GB2552930A

GB2552930A - Inflatable pole

Info

Publication number: GB2552930A
Application number: GB1612202.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lu Kui
Original assignee: Better Galaxy Ltd
Current assignee: Better Galaxy Ltd
Priority date: 2016-07-13
Filing date: 2016-07-13
Publication date: 2018-02-21
Also published as: GB201612202D0

Abstract

The inflatable pole assembly 200 has an elongate gas bladder 210 located within an outer sleeve 220, the bladder having a valve 240, wherein the dimensions of the materials making up the bladder and outer sleeve are substantially identical such that the two layers remain in contact when deflated. This is in an attempt to avoid twisting of the bladder during inflation cycles. The bladder and sleeve may have a substantially tubular body with closed ends. The sleeve may be formed of panels of synthetic woven fabric sheet material, preferably nylon, polyester or poly-cotton, attached by stitching or high frequency plastic welding. The gas bladder may be permanently retained in the outer sleeve. The valve may be a press release valve. Also claimed is a tent having an inflatable pole and a method of manufacture.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Inflatable pole

Abstract Title: Inflatable tent pole having outer sleeve and bladder (57) The inflatable pole assembly 200 has an elongate gas bladder 210 located within an outer sleeve 220, the bladder having a valve 240, wherein the dimensions of the materials making up the bladder and outer sleeve are substantially identical such that the two layers remain in contact when deflated. This is in an attempt to avoid twisting of the bladder during inflation cycles. The bladder and sleeve may have a substantially tubular body with closed ends. The sleeve may be formed of panels of synthetic woven fabric sheet material, preferably nylon, polyester or poly-cotton, attached by stitching or high frequency plastic welding. The gas bladder may be permanently retained in the outer sleeve. The valve may be a press release valve. Also claimed is a tent having an inflatable pole and a method of manufacture.

Figure 5

The claims were filed later than the filing date but within the period prescribed by Rule 22(1) of the Patents Rules 2007.

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INFLATABLE POLE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an inflatable pole and a method of manufacturing the same. In particular, the present invention is related to an inflatable tent pole with increased resilience to puncture and a method for assembling the associated inflatable tent.

Background

Inflatable air tents are becoming increasingly popular due to the ease and speed in which they can be erected by users, requiring little or no prior experience or skill. Air tents typically comprise an inflatable frame or set of inflatable air poles that replace the conventional rigid tent poles. As a result, the air tent is lightweight and offers greater stability and durability to adverse weather conditions, for example strong winds, compared to a conventional rigid pole tent. Once deflated the air tent is easy to pack away and compact.

Typically, an air pole consists of an elongated inflatable inner tube that is zipped into a reinforced tough outer sleeve. The air pole is then zipped into a heavy duty sleeve on the tent frame in order to support the tent in the desired locations. The outer sleeve defines the size and shape of the inflated air pole, allows the inner tube to be inflated to a prescribed pressure without over expanding and also increases the mechanical stability of the air pole. It also serves as a protective layer to shield the inner tube from sharp objects that may cause puncture, and rain and sunlight that may degrade or perish the inner tube material.

This two-layer air pole construction is known from at least DE202014100322U1 which discloses cross-like tent poles with air-inflatable tubes, comprising at least two intersecting air pipes with an outer layer. Each outer layer surrounds an inner layer, and both ends of the inner layer are hermetically closed. Each outer layer has a zipper, and on any inner layer an air valve is attached and, at the corresponding point of the outer layer, there is a passage hole through which the air valve can be pushed through.

There are several ways in which an air pole may fail. The air pole may puncture. A less abrupt but more common failure in known two-layer air poles is twisting of the inner within the outer sleeve. Even if installed correctly, the inner tube is prone to twisting within the outer sleeve after several inflations and deflations. Twisting of the inner tube leads to kinks in the inflated air pole which deforms the shape of the erected air tent, and more importantly reduces the support provided by the air pole to the tent. Twists can ultimately lead to puncture of the inner tube. The zipper is provided on the outer sleeve to give a user access to the inner tube to reset (untwist) the inner tube. Access may also be required to repair or replace a damaged inner tube. However, during such maintenance the zipper itself may pinch the inner tube and lead to damage.

