WO1994017266A1

WO1994017266A1 - Inflatable shelter

Info

Publication number: WO1994017266A1
Application number: PCT/US1993/000631
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hitoshi Tamaki
Original assignee: Hitoshi Tamaki
Priority date: 1993-01-25
Filing date: 1993-01-25
Publication date: 1994-08-04
Also published as: AU3483593A; TW237499B

Abstract

An inflatable shelter which has an airtight mattress (20) constructed with a number of interconnecting chambers (22) filled with air. An arched canopy (26) also having chambers is attached to the mattress forming a cavity inbetween suitable for entry inside. The shelter incorporates a number of ventilating air openings (28) allowing ambient air to circulate inside to prevent moisture condensation and provide sufficient fresh air for an occupant. The openings may include a cover (32) attached to the canopy or a separate rain fly (40) covering the entire shelter. The openings further include a woven screen (30) to prevent insects from entering the interior. In order to access the shelter, a slit (34) with VELCRO® (36) or a zipper (38) is provided permitting entrance inside along with a method of closure. The slit may be portioned on either end of the canopy or on the periphery at the interface of the mattress, thus permitting the entire canopy to open in a clamshell manner. A pillow (24) is integrally included in the mattress for user comfort.

Description

INFLATABLE SHELTER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to portable shelters in general. More specifically to an inflatable shelter incorporating an air mattress containing an integral ventilated domed cover.

BACKGROUND ART

Previously, many types of inflatable shelters including air mattresses have been used in endeavoring to provide an effective means for producing a comfortable shelter for protection from the elements. Basically prior art has been concerned, in most cases, with sleeping out of doors thereby providing a resilient air filled mattress for comfort usually including a cover of some type to enclose the occupant.

However, no specific need has been filled for sunbathing where a transparent cover is used in conjunction with controlled ventilation during adverse environmental conditions.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention, however the following U.S. patents are considered related:

PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED

4,996,733 Tsai 5 March 1991

4,896,387 Malcolm, et al 30 January 1990 4,607,655 Wagner, et al 26 August 1986

4,605,029 RUSSell 12 August 1986

3,798,686 Gaiser 26 March 1974 Tsai in patent 4,966,733 teaches a reinforced mattress and sleeping bag combination with a head rest piece and a head covering. The head covering element is inflatable and contains a number of ventilators covered with netting wire. The head covering is either integral with the mattress or is attached separately. A movable mask is pivotally mounted on the head covering enabling the user to protect his or her head from the elements while allowing air to circulate freely.

Patent no. 4,896,387 issued to Malcolm, et al discloses a sleeping bag that is inflatable both on the top and bottom. Straps between inner and outer skins retain the bags shape and a shoulder cover lined with knitted wool or polyproplene that is positioned around one's neck to retain body heat inside the bag.

Wagner et al utilize a pair of poles slipped through looped straps to carry a survival shelter as disclosed in U.S. patent 4,607,655. Further, the preferred embodiment is an inflatable self supporting shelter having an inflatable floor and side panels. These elements are made of opposed walls connected internally with "I" straps and pneumatically inflated to give rigidity and maintain the shape. The shelter includes two opposed multi-layered, non-inflatable end panels removably connected with a zipper or velcro. The end panels are purposely non insulated as the occupant's body heat more than maintains a comfortable temperature inside, alternately the end panels may be transparent for viewing the occupant therein when used to transport an injured victim.

Russell in U.S. patent 4,605,029 uses a combinat ion of a mattress slipped into a ground engaging sheet pocket with a tent above supported by flexible ribs.

