GB2529236A

GB2529236A - Weatherproof structure

Info

Publication number: GB2529236A
Application number: GB1414470.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brent Turner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-08-14
Filing date: 2014-08-14
Publication date: 2016-02-17
Also published as: GB201414470D0

Abstract

A weatherproof structure comprising an inflatable support member 10 and a skin portion 20 extending away from the inflatable support member. The support member has an inlet 30 and an outlet 40 as well as a pressure relief valve (50, fig 6) that is configured to reduce excess pressure by opening the outlet when an activation pressure of 25kPa-35kPa is reached. The support member may be a cylindrical tube and may have a plurality of sections defined along its length with the inlet and outlet in the same or adjacent sections. The support member may be made from thermoplastic polyurethane. The tubular support member may be enclosed by an outer layer which may be the skin portion. There may be a second inflatable support member. The outlet may be disposed in the pressure relief valve. In use, the structure is more adaptable and robust, and is suitable for use as tents, awnings, marquees and the like.

Description

WeatherDroot Structure

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to weatherproof structures, and in particular, although not exclusively, to inflatable weatherproof structures for use as temporary outdoor structures such as tents, awnings, marquees and the like.

Background

Temporary outdoor structures such as tents, awnings, marquees and the like are exposed to the elements. When such structures are made up of inflatable support members, variations in weather conditions can affect the performance of the structure.

In extreme conditions, the inflatable members can become over pressurised by excessive heat, i.e. from direct sunlight, which can lead to damage and failure.

Furthermore, such structures can become damaged from repeated over inflation.

High pressures lead to material stretch and/or seal damage, causing the support member to perform poorly and eventually fail.

There is therefore a need for an improved weatherproof structure that is more robust.

A weatherproof structure that is adaptable to the external environment is needed to reduce the risk of damage. There is a need to provide weatherproof structures that have improved fail safe functionality and help to reduce the maintenance requirement or prevent damage in use. Furthermore, weatherproof structures that are user friendly or responsive to weather conditions such as heat and light exposure are desirable.

Therefore, a more intelligent weatherproof structure is needed to safeguard the components of the structure.

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved weatherproof structure with an inflatable support member that is more user friendly and mindful of the external environment, such as variations in heat and light exposure.

Accordingly, it is an aim of the present invention to address at least one disadvantage associated with the prior art whether described herein or elsewhere.

Summary

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a weatherproof structure as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the disclosure will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to the disclosure, there is provided a weatherproof structure having an inflatable support member. Extending away from the inflatable support member is a skin portion, that is, a weatherproof fabric canvas or similar sheet-like layer. The weatherproof structure comprises an inlet and an outlet and a pressure relief valve.

The inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with each other and with the inflatable support member such that fluid can be introduced through the inlet but released as and when required through the outlet. The weatherproof structure further comprises a pressure relief valve configured to reduce the internal pressure of the inflatable support member by the release of pressurised fluid through the outlet of the support member when an activation pressure is reached. Advantageously, the pressure relief valve is arranged to detect when the internal pressure of the inflatable support member reaches or exceeds an activation pressure and therefore actively releases excess fluid pressure in a safe manner. This configuration helps to avoid an over inflation situation, which may occur during initial setup or when the weatherproof structure is exposed to varying ambient conditions. In the latter example, the pressurised fluid within the support member may be affected by a rise in ambient or external temperature outside the support member, which may cause the pressurised fluid temperature to rise. In such a situation where the support member has a substantially constant internal volume, this increase in internal fluid temperature causes an increase in internal fluid pressure. If undetected the support member could fail, therefore, when a predetermined activation pressure is detected by the pressure relief valve, the inflatable support member undergoes a fluid purge condition in order to remove excess fluid and reduce fluid pressure.

Preferably, the inflatable support member is inflated with air. However, other suitable gases may be used. The inflatable support member may have a constant cross-section in order to support the weatherproof structure consistently across the length of the support member. The inflatable support member may be a cylindrical tube. The inflatable support member may have a constant thickness in order to improve manufacture. The inflatable support member may have reinforced regions, for instance by the use of internal ribs, in order to improve the strength of the inflatable support member and therefore provide improved support to the weatherproof structure. The inflatable support member may have a predetermined shape which is formed when inflated. However, the inflatable support member may be capable of manipulation once inflated.