There is therefore a need for an air pole assembly which overcomes the aforementioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

Aspects and embodiments of the invention are set out according to the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an inflatable pole assembly. The assembly may comprise an elongate gas bladder. The bladder may have a valve configured to allow gas to flow into the gas bladder. The assembly may also comprise an outer sleeve configured to surround the gas bladder and to prevent twisting of the gas bladder within the outer sleeve during inflation/deflation and/or when inflated.

The outer sleeve may be frictionally engaged with the air bladder when deflated and/or inflated to prevent relative movement therebetween. When the gas bladder is deflated, the interior surface of the outer sleeve is preferably in contact with substantially the entire exterior surface the gas bladder.

In use the gas bladder is inflated with gas (e.g. air) to a predetermined operating pressure. Preferably the gas bladder expands without stretching to fill the outer sleeve.

An advantage of the pole assembly is that the pole may be inflated from atmospheric pressure to the operating pressure and back to atmospheric pressure without the air bladder moving (e.g. twisting) relative to the outer sleeve. This can improve the reliability of the inflatable pole by reducing the chance of kinks forming in the pole.

A further advantage of the pole assembly is that access to the gas bladder, for example, to reposition and/or untwist the gas bladder within the outer sleeve may not be required. This can dispense with the need for a means to access the gas bladder such as a zipper or the like, which can reduce the risk of further damage to the gas bladder.

During manufacture of the pole assembly, the sleeve may be constructed around the air bladder to fit tightly and precisely against the exterior of the gas bladder. This can allow the interior surface of the sleeve to contact the majority of the exterior surface of the air bladder, such that the outer sleeve and the gas bladder are frictionally engaged when the air pole is in the non-inflated or deflated state.

In an embodiment of the invention, the pole assembly may comprise an elongate inflatable gas bladder; a valve hermetically sealed to the gas bladder and configured to allow flow of gas into the gas bladder; an outer sleeve arranged on the exterior surface of the gas bladder to surround the gas bladder, such that the outer sleeve and gas bladder are frictionally engaged over the entire inflation/deflation cycle.

In an embodiment of the invention, the outer sleeve may comprise one more or panels of sleeve material joined at one or more seams. The one or more panels can be joined using a stitching technique. Preferably the one or more panels are joined by a double stitched seam.

In embodiments the one or more panels may be joined using a plastic welding technique or a combination of stitching and high frequency plastic welding.

The one or more panels of the outer sleeve may be formed of or comprise a synthetic woven fabric. The sleeve material may be non-stretchable in any direction (e.g. warp and/or weft) and have a tearing strength of equal to or greater than 60 N.

In embodiments, the one of more panels of the outer sleeve may comprise any one or more of: nylon, polyester, and poly cotton.

The pole assembly may be a single unit, such that the gas bladder is not removable from the outer sleeve.

In an embodiment of the invention, the walls of the bladder may comprise a material with a tensile strength sufficient to withstand a pressure of 10 psi.

Suitable materials for making the gas bladder can include plastics. In embodiments of the invention, the walls of the bladder may comprise a plastic material such as thermoplastic polyurethane; polyvinyl chloride; elastomer polyurethane; polyester; ethylene-vinyl acetate and Nylon or any combination thereof.

The gas bladder may be sealed using a high frequency plastic welding.

In an embodiment of the invention, the valve may be a one way valve, optionally or preferably the valve can be a press release valve.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a tent comprising a frame configured to support a canvas, and one or more inflatable pole assemblies in accordance with the aspect and/or any embodiment described above.

The frame may comprise one or more pockets or supports for receiving and/or supporting the one or more inflatable pole assemblies. The tent may be erected by inflating the one or more pole assemblies and the canvas may be entirely supported by the one more pole assemblies.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an inflatable pole assembly. The method may comprise providing an elongate gas bladder. The bladder may have a valve configured to allow gas to flow into the gas bladder. The method may comprise providing an outer sleeve around the gas bladder. The sleeve may enclose the bladder therein. The method may comprise arranging the gas bladder and the outer sleeve to prevent twisting of the gas bladder within the sleeve.