Patent no. 3,798,686 utilizes a self inflating air mattress employing a core of flexible resistant open cell material having an air tight enclosing jacket. A tube communicating with the mattress interior permits air to flow into the core cells and inflate the interior using the elasticity of the cell walls to expand forming its original shape after having been compressed and rolled up for transportation and storage.

while some prior art uses inflatable tops or covers, no transparent canopies having air openings have been disclosed or suggested.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The need for a light weight portable shelter for use by people that sunbath has been with us for some time. Beach goers historically are forced to leave when the wind blows the sand or when the temperature drops below a comfortable level. A primary object of the invention is to permit people to enjoying the beach, lake front, sand or any location where sunbathing is normally performed even during adverse environmental conditions. This object includes the use by any age group and affords comfort by shielding the wind completely and affording a habitable interior warmed by the user's body heat. The canopy is inflated and becomes self supporting creating an effective wind shield while still permitting the sun's ultra-violet rays to penetrate the surface and continue the desired tanning process. in other embodiments, a translucent canopy affords visual privacy and an opaque material allows the invention to be used as a shelter out of doors for overnight sleeping. An optional fabric or a separate sheet of opaque plastic film covering the transparent copy further enhances this utility in the preferred embodiment.

An important object of the invention is directed to the use of ventilation openings in the sides of the canopy permit air to circulate inside, eliminating the problem of moisture condensation upon the canopy interior. The normal respiration from a human body gives off moisture and the air within the interior absorbs this water vapor, therefore when the ambient temperature is below the dew point or point of saturation of the interior air, condensation occurs as the air cannot retain the excessive moisture. This condensation occurs usually on the interior surface and is uncomfortable and annoying. Even if the ambient temperature is high, the moisture content may elevate the humidity above a physically distressing level therefore a series of ventilating openings are provided in the sides of the copy to equalize the vapor pressure level. These ventilating air openings are positioned on opposed sides to permit cross ventilation thus limiting excessive relative humidity within the shelter.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pillow portion integral with the mattress. The pillow is inflated along with the balance of the device and is raised slightly above the horizontal mattress surface to insure reasonable comfort to the user when lying down. The pillow being filled with air is resilient and elevates one's head to a normal level of comfort.

Still another object of the invention is directed to the ease in which the user may enter the shelter. The preferred embodiment utilizes either a zipper or, so called, VELORO to fasten an opening permitting easy access inside, in another embodiment, the same type of fastener is located on the periphery of the shelter permitting the canopy to be lifted up and hinged open in a clamshell manner. In either case, the occupant may close the fastener from the inside securing the interior access means. Yet another object provides either a single person size or alternately a physical size that would accommodate two people. In either case, the structure is the same only the size changes for the utility intended.

A further object is the ease of storage and minimum weight of the invention as the shelter may be deflated and folded or rolled into a small package. The thickness and type of material may vary as to the ultimate purpose and intended cost involved this also effects the weight and size of the folded device. Further, the shelter may be inflated by mouth, foot pump, hairdrier etc. all being well known in the art and readily available.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRTEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a partial isometric view of the preferred embodiment in the two person size and the interior access on one end.

FIGURE 2 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of FIGURE 1 illustrating the interior construction.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary view of the one embodiment of the ventilating air opening.

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary view of the second embodiment of the ventilating air opening.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary view of the third embodiment of the ventilating air opening.

FIGURE 7 is a partial isometric view of a single person embodiment with the canopy hinged on the side and in the open position.

FIGURE 8 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of FIGURE 7 with the canopy open and phantom lines depicting the radial path when the canopy closes.

FIGURE 9 is a elevation view of the single person embodiment with the canopy opened.

FIGURE 10 is a partial isometric view of the preferred embodiment in the collapsed and folded condition.

FIGURE 11 is a top view of the preferred embodiment in the single person embodiment with cover flaps over the air ventilating openings in the normal position and phantom lines showing the radial path to the fully open position. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment. The preferred embodiment is shown in FIGURES 1-11 however, there are two d ist i nct size configurations, one for two people as shown in FIGURES 1-6, and one for a single person depicted in FIGURES 7-11. The basic embodiment is otherwise identical and is comprised of an airtight mattress 20 having a number of sections filled with air. Each section has a series of internal air chambers 22 in longitudinal relationship with the mattress 20. Each chamber 22 is further in pneumatic communication with the other sections permitting inflation from a singular inlet. The combined sections with their chambers 22 form a semi-rigid and resilient structure having enough strength to be easily handled and sufficient resilient to be comfortable when laying on the combined mattress 20 in a prone position.