The pressure relief valve may be a one-way valve. Preferably, the inlet comprises an inflation valve. The inflation valve may also be a deflation valve or be configured to be used as a deflation valve. The inflation valve may also be a one-way valve. The pressure relief valve may be a mechanically driven valve or may be an electronic valve. The pressure relief valve may be operated by the use of a spring. The activation of the pressure relief valve may be set during manufacture, or may be variably set, such that an end user can adjust the activation pressure in use. The activation pressure may be set electronically for improved user friendliness. However, the activation pressure may be mechanically adjustable. The outlet of the weatherproof structure may be disposed in the pressure relief valve. The inlet, outlet and/or pressure relief valve may be covered by a barrier, such as a flap which may be secured with a temporary fastening means, such as a zipper or hook and loop system.

The barrier may allow access in use to the inlet, outlet and/or pressure relief valve but disguise such components when fastened.

The activation pressure of the pressure relief valve may be predetermined such that the activation pressure is reached before any plastic deformation occurs within the inflatable support member. The activation pressure may be dependent on the length of the inflatable support member or the wall thickness of the inflatable support member. However, the activation pressure may be preferably at least about l5kPa gauge pressure but more preferably at least about 2OkPa and most preferably at least about 25kPa gauge pressure. That is, a gauge pressure of about 25kPa is equivalent to about 1 25kPa absolute pressure when the ambient or external pressure is about lOOkPa. Furthermore, the activation pressure may not exceed about 35kPa gauge pressure. Therefore, the activation pressure may be between about l5kPa and about 35kPa gauge pressure. The release of pressure when the activation pressure is reached may cause an audible noise or a visual alert for detection by the user. The audible noise may be at least about 30dB and preferably at least about 40dB.

Alternatively, a warning signal may be issued to the user before the activation pressure is reached in order to alert the user about the pressure conditions of the support member. The warning signal may be a vibration or light signal. The weatherproof structure may further provide feedback to the user when the pressure in the inflatable support member is too low, such that more fluid is required. The low pressure feedback may be signalled audibly or visually.

The inflatable support member may be a flexible material and may be tough but not highly elastic. The inflatable support member may be made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a food grade plastic which is very flexible. The inflatable support member may not be made from chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber (CSM), commonly known as Hypalon® (a UK trademark registered by DuPont Performance Elastomers LLC) or made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The inflatable support member may not be suitable for immersion in water. Therefore the inflatable support member may not be watertight and may not prevent leaks if immersed in water.

The inflatable support member may be separated into a plurality of discrete sections.

These sections may be divided along the length of the inflatable support member, such that the inlet and outlet of may be disposed in the same, adjacent or nearby section of the inflatable support member. Alternatively or additionally, each section may be delineated by a change of curvature of the inflatable support member. The weatherproof structure may comprise a second inflatable support member, wherein some sections may be delineated by a juncture between support members. The outlet of the weatherproof structure or the inflatable support member may be disposed within a linear distance or range of about 2m from the position of the inlet when in an inflated state. The outlet may be positioned within a distance of about 10 times to about 15 times the external width of the inflatable support member. Preferably, the outlet may be positioned away from the inlet by up to about 1.5m to about 2.25m.

That is, the outlet may be disposed within a spherical volumetric space or region defined by a radius of about 1.5m to about 2.25m from the inlet, measured from the inlet which is at the centre of the sphere. Alternatively, the inlet and outlet may be disposed within the same half of the inflatable support member. That is, if the inflatable support member was divided by length at the midpoint, the inlet and outlet would be arranged within the same half section. Alternatively, the inlet and outlet may not be disposed in one half of the inflatable support member. Therefore, the inlet and outlet may be disposed at or around the midpoint of the inflatable support member.