Preferably, when the gas bladder is deflated the interior surface of the outer sleeve is in contact with substantially the entire exterior surface of the gas bladder. This can prevent twisting of the gas bladder within the sleeve.

The outer sleeve may be constructed tightly and precisely around the gas bladder during manufacture. As a result, the outer sleeve may have substantially identical dimensions as the gas bladder.

In an embodiment of the invention, the sleeve may be constructed of one or more panels of sleeve material joined at one or more seams. The seams may be formed stitching technique. The seams are preferably double stitched seams.

Features of the aspects and embodiments described above and below may be used interchangeably and/or in combination, even if not expressly stated.

Brief Description of the drawings

By way of example only, aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an air pole known in the art;

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an air pole known in the art;

Figure 3 is an image of an air pole known in the art;

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an example air pole according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an example air pole according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a valve of the air pole of Figures 4 and 5.

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a panel for constructing an outer sleeve for an air pole of Figures 4-5;

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of an alternative panel for constructing an outer sleeve for an air pole of Figures 4-5;

Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of an alternative panel for constructing an outer sleeve for an air pole of Figures 4-5;

Figure 10 is an image of a air pole according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 11 is an image of a air pole according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 illustrates an inflatable tent pole or air pole 100 known in the art. Figure 1 shows the air pole 100 in a deflated state. The air pole assembly 100 is a two-layer construction comprising an inflatable inner tube or air bladder 110, a removable outer sleeve 120 and a valve 140 sealed to the inner tube 110 for inflating the inner tube 110. The outer sleeve is configured to receive the inner tube 110 and to surround the inner tube 110 when the air pole 100 is assembled. The outer sleeve 120 comprises an elongate tubular panel 126 with end panels 124. The end panels 124 are joined at each end of the tubular panel 126, at their peripheral edges to enclose a generally cylindrical volume suitable for surrounding the inner tube 110. A zipper 130 with one or two sliders 132 is provided on the tubular panel 126 extending axially along the length of the tubular panel 126. The sliders 132 are operable to open (unzip) and close (zip) the zipper 130 in order for a user to access the inner tube 110. The zipper has the required strength to withstand the pressure exerted by the inflated inner tube 110.

When deflated the air pole 100 is substantially flat and foldable. As shown in Figure 1, the dimensions of the outer sleeve 120 are typically greater than dimensions of the deflated inner tube 110. The inner tube 110 is an expandable elastic body such that, when inflated with air, the inner tube 110 expands in volume and stretches to fill the predefined volume of the outer sleeve 120. The inflated inner tube 110 exerts an outward force on the outer sleeve such that the inflated the air pole 100 is substantially stiffened.

Figure 2 illustrates an inflated air pole 100 known in the art. In Figure 2 the inflated inner tube 110 has expanded and stretched to fill the volume of the outer sleeve 120. Figure 3 shows an image of an inflated air pole 100 known in the art.

The inner tube 110 can be removed from the outer sleeve 120 via the zipper 130. If installed incorrectly, or after repeated inflation and deflation, the inner layer 110 may become twisted within the outer sleeve 120 resulting in a kink in the inflated air pole 100. Such a twist or kink reduces the amount of support provided by the air pole 100 and therefore reduces the overall stability of the erected tent. Twisting can also lead to a puncture of the inner layer. The zipper 130 is provided for the user to gain access to the inner later 110 to reset (untwist), repair or replace the inner layer 110. However, when operating the zipper 130 the inner layer 110 may become trapped or pinched in the zipper 130 leading to further damage or puncture.

Figures 4 and 5 show an air pole assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. In Figure 4 the air pole 200 is in a deflated state while in Figure 5 the air pole is in an inflated state. The air pole 200 is a generally elongated cylindrical body. Although shown in Figures 4 and 5 as a substantially straight elongated body, the air pole 200 may form a substantially curved or arced body. Alternatively, the air pole could be formed into another configuration. The air pole 200 comprises an elongated inflatable gas bladder 210, an outer sleeve 220 and a valve 240 in fluid communication with the gas bladder 210 for inflating the gas bladder 210.