The mattress 20 also may include a pillow area 24 also filled with air integrally formed on one end contiguous with the air chambers 22. This pillow area 24 protrudes above the balance of the mattress 20 and, as it is raised and is smooth and not part of the rigid chambers, it is comfortable for the user to rest his head while laying down on the mattress 20.

The mattress 20 is preferably made of an opaque material that is airtight such as thermoplastic in any of its suitable forms such as polyethylene, polyester, polyolefin, teflon, vinyl, polycarbonate polyvincylchloride, polypropylene and others. In any case, the thickness is sufficient to be self supporting when inflated and yet has sufficient structural integrity to accommodate one or more person's weight.

An air inflated arched canopy 26 is attached to the mattress 20 on at least part of the periphery. This canopy 26, when inflated, forms a cavity above the mattress 20 large enough for a person to lay comfortably when in a prone position. This canopy also contains air chambers 22 that may be in communicative concert with the mattress 20 as shown in FIGURES 1-3 or may be a separate section as illustrated in FIGURE 7-9 with its own air inlet.

while the primary object of the invention is to employ a canopy 26 made of transparent airtight material to allow the sun's rays to penetrate, thus permitting tanning of the person within, translucent or even opaque material may be used for other purposes. As an example, the shelter may be used as a tent having an integral mattress, for overnight sleeping. The use of translucent material in this application permits limited light to enter the interior during the day or opaque material provides privacy at all times. while the utility may vary, the structure other than its light emitting characteristic remains unchanged.

When a person is inside a relatively small structure that is airtight, moisture given off by the heat of respiration, collects inside and may become bothersome, therefore a number of ventilating air openings 28 are formed within the canopy 26. These openings 28 permit ambient air to circulate freely inside reducing or completely eliminating the vapor pressure differential between the inside and outside. The openings 28 are positioned in the canopy 26 preferably on opposed sides to assure cross ventilation. The actual configuration of the individual opening 28 is of little moment in the invention however, rectangular shapes of various sizes or even radial shapes may be employed with equal ease. FIGURES 1, 4-7 and 9 illustrate these openings 28 in different configurations. in order to prevent insects from entering the shelters interior, a woven screen or loosely woven cloth 30 may be used provided the open area between the mesh is still adequate to permit air movement therethrough.

When the shelter is used for overnight sleeping a number of protective covers 32 are attached above the openings 28 as illustrated in FIGURE 11 to prevent rain from penetrating the shelters interior. These covers 32 may be a single long strip overlaying all of the openings on each side or individual sections positioned over each opening, as desired. The material for each cover 32 may be the same as the canopy 26 itself or any other suitable water repel lant medium. In place of individual covers 32 a rain fly 40, fragmentarily shown in FIGURE 1, may be used that encloses the entire upper surface of the shelter protecting the openings 28 from rain egress into the shelters interior.

in order for a person to enter or exit, the shelter interior access means are formed integrally within the canopy 26. These means include a number of methods such as a slit 34 and hook and loop tape (VELCRO) 36 attached at each side permitting the hook tape to be separated from the loop tape enabling one to physically part the slit 34 and gain excess within. A zipper 38 may be sewn on each side of a slit 34 working equally well, string ties, buttons, snaps etc., not illustrated, may be employed with equal ease or any other method well known in the art.

At any rate, the access means, particularly the slit 34, may be physically located in either one or both ends of the shelter as illustrated in FIGURES 1-3 or may be positioned between the mattress 20 and the canopy 26. in the latter location, the canopy 26 hinges open in a clam shell manner as shown in FIGURES 7-9 allowing complete access to the interior.

The physical size of the shelter may also vary according to the usage however, the length must be sufficient to permit a person to comfortably lie down in a prone position. The width, on the other hand, may correspond to a single occupant as illustrated in FIGURES 7-11 or two people, as depicted in FIGURES 1-3, with equal ease according to the utility desired.

