WO2016148659A2

WO2016148659A2 - Inflatable tent

Info

Publication number: WO2016148659A2
Application number: PCT/SK2016/050002
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juraj BREZAN
Original assignee: Zepelin, S.R.O.
Priority date: 2015-03-16
Filing date: 2016-03-15
Publication date: 2016-09-22
Also published as: WO2016148659A3; SK500252015U1; SK7464Y1

Abstract

Inflatable tent has its cover (8) composed of detachable separate continuously inflatable interconnecting segment (6) placed on an inflatable structure (1), whose chambers (7) corresponds with the directions of the inflatable tubes (2) of the inflatable structure (1), where separate modular continuously inflatable panels (9) are connected to the segment (6) between the chambers (7) of the interconnecting segment (6).

Description

Inflatable tent

Technical Field

[0001] The technical solution relates to inflatable tents comprising an inflatable structure or inflatable roof. Particularly, the solution relates to inflatable tents with circular or polygonal base (e.g. dome) or square base (e.g. tunnel or cube) or triangular base (e.g. "A" shaped tent), which serve as mainly temporary cover especially for various events such as sports, cultural, leisure, or as technical facilities and so on.

Background Art

[0002] According to the present solution, the term "inflatable" means permanently inflated state, i.e. the inflatable body is airtight. The term "continuously inflated" means a condition when the inflated body is not airtight, and its shape is maintained by continuous inflation of air into the body, usually by use of a fan.

[0003] Currently known solutions of inflatable tents of the type described above, substantially comprise an inflatable structure as a support structure, which is covered with substantially one-layer, non-inflatable sheet or tent sheet is provided as a panel between the parts, usually inflatable beams of inflatable structure, or the roof directly forms inflatable tent structure.

[0004] Document EP 0145623 A2 discloses a modular inflatable structure

including a plurality of inflatable and independent supporting elements in the general form of air tubes forming together a framework supporting a covering canvas in the form of an arch. Each element has a ground abutting lower end and an upper end connected with a connecting body assembling mechanically the upper ends of all the supporting elements. Each supporting element is arranged to have a bent longitudinal profile with the lower ends thereof arranged to be coupled with ground abutting base plates, which can be weighted while the upper ends are connected tangentially or approximately tangentially in the direction of the connecting body, which is moreover provided with a feeding pneumatic connection to be connected to a source of pressure fluid, and with distributing pneumatic connections, which are in communication with the feeding pneumatic connection for a sealed connection with each one of the upper ends of the supporting elements, in order to permit a simultaneous inflating of all the supporting elements. By feeding the air, the structure is automatically putting into shape and developing spatially the structure in combination with the base plates.

[0005] Modularity mentioned in the above solution is understood such that, with combining of independent inflatable supporting elements and their connecting bodies it is possible to create various overall shapes of this inflatable structure.

[0006] Document EP 2 792 817 A2 discloses an inflatable blast proof structure.

The structure according to this solution is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of columns and roof arches of tubular shape, which are connected by walls. The whole building is then erected with inflating of the columns and roof arches, or one building cell advantageously of hexagonal shape, wherefrom larger objects can be built modularly.

[0007] Document US 4 807 405 A discloses a geodesic inflatable structure having a lattice-like support framework defined by a multiplicity of inflatable tubular ribs. Triangular frame sections defined by the ribs each support one of a multiplicity of inflatable panels having inner and outer plies defining an inflation chamber therein. When inflated with pressurized air or another inflation substance, the inflatable ribs and panels form a geodesic dome structure.

[0008] Document FR 2 995 335 discloses a shelter having a set of inflatable

rectangular frames, and a set of form tubes that is equipped with a set of valves for allowing transfer of pressure in the shelter. The set of

rectangular frames is covered with a removable fabric with a skirt that is intended to maintain the frames. A set of flaps is provided for forming junctions between the inflatable rectangular frames.

[0009] Document US 2012/0131857 A1 discloses an inflatable enclosure

comprising an inflatable middle section and inflatable end sections abutting opposing ends of the inflatable middle section to enclose a space. Each of the inflatable middle section and the inflatable end sections comprises an inflatable structural framework. The inflatable structural framework comprises a network of pneumatically interconnected inflated beams that defines one or more openings of predetermined shapes in the inflatable structural framework. The inflatable enclosure comprises multiple tile members that are inserted in the openings in the inflatable structural framework. The tile members are configured to plug and sealably encase the openings to form a contiguous structure with the pneumatically interconnected inflated beams, when inflated. The inflatable middle section and the inflatable end sections are inflated, assembled, and anchored to a ground surface for spanning a predefined area on the ground surface.

