GB1027437A - Improvements in or relating to inflatable shelters - Google Patents

Abstract

1,027,437. Inflatable domes. FRANKENSTEIN GROUP Ltd. April 28, 1964 [April 30, 1963], No. 16959/63. Heading E1A. An air-supported flexible dome is formed from segments each comprising one or more convolutions 12, reinforcements, comprising webbing bands, ropes, or wires being attached along the margins of the convolutions and connected to a quick-release device 23 at the apex of the dome. The segments may be held together merely by the internal pressure forcing overlapping convolutions together, as shown, or forcing the edges of single-convolution segments together, (Fig. 4, not shown), or by slide fasteners 26 (Fig. 9, not shown) with sealing flaps 27 on the adjacent convolutions, the fastener clasps being clamped at 28 by locking clamps which are sprung or blown apart simultaneously with the release of the reinforcements. The convolutions may be formed by ruffling, gathering and seaming together panels of bias-cut fabric, or from a series of shaped panels joined end-to-end, or from panels joined together along curved edges. The reinforcements 11 are bifurcated near their lower edges, (Fig. 2, not shown) with one portion 15 attached to the segment right to the bottom, and pressed against the ground thereby, the other portion 13 being anchored beneath the junction. The portion 13 of those reinforcements lying under overlapping convolutions either pass through eyeletted holes in, or are fastened to, the overlapping convolutions. Adjacent segments may be joined together by touch-fasteners or slide-fasteners 18 during section. One or more sector-shaped flaps 20 or 21 (Fig. 6 or 8, not shown) may be joined to the tops of one or more of the segments, and may also be joined by touch-fasteners, and the reinforcements may either converge and combine towards the apex (Fig. 7, not shown), or be joined to a ring 24 incorporating one or more devices 23. Shear reinforcement 29 (Fig. 10, not shown), may be employed, being fastened to each reinforcement 11 which they cross, with quick release devices 30 at the joints, said reinforcements being arranged in great circles at 45‹ to the horizontal. Either spring- loaded guys 31, or guys which are tensioned at the moment of release of the devices 23 are employed in all the embodiments.