The valve 240 is hermetically sealed with the gas bladder 210 and is operable to receive fluid pressure from a pump (not shown) to inflate the gas bladder 210 to a predetermined pressure. In embodiments the predetermined pressure is about 6-8 psi. The gas bladder 210 is preferably inflated with air.

The valve 240 is preferably a one-way inlet valve configured to allow forward air flow into the air bladder 210 and prevent backflow. The valve may comprise an elastomeric sealing element that is self-sealing or any other one-way valve, non-return or check valve suitable for use with an inflatable air bladder inflated to the prescribed pressure. The valve preferably has an exhaust mechanism to enable to air pole assembly 200 to be deflated after use. In an embodiment, the valve 240 has an integrated press-release exhaust mechanism. When the valve is pressed, pressurised air within the air bladder 210 will be released. In other embodiments, the air bladder 210 may be provided with a separate exhaust valve.

The air bladder 210 is generally an elongate tubular member. The material used to make the air bladder 210 is preferably a sheet or thin film of plastics material. The bladder material should be flexible enough to allow the air bladder 210 to expand when inflated with gas and change in shape during inflation and deflation of the bladder. The bladder material must also be strong enough to make an air bladder 210 that will withstand inflation to the predetermined pressure. The bladder walls are or are comprised of a material that has a tensile strength sufficient to withstand a pressure in the 6-10 PSI.

Materials suitable for manufacture of the air bladder 210 include but are not limited to: thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); polyvinyl chloride (PCV); elastomer polyurethane; polyester; ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and Nylon.

The walls of the air bladder 210 must be joined to form a continuous, strong and leak-proof seam. The walls of the air bladder are preferably joined by the application of heat and pressure by any suitable plastic welding technique known in the art. For example, the air bladder walls can be joined using radio frequency (RF) welding. The valve 240 is preferably hermetically sealed to the air bladder 210 using the same technique.

The air bladder 210 is constructed to enclose a substantially cylindrical predefined volume when the bladder material is relaxed and not stretched (the relaxed volume).

The outer sleeve 220 is a substantially tubular body with closed ends that encloses a substantially cylindrical volume. The outer sleeve 220 is configured to surround the air bladder 210.

An aperture is provided in the outer sleeve 220 for the valve 240 to pass through. In an embodiment the valve is connected to the outer sleeve 220 such that air released from the air bladder 210 cannot enter the region of space between the air bladder 210 and the outer sleeve 220.

Figure 11 shows an image of valve 240. The outer sleeve 220 is formed with an aperture to permit access to the valve 240 of the bladder 210.

The walls of the outer sleeve 220 comprise one or more panels of sleeve material joined at one or more seams. In an embodiment, the outer sleeve 220 comprises a single panel of sleeve material. Figure 7 shows an example of a substantially rectangular sleeve panel 226 suitable for constructing an outer sleeve 220 with a single seam.

In another embodiment shown in Figure 8, the sleeve panel 226 may comprise one or more end tabs 226a projecting axially away from opposing ends of the panel 226 such that, when the panel 226 is joined along opposing edges A and B to form a tube, tabs 226a can be folded radially inwards to join with edges C and D.

In other embodiments, the outer sleeve 220 may comprise a plurality of sleeve panels 226, wherein each panel 226 is joined to an adjacent panel 226 to form an outer sleeve 220 with a plurality of seams.

In yet another embodiment shown in Figure 9, the outer sleeve 220 comprises a substantially rectangular sleeve panel 226 and separate end panels 224 such that, once the panel 226 is joined along edges A and B to form a tube, the peripheral edge of the end panels 224 can be joined to remaining edges C and D of panel 226.

