39).
19. Apparatus according to Claim 18, characterized in that the support piece (40) is unique and in the form of a frame matching the inner peripheral contour of the compartment (33) in order to reinforce the latter.
20. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 13 to 19, characterized in that the shoulder (34) of the compartment (33), the inner frame (7) and the outer frame (6) are substantially plane.
21. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 13 to 19, characterized in that the shoulder (34) of the compartment (33), the inner frame (7) and the outer frame (6) are curved substantially to match the curvature of the flexible wall (2) of the inflatable enclosure (1).
22. Pneumatically inflatable apparatus comprising at least one flank with at least one pneumatically inflatable fender (1), characterized in that said inflatable fender is an apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 21, said inflatable enclosure (1) being formed by said fender which receives said accessory (3).
23. Pneumatic boat (11) comprising two lateral floats joined at the front to form a stem and braced by a rigid floor (13) and by a transom (14), each lateral float being formed by at least one pneumatically inflatable fender (1), characterized in that this inflatable fender (1) is an apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 21 equipped with at least one accessory (3).
24. Inflatable swimming pool (41) delimited circumferentially by at least one pneumatically inflatable tube (1), characterized in that this tube (1) is an apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 21 equipped with at least one accessory (3).

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