The inlet or outlet may be disposed along the inflatable support member at a position closer to the outlet or inlet, respectively. The inlet and outlet may have valve covers wherein the distance between valve centres may be within about 1.5 times the width of the inlet or outlet valve cover. Alternatively, the distance between valve centres may be within about 5 times the width of the inlet or valve cover. Furthermore, the distance between valve centres may be between about 1 times and about 1.5 times the width of the inlet or valve cover. The conscious and predetermined positioning of the outlet relative to the inlet helps to provide feedback to the user when the inflatable support member is being inflated such that the release of fluid through the pressure relief valve when the activation pressure is reached is easily received by the user.

This helps to minimise the time spent overinflating the weatherproof structure because the feedback is quickly heard by the user during an initial inflation state.

The outlet and/or pressure relief valve may additionally or alternatively be located closer to one end of the inflatable support member than the position of the inlet. This has the advantage that the detection of the activation pressure is towards an end point of the inflatable support member. However, the inlet and outlet may be located at a substantially equal distance from the same end of the inflatable support member.

Therefore, when the inflatable support member is a cylindrical tube, the inlet and outlet and/or pressure relief valve may be arranged opposite each other, wherein the centres are within the same circular plane. The inlet and outlet may be disposed at any point on the same transverse cross-sectional plane of the inflatable support member. That is, the axes of the inlet and outlet may be coincident to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal or axial cross-sectional planes of the inflatable support member. Therefore, the inlet and outlet may be disposed on opposing sides of the inflatable support member such that the inlet and outlet oppose each other.

The inflatable support member may be integral to the skin portion or may be separate to the skin portion. Therefore, the inflatable support member may be enclosed by an outer layer, which may be the skin portion. The inflatable support member and outer layer or layers may be substantially concentric in cross section. The outer layer may have a fastening means to allow ease of replacement of the inflatable support member for maintenance purposes. Therefore, the inflatable support member may be removed from the outer layer by unfastening the fastening means on the outer layer.

The inflatable support member may have a high surface area to volume ratio. For example, the surface area to volume ratio may be of the order of about 20. Therefore, when the inflatable support member is a cylindrical tube, the inflatable support member may have a length at least 20 times its width. The inflatable support member may be elongate.

The weatherproof structure may comprise a plurality of inflatable support members.

Each inflatable support member may be in fluid communication with each other or may have a separate inlet and outlet. Therefore, the weatherproof structure may have more than one pressure relief valve.

According to the disclosure, there is further provided an inflatable support member suitable for a weatherproof structure. The inflatable support member comprises an inflatable membrane having an inlet and an outlet and a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is configured to activate when an activation pressure is reached in order to release fluid from the inflatable support member. This helps to prevent damage to the inflatable support member to avoid over inflation. The activation pressure may be between about l5kPa and about 35kPa gauge pressure. However, the activation pressure may be preferably at least about l5kPa gauge pressure but more preferably at least about 2OkPa and most preferably at least about 25kPa gauge pressure. The inflatable support member may be defined into a plurality of sections along its length when used in a weatherproof structure, such that the inlet and outlet are disposed in the same or adjacent section. The inflatable support member may comprise any of the features as described above.

The present invention includes any combination of the herein referred to features or limitations.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a weatherproof structure; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view through an inflatable support member in an uninflated state; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view through an inflatable support member in a part inflated state; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view through an inflatable support member in an overinflated state; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view through an inflatable support member in a further overinflated state; Figure 6 shows the audible or visual feedback of a pressure relief valve within an inflatable support member as an activation pressure is reached.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Various examples will now be described wherein like parts have been given the same references.

Referring to Figure 1, a weatherproof structure 100 is shown.

The weatherproof structure 100 comprises an inflatable support member 10, a sheet-like layer or skin portion 20, an air inlet 30, an air outlet 40 and a pressure relief valve.

The skin portion 20 may be made from a fabric or canvas type material such that the weatherproof structure 100 is shielded from the elements but may also be breathable.