The material used to make the outer sleeve 220 is preferably a sheet of woven synthetic fabric or composite. The sleeve material is flexible in the out of plane direction to allow the inner air bladder 210 to expand and completely fill the desired cylindrical volume when the air pole 220 is inflated, and to flatten, collapse and fold when the air pole 200 is deflated. The sleeve material is strong enough to withstand the pressure exerted by the inner air bladder 210 when inflated to the predefined pressure. The sleeve material is substantially resilient to stretching or warping in any direction (e.g. warp and weft) to hold its predetermined shape when the air bladder 210 is inflated.

Materials suitable for the manufacture of the outer sleeve 220 may be chosen to have a tensile strength sufficient to withstand pressure in the range 6-10 psi. The sleeve material may also be chosen to have a tearing strength of 60 N or more.

Materials suitable for the manufacture of the outer sleeve include but are not limited to: Nylon; Polyester; and Poly cotton.

The outer sleeve panel(s) 226 are joined to form a continuous and strong seam. The join or seam must be strong enough to withstand the pressure exerted by the air bladder 210. Sleeve panels are preferably joined by needle stitching. In other embodiments, the sleeve panels may be joined by the application of heat and pressure by any suitable plastic welding technique known in the art. For example, the sleeve panels 226, 224 can be joined using radio frequency (RF) welding. In other embodiments, the joins may comprise a combination of stitching and welding.

Air pole 200 is configured to prevent the air bladder 210 from twisting when inflated up to the predetermined pressure and deflated to atmosphere, as will be discussed in more detail below.

When an air bladder 210 is inflated with gas, the air bladder 210 expands to fill the predefined relaxed volume. Because the bladder material has a certain elasticity, upon further inflation the bladder walls will stretch and the air bladder 210 will continue to expand past the relaxed volume to a greater stretched volume, until eventually the bladder material yields. The outer sleeve 210 is provided around the air bladder 210 to limit the expanded volume. Because the sleeve is strong and substantially non stretchable the sleeve 220 limits the expanded volume of the air bladder to the predefined sleeve volume.

Returning to Figure 4, the dimensions of outer sleeve 220 are substantially the same as the dimensions of the deflated air bladder 210. During manufacture of the air pole 200, the sleeve 220 constructed around the air bladder 210 to fit tightly and precisely against the exterior of the air bladder 210 such that the interior surface of the sleeve 220 contacts the majority of the exterior surface of the air bladder 210. As a result, the outer sleeve 220 and the air bladder 210 are frictionally engaged when the air pole 200 is in the deflated state.

The constructed air pole 200 is a single unit wherein the outer sleeve 220 tightly and precisely encloses the air bladder 210. Once the air pole 200 is constructed, the air bladder 210 cannot be removed from the outer sleeve 220.

Due to the aforementioned construction of the air pole 220, the predefined sleeve volume substantially matches the predefined relaxed volume of the air bladder 210. Upon inflation, the air bladder 210 expands to fill the sleeve volume without substantially stretching. During inflation the interior surface of the sleeve 220 remains in contact with the exterior surface of the air bladder 210. Because the outer sleeve material is strong and does not stretch in any direction the sleeve 220 and bladder 210 remain substantially frictionally engaged during the entire inflation/deflation cycle. As a result, movement of the air bladder 210 relative to the sleeve 220 during inflation and deflation is substantially reduced.

Figure 10 shows image of an inflated air pole 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this example, the outer sleeve 220 comprises an axial panel 226 and separate end panels 224 joined at seams 226b. Velcro may be provided on the end panels 124 and/or the main panel 226 to removably attach the air pole 100 to a tent.

The outer sleeve material is substantially tough and non-stretchable, therefore the size and shape of the outer sleeve 220 determines the size and shape of the inflated air pole 200. For example, the outer sleeve 220 may define a straight cylinder or a substantially curved or arced cylinder. When inflated, the air bladder 210 fills the enclosed volume defined by the outer sleeve 220 and conforms to the predetermined shape of the outer sleeve 220.

Figure 11 shows an image of an inflated air pole 200 comprising a substantially long straight section and a curved section.

In use the air pole 200 is inflated by connecting the valve 240 to a pump and pumping the air bladder 210 to the predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure is preferably about 6-8 psi. Once the predetermined pressure is reached the pump is disconnected. The valve 240 is configured to prevent back flow of air. During inflation, the air bladder 210 fills with air and expands to take up the volume of the outer sleeve 220.