An air inlet valve 42 is employed to inflate the air chambers 22 and pillow 24 and is well known in the art. Only a single valve 42 is necessary, as depicted in FIGURES 1 and 2, where all of the chambers 22 are pneumatically interconnected or two separate valves 42 may be used, as shown in FIGURES 7 and 9, where the canopy 26 is physically separated in the interior from the mattress 20. in either case the valve 42 may be opened to allow the air inside to be expelled when the shelter is to be folded f l at for storage .

FIGURE 10 illustrates the shelter in the folded position without any air inside for transportation and storage.

in operation, the shelter is opened and spread out flat and inflated through the valve 42 all of which is obvious to the user as is the access means.

while the invention has been described in complete detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings, it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLA I M S

1. An inflatable shelter comprising:

a) an airtight mattress having a plurality of sections filled with air, b) an air inflated arched canopy attached to said mattress on at least a portion of the mattress's outside periphery forming a cavity therebetween,

c) a plurality of ventilating air openings within the canopy permitting ambient air to circulate freely within the cavity of the shelter, and

d) interior access means formed integrally within the canopy permitting a person to enter and exit the shelter therefrom.

2. The shelter as recited in claim 1 wherein each mattress section further comprise a plurality of internal air chambers in longitudinal relationship with the mattress, with each chamber having ends in communication with like sections unitedly forming a resilient structure suitable of bearing one's weight when laying on the mattress in a prone position.

3. The shelter as recited in claim 2 wherein said mattress further comprises a pillow area filled with air, contiguous with the air chambers providing a raised portion protruding above said chambers for comfort of a user when lying down within the shelter.

4. The shelter as recited in claim 1 wherein said mattress further comprises a pliable material of a thickness to be self supporting when inflated.

5. The shelter as recited in claim 1 wherein said canopy further comprises a transparent, airtight material permitting sun's rays to penetrate therethrough allowing an occupant to be tanned when inside the shelter.

6. The shelter as recited in claim 1 wherein said canopy further comprises a translucent air tight material permitting limited light to enter the shelter's interior during daytime.

7. The shelter as recited in claim 1 wherein said canopy further comprises an opaque airtight material permitting privacy within the shelter interior during daylight.

8. The shelter as recited in claim 1 wherein said ventilating air openings further comprises a woven screen therein to prevent insects from entering the shelter's interior.

9. The shelter as recited in claim 1 wherein said ventilating air openings further comprises a loosely woven cloth therein to prevent insects from entering the shelter's interior while still permitting the movement of air therethrough.

10. The shelter as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one cover over each air opening to prevent rain from penetrating the shelter's interior.

11. The shelter as recited in claim 1 wherein said interior access means further comprises said canopy having a slit therein and hook and loop tape attached at each side of the slit such that the hook tape may be separated from the loop tape to gain excess within the shelter through the slit.

12. The shelter as recited in claim 1 wherein said interior access means further comprises said canopy having a slit therein with a zipper attached over the slit such that opening the zipper will gain access through the slit.

13. The shelter as recited in claim 1 wherein said interior access means is positioned within the canopy at an end thereof providing entrance and exit from the shelter's interior.

14. The shelter as recited in claim 1 wherein said interior access means is positioned between the mattress and the canopy such that they may be separated and the shelter pivot open in a clamshell manner for access within.

15. The shelter as recited in claim 1 further comprising a width of the mattress corresponding to a single person permitting one occupant within the shelter.

16. The shelter as recited in claim 1 further comprising a width of the mattress corresponding to two people permitting a pair of occupants within the shelter.

17. The shelter as recited in claim 1 further comprising a rain fly enclosing the shelter on all exposed upper surfaces providing a complete water tight cover to protect the air openings from rain egress into the shelter's interior.

18. The shelter as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one air inlet valve permitting the mattress and canopy to be inflated with air.