In this example, the weatherproof structure 100 is shown in an inflated state, such that the inflatable support member 10 has been filled with air under pressure. The nominal pressure of the inflatable support member 10 is predetermined such and any increase above that pressure causes the pressure relief valve to open and release air through the outlet 40. The nominal working pressure may be around 34.47kPa (5 PSI) gauge pressure or about 35kPa gauge pressure. Therefore, when the pressure exceeds about 35kPa gauge pressure, the pressure relief valve opens and releases air. This upper limit may be referred to as the predetermined activation pressure. The weatherproof structure 100 may be configured to be fastened to an external object such as a vehicle, like a caravan or motorhome or may be held firmly to the ground by the use of ropes. Therefore, the weatherproof structure 100 may be used in an awning or a tent configuration.

The inflatable support member 10 is a cylindrical tube made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). TPU is a tough but flexible material. This allows the inflatable support member 10 to be manipulated and deformed in a specific manner. Therefore, an arched or a bridged shape maybe achieved with the inflatable support member. In the current example, the inflatable support member 10 is inserted into a sleeve or shroud which is formed in the skin portion 20. Therefore, when installed in the weatherproof structure 100, the inflatable support member 10 is wrapped or enclosed by another layer. This helps to protect the inflatable support member 10 and allows the inflatable support member 10 to be easily replaced. The outer layer or sleeve may be held together by a fastening means such as a zipper or a hook and loop system, in order to easily access the inflatable support member 10.

As shown in Figure 1, the inflatable support member 10 is divided into sections ABC.

In this example, there are two side sections A,C and one upper or roof section B. These sections may be formed by a change of curvature inherent in the inflatable support member 10 or may be caused by the arrangement of the sleeve, such that the sleeve is shaped in order to create the sections ABC. Although not shown, the sections A,B,C may be formed by junctions between further inflatable support members 10. These further inflatable support members 10 may be in fluid communication with each other and may be further in fluid communication with the first inflatable support member 10. However, when the inflatable support members 10 are not in fluid communication, additional inlets, outlets and pressure relief valves may be required for each inflatable support member 10.

In this example, the inlet 30 and outlet 40 are arranged in close proximity. Therefore, when a cylindrical inflatable support member 10 is provided, the inlet 30 and outlet 40 may be positioned along the inflatable support member 10 by a distance of about 10 times to about 15 times the external diameter of the inflatable support member 10.

Furthermore, the outlet 40 may be positioned within a range of about 10 times to about 15 times the diameter of the inflatable support member 10. Therefore, when an external diameter of about 0.1 5m is used, the outlet may be positioned away from the inlet 30 by up to about 1.5m to 2.25m. Preferably, however, the range is about 2m, therefore the maximum distance may be around 2m. This gives the user immediate feedback of the state of the pressure relief valve because an audible noise will be heard when the activation pressure is reached and air is released through the outlet 40. For example, when inflating the inflatable support member 10 during initial setup, the user can introduce air through the inlet 30 of the inflatable support member 10, but stop when the release of air is audibly detected through the outlet 40. Alternatively, a visual detection means may be used to declare when the pressure relieve valve is active. Therefore, the user can easily be informed about the state of the inflatable support member 10 during setup so that the optimum pressure is quickly reached.

Advantageously, the pressure relief valve improves the ease and speed of initial setup and helps to avoid damage when the weatherproof structure 100 is left unattended.

As further shown in Figures 2 to 5, the inflatable support member 10 is an intelligent component of the weatherproof structure 100 because the inflatable support member can adjust according to the effect of its surroundings.

Figures 2 to 4 demonstrate an initial setup of the inflatable support member 10. First, air is introduced into the inlet 30 during an inflation stage Y. The inlet 30 may comprise an inflation valve or a one-way valve. At this point, the external ambient air pressure 14 may be greater than or equal to the internal air pressure 12. Therefore, as air is further introduced into the inflatable support member 10, the internal pressure 12 increases above that of the external pressure 14 and the inflatable support member 10 begins to inflate. This causes the flexible wall membrane of the inflatable support member 10 to expand outwardly. Hitherto, the internal pressure 12 has not reached the activation pressure and so the pressure relief valve 50, which may be disposed within the outlet 40, has not yet opened. With further inflation, the internal pressure 12 then reaches the activation pressure causing the pressure relief valve 50 to open at the activation stage Z resulting in the release of air and the reduction of internal pressure 12. This process will typically occur during normal setup and initial inflation. Therefore, the pressure relief 50 valve provides immediate feedback to the user in order to indicate when the inflation stage Y has ended.

Another example of when the activation stage Z is reached is shown in Figure 5.

During this example, the overpressure is not caused by the inflation step and so the inlet 30 may not be open, it is cause by an increase in internal temperature.

The inflatable support member 10 aims to manage the effect of heat 16 on the internal pressure 12 in order to reduce the risk of damage to the weatherproof structure 100.

Weatherproof structures 100 are typically setup in during the cooler temperatures of the morning. Therefore, as the ambient air temperature increases throughout the day, as well as the exposure to direct sunlight, the internal air 12 temperature within the inflatable support member 10 will inevitably increase. This effect is exacerbated in sub-tropical climates, where daily temperature ranges are higher than in temperate climates. Given that the inflatable support member 10 has a substantially fixed internal volume, the internal air pressure 12 will increase. At such a point, the pressure relief valve 50 safely releases air through the outlet 40 to reduce the internal pressure 12 during the activation stage Z. Therefore, the weatherproof structure 100 of the current disclosure can be left unattended with the peace of mind that the excess pressure will not cause the inflatable support member 10 to leak or burst.

Figure 6 shows the user feedback from the weatherproof structure 100, particularly caused by the user interaction during the inflation stage Y. When a user inflates the inflatable support member 10, for example, by pumping air through the inlet 30 by the use of a pump 60, the internal pressure 12 rises and approaches an activation pressure of the pressure relief valve 50. As the activation pressure is reached, or is exceeded, the excess air is released by the pressure relief valve 50 through the outlet 40. The release of air is detected by the user because the flow of air through the outlet is audible. This alerts the user that the inflatable support member 10 has reached the optimum pressure and informs the user to stop the inflation stage Y. Preferably, the source of the noise, which may be from the outlet, will be positioned within a radius R of around 2m of the location of the inlet 30 in order for the noise to be detected by the user. However, this range may be around 10 times to 15 times the diameter of the inflatable support member 10 when a cylindrical inflatable support member 10 is used or about 10 times to about 15 times the width of a non-cylindrical inflatable support member 10.

Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims and that all of the features disclosed may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Claims

Claims 1. A weatherproof structure comprising: an inflatable support member; a skin portion extending away from the inflatable support member; an inlet and outlet in fluid communication with the support member; and a pressure relief valve; wherein the pressure relief valve is configured to reduce pressure from the inflatable support member by release of fluid through the outlet when an activation pressure is reached.
2. The weatherproof structure according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable support member is a cylindrical tube.
3. The weatherproof structure according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the activation pressure is arranged to be reached before the inflatable support member is arranged to undergo plastic deformation.
4. The weatherproof structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the activation pressure is at least about 25kPa gauge pressure.
5. The weatherproof structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the activation pressure does not exceed about 35kPa gauge pressure.
6. The weatherproof structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the inflatable support member is made from thermoplastic polyurethane.
7. The weatherproof structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the inflatable support member is defined into a plurality of sections along its length, such that the inlet and outlet are disposed in the same or adjacent section.
8. The weatherproof structure according to claim 7 wherein each section is delineated by a change of curvature.
9. The weatherproof structure according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a second inflatable support member, wherein some sections are delineated by a juncture between support members.
10. The weatherproof structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the outlet is disposed in the pressure relief valve.
11. The weatherproof structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the inflatable support member is enclosed by an outer layer.
12. The weatherproof structure according to claim 11, wherein the skin portion is the outer layer.
13. An inflatable support member suitable for a weatherproof structure comprising: an inflatable membrane having an inlet and an outlet; and a pressure relief valve; wherein the pressure relief valve is configured to activate when an activation pressure is reached in order to release fluid from the inflatable support member.
14. The inflatable support member according to claim 13, wherein the activation pressure is between about 25kPa and about S5kPa gauge pressure.
15. The inflatable support member according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the inflatable support member is defined into a plurality of sections along its length when used in a weatherproof structure, such that the inlet and outlet are disposed in the same or adjacent section.