By preventing twisting of the air bladder 210 within the sleeve 220, the reliability of the air pole 200 is substantially improved. In addition, due to the absence of twisting, there is no need to have regular access to the inner tube. Mechanical clasp mechanisms such as a zipper can be dispensed with. The air pole 200 according to aspects and embodiments of the invention is a single unit without a zipper. This removes another source of air pole failure and further improves the reliability of air pole 200.

Figures 4-8 show the air pole 200 as a generally elongated cylindrical body. However, it will be understood the invention is not limited to such geometries and that the air pole 200 may be used in different ways for different applications. For example, several individual air poles 200 may be used for erecting an air tent. The air poles 200 may be substantially straight poles or may be substantially curved poles as shown in Figure 10. Two or more air poles 200 may be connected to form a frame structure, or part of a frame structure. The ends of an individual air pole 200 may be connected to form a ring structure. The ends of an air pole 200 may be connected in fluid communication to form a continuous air ring. In another embodiment, the ends of three or more air poles 200 may be connected in fluid communication to form a continuous air frame structure.

Claims

1. An inflatable pole assembly comprising:

an elongate gas bladder, the bladder having a valve configured to allow gas to flow into the gas bladder; and an outer sleeve configured to surround the gas bladder and to prevent twisting of the gas bladder within the sleeve during inflation and/or when inflated.

2. The pole assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve is frictionally engaged with the air bladder when not inflated.

3. The pole assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the gas bladder is not inflated, the interior surface of the outer sleeve is in contact with substantially the entire exterior surface of the gas bladder.

4. The pole assembly of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the outer sleeve comprises one more or panels of sleeve material joined at one or more seams.

5. The pole assembly of claim 4, wherein the one or more panels are joined, at least in part, using a stitching and/or welding technique.

6. The pole assembly of claim 5, wherein the welding is high frequency plastic welding.

7. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more panels of the outer sleeve are formed of or comprise a synthetic woven fabric.

8. The pole assembly of claim 7, wherein the one of more panels of the outer sleeve are or comprise any one or more of: nylon, polyester, and poly cotton.

9. The pole assembly of any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the sleeve material is substantially non-stretchable and has a tearing strength of equal to or greater than 60 N.

10. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the outer sleeve is free of any mechanical clasp locking mechanism.

11. The pole assembly of any proceeding claim, wherein the gas bladder is not removable from the outer sleeve.

12. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the bladder comprises a material with a tensile strength sufficient to withstand a pressure of approximately 10 psi.

13. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the bladder is formed of or comprises a plastics material.

14. The pole assembly of claim 13, wherein the bladder is formed of or comprises any one or more of: thermoplastic polyurethane; polyvinyl chloride; elastomer polyurethane; polyester; ethylene-vinyl acetate and Nylon.

15. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the gas bladder is inflatable to a pressure of about 6-8 psi.

16. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the bladder comprises one more or walls or panels joined together and, optionally or preferably, wherein the join is welding and, optionally or preferably, wherein the welding is a high frequency plastic welding.

17. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the valve is a one way valve and, optionally or preferably, wherein the valve is a press release valve.

18.The pole assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising a gas exhaust.

19. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the gas is air.

20. A tent comprising a frame configured to support a canvas, and one or more inflatable pole assemblies in accordance with any preceding claim.

21. The tent of claim 20, wherein the frame comprises one or more pockets or supports for receiving and/or supporting the one or more inflatable pole assemblies.

22. A method of manufacturing an inflatable pole assembly comprising:

providing an elongate gas bladder, the bladder having a valve configured to allow gas to flow into the gas bladder;

providing an outer sleeve around the gas bladder, the sleeve enclosing the bladder therein; and arranging the gas bladder and the outer sleeve to prevent twisting of the gas bladder within the sleeve during inflation and/or when inflated.

23.The pole assembly of claim 3 or any claim dependent on claim 3, or the method of claim 22, wherein the stitching technique is or comprises double needle stitching.