[0010] Document US 2003/0019168 A1 discloses an inflatable object that

includes interior attachment points to opposing interior faces of the object and rope or cord connections between these attachment points. The opposing walls have interior faces which include attachment points adapted to be connected together by predetermined lengths of material, the arrangement being such that upon inflation of the device, the walls are held in position relative to one another by the lengths of material. The connection material between the inner and outer panels is a flexible cordlike material. The attachment points are located on webbing strips attached to the interior face of each wall at a seam, provided with eyelets.

[0011] The above mentioned solutions provide inflatable structures with

respective advantages connected with these structures, having a certain degree of modularity.

[0012] Object of this technical solution is to provide an improved inflatable tent with modularity and with improved properties, in particular concerning the safety of the structure when in use, and the simplification of its setup even in large dimensions.

Disclosure of Invention

[0013] The above mentioned object is achieved by an inflatable tent according to this invention, which comprises an inflatable structure with inflatable beams and tent cover comprising air-filled bodies, characterized in that the tent cover consists of separate continuously inflated interconnecting segment laid upon and removable connected to the inflatable structure, which chambers correspond to the directions of the inflatable beams of the inflatable structure, where separate modular continuously inflated panels are connected to the interconnecting segment between the chambers of the segment.

[0014] It is preferred that the chambers of the interconnecting segment and

modular panels are pneumatically connected.

[0015] Preferably, the chambers of the interconnecting segment have

substantially quadrangular, and the most preferably a substantially trapezoidal cross section, and modular panels preferably have a cushion shape. The shape of the cross section of the chamber of the

interconnecting segment is defined as a substantially quadrangular or substantially trapezoidal, because the inflatable body has in general curved surfaces after inflation, and therefore it is not possible to form exact quadrilateral or trapezoidal shape. Because this is an inflatable structure, which does not have any particular shape when deflated, what also applies to the individual parts of which the object is composed, the aforesaid shapes belong to the chambers and modular panels in the inflated state. However, it is understood that these shapes are achieved by the cutting design of the respective parts, where respective cutting design defines the future shape of the chamber and modular panel in the inflated state. The cushion shape of the modular panel substantially comprises two large sheets, what are outer and inner wall of the inflatable tent, between which the distancing ribs, or partition walls are placed, which form edge walls of the cushion shape at the edges of the panel. Then, the modular panels are connected to the interconnecting segment preferably by connecting means provided between adjacent edges of the chambers and the panels.

[0016] Such connecting means is the most preferably zip-fastener, which one part is attached to the edge of the chamber and the other part is attached to the edge of the panel. Connection of the interconnecting segment and modular panel is realized by zipping at the respective edges. [0017] In case the zip-fastener is not sufficiently airtight, which may with continuous inflation require increased power of the fans, it is preferably possible to form additional cover of the zip-fasteners at the respective edges, preferably by Velcro fastener, whereas, by analogy, one part of the Velcro is attached to the edge of the chamber and covers the zip-fastener at the edge of the chamber and the second part of the Velcro is attached to the edge of the panel and covers the zip-fastener at the edge of the panel. Velcro fastener also contributes to the strength of the connection between the interconnecting segment and the panel.

[0018] The inflatable tent according to this technical solution provides the

significant advantage that it practically includes two connected structures, which are able to function independently, and thus provides doubled safety regarding the use such tent. In case of an interruption in continuous inflating of the interconnecting segment and/or panels, which also form the tent cover, the cover remains lying on the inflatable structure, while covering of a place is still provided. If there is air leak from the inflatable structure, the continuously inflated is able to retain its shape. For large tents with large dimensions it is at least ensured that if the inflatable structure collapses the entire tent does not collapse instantly.

[0019] Advantage of the tent according to this technical solution is also that when erecting the tent, what is done by simultaneously inflating the lower inflatable structure and the upper cover, both inflatable elements actively influence each other, that is to say, the inflatable structure does not have to lift the entire weight of the cover, while at the same time the cover when being inflated partially lifts the inflatable structure.

[0020] To increase the strength and security of the tent according to the technical solution it is possible