GB2323395A

GB2323395A - Inflatable structure

Info

Publication number: GB2323395A
Application number: GB9805109A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pauline Mary Griffiths; Richard John May
Original assignee: PLYSU PROTECTION SYSTEMS LIMIT
Current assignee: PLYSU PROTECTION SYSTEMS LIMIT
Priority date: 1997-03-17
Filing date: 1998-03-10
Publication date: 1998-09-23
Also published as: GB9705468D0; GB9805109D0

Abstract

An inflatable structure (1) comprises at least one hollow sleeve (2,3,4), which may be inflated to form the structure (1). The sleeve (2,3,4) has attached to it at least two fastening members (13), each having an eye therethrough for receipt of a flexible rod. A further component (eg an enclosure, not shown) is provided, for attachment to the sleeve, the component also having attached to it at least two fastening members, each having an eye therethrough for receipt of a flexible rod. The structure may be formed from PVC, sleeves (2,3,4) being joined by RF welding. The structure may be a de-contamination shower.

Description

INFLATABLE STRUCTURE For a number of years there have been available a large number of inflatable structures. Such structures rely on air-filled sleeves, usually formed from a plastics material or rubber material to provide them with their shape. Usually, the air can be removed from the material and the material folded to a compact and readily transportable size. Subsequent pumping of air into the sections then re-constructs the structure. There are a number of different applications for such structures.

Applications range from domestic swimming pools to life rafts. One fairly recent application has been the provision of portable decontamination showers for use by the fire services and chemical industries. Such showers inflate to form a structure which supports shower hoses.

A user can then step into the structure and shower after handling hazardous chemicals and the like.

Such inflatable structures, whether in the form of a de-contamination shower or not, have a number of problems associated with them. Firstly, they must be sturdy and able to endure use in hazardous environments without piercing or splitting. Furthermore, it is often necessary for a user to be able to detachably fix components to the inflatable structure. This is difficult to do in many situations, as standard fixings, such as stud fasteners, do not work well when pressed against the surface of an inflatable structure and form stress points which result in eventual puncture of the structure.

The present invention seeks to overcome some of these problems.

According to the present invention there is provided an inflatable structure comprising: at least one hollow sleeve which forms, when inflated in use, the structure, the sleeve having attached thereto at least two fastening members, each fastening member having an eye passing therethrough for receipt, in use, of a flexible rod; and at least one component for attachment in use, to the sleeve, the component having at least two fastening members, each component fastening member having an eye passing therethrough for receipt, in use, of the flexible rod.

The inflatable structure may be formed from PVC and, if more than one sleeve is provided, individual sleeves may be joined by RF welding. The structure may be a de-contamination shower. With the invention, it is possible to attach, in use, one or more components to the structure by provision of fastening members with eyes on the component to be attached and sliding a flexible rod through the eyes of the members on the structures and on the component. Because a flexible rod can be used it is easy for an installing operator to employ even when wearing gloves. Furthermore, the flexible rod is easy to remove and install without applying excessive pressure to a single point on the inflatable structure. The flexible rod may be held in position by provision on its ends of washers which are unable to pass through the eyes of the fastening members. The washers may be held in place by a simple screw threaded nut or similar fastening arrangement.

One example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagram of an inflatable structure according to a first aspect of the invention; and Figure 2 is a diagram of the example structure of figure 1 further incorporating a detachable enclosure.

Referring to Figure 1 an inflatable structure 1 is formed from a plurality of interconnected hollow sleeves 2, 3, 4 which can be inflated via a valve 5 to form a semirigid structure 1, in this example a frame for a decontamination shower. When wishing to pack the decontamination shower away a deflating valve 6 can be opened to allow air to pass out of the sleeves 2, 3, 4, so that the structure can be folded away and transported to another location. Structures of the type shown in Figure 1 often have to have a number of components attached to them. For example, it is advantageous to attach a canopy to the structure 1 so that any contaminant containing water is not sprayed out from the shower and into the local environment.

As such canopies can become damaged in use it is usually necessary to make the canopy removable.

Figure 2 shows a canopy 7 that can be attached to and suspended from the structure 1 of Figure 1. The canopy 7 has an apron 8 which can extend underneath the structure 1 and add stability in high winds, for example. The canopy 7 also has an opening 9 which acts as a doorway through which a user can enter when the canopy 7 is in place. A window 10 is also provided. Attached to edges of the canopy 7 which are to be fixed to the structure 1 are fixing members 11. Each fixing member 11 has an eye 12 through which a flexible rod can pass. Corresponding fixing members 13 are attached to the surfaces of the sleeves 2, 3, 4 and each has an eye 14 through which a flexible rod can pass also. To install the canopy 7 a user places the canopy 7 within the structure 1 and passes a flexible rod 15 through eyes 12 and 14 in the fastening members 11 and 13 of the canopy 7 and structure 1. This holds the canopy 7 in position within the structure 1, but does so in a manner which does not require application of pressure to the surface of the inflatable structure 1 and in a manner which can be performed by a user even when wearing gloves or bulky protective clothing. The flexible rod 15 can be held in position by a washer and nut arrangement at each end. When removing the canopy 7 the user simply has to remove one of the retaining washers at one end of the rod 15 and pull the rod through the eyes 12, 14. This allows for a simple removal of the canopy.

Claims

1. An inflatable structure comprising: at least one hollow sleeve which forms, when inflated in use, the structure, the sleeve having attached thereto at least two fastening members, each fastening member having an eye passing therethrough for receipt, in use, of a flexible rod; and at least one component for attachment in use, to the sleeve, the component having at least two fastening members, each component fastening member having an eye passing therethrough for receipt, in use, of the flexible rod.

2. An inflatable structure according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable structure is formed from PVC.

3. An inflatable structure according to claim 2, wherein more than one sleeve is provided, with the sleeves being joined to one another by RF welding.

4. An inflatable structure according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the structure is a de-contamination shower.