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23. The method of claim 22, wherein arranging the gas bladder and outer sleeve comprises providing the gas bladder such that, when it is deflated, the interior surface of the outer sleeve is in contact with substantially the entire exterior surface of the gas bladder.

24. The method of claim 22or 23, wherein arranging the gas bladder and outer sleeve comprises constructing the outer sleeve tightly around the gas bladder such that it has substantially identical dimensions as the gas bladder.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising forming the sleeve of one or more panels of sleeve material by joining them at one or more seams.

26.The method of claim 25, further comprising joining the one or more panels using a stitching or welding technique.

27.The pole assembly of claim 5 or the method of claim 26 wherein the stitching technique is or comprises double needle stitching.

28.An inflatable pole substantially as hereinbefore described with 5 reference to any of Figures 1 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to claims have been filed as follows

CLAIMS o

co

1. An inflatable pole assembly comprising:

an elongate gas bladder, the bladder having a valve configured to allow gas to flow into the gas bladder; and an outer sleeve comprising a substantially tubular body with closed ends, configured to enclose the gas bladder, wherein the dimensions of the outer sleeve are substantially the same as the dimensions of the deflated gas bladder;

wherein, the interior surface of the outer sleeve is always in contact with substantially the entire exterior surface of the gas bladder, such that the outer sleeve remains frictionaIly engaged with the air bladder to prevent twisting of the gas bladder within the sleeve during inflation/deflation and when inflated/deflated.

2. The pole assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve comprises one more or panels of sleeve material joined at one or more seams.

3. The pole assembly of claim 2, wherein the one or more panels are joined, at least in part, using a stitching and/or welding technique.

4. The pole assembly of claim 3, wherein the welding is high frequency plastic welding.

25 5. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more panels of the outer sleeve are formed of or comprise a synthetic woven fabric.

6. The pole assembly of claim 5, wherein the one of more panels of the

30 outer sleeve are or comprise any one or more of: nylon, polyester, and poly cotton.

7. The pole assembly of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the sleeve material is substantially non-stretchable and has a tearing strength of

35 equal to or greater than 60 N.

8. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the outer sleeve is free of any mechanical clasp locking mechanism.

9. The pole assembly of any proceeding claim, wherein the gas bladder

5 is not removable from the outer sleeve.

CO

10. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the bladder comprises a material with a tensile strength sufficient to withstand a pressure of approximately 10 psi.

11. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the bladder is formed of or comprises a plastics material.

12. The pole assembly of claim 11, wherein the bladder is formed of or comprises any one or more of: thermoplastic polyurethane; polyvinyl chloride; elastomer polyurethane; polyester; ethylene-vinyl acetate and Nylon.

13. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the gas bladder is inflatable to a pressure of about 6-8 psi.

14. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the bladder comprises one more or walls or panels joined together and, optionally or preferably, wherein the join is welding and, optionally or preferably, wherein the welding is a high frequency plastic welding.

15. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the valve is a one way valve and, optionally or preferably, wherein the valve is a press release valve.

16. The pole assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising a gas exhaust.

17.The pole assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the gas is air.

18.A tent comprising a frame configured to support a canvas, and one or more inflatable pole assemblies in accordance with any preceding claim.

5 19.The tent of claim 18, wherein the frame comprises one or more pockets or supports for receiving and/or supporting the one or more inflatable pole assemblies.

CO

20. A method of manufacturing an inflatable pole assembly comprising:

providing an outer sleeve around the gas bladder with substantially identical dimensions as the gas bladder, the sleeve having closed ends and enclosing the bladder therein; and arranging the gas bladder within the outer sleeve such that the interior surface of the outer sleeve is always in contact with substantially the entire exterior surface of the gas bladder and is frictionally engaged with the air bladder to prevent twisting of the gas bladder within the sleeve during inflation/deflation and when inflated/deflated.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising forming the sleeve of one or more panels of sleeve material by joining them at one or more seams.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising joining the one or more panels using a stitching or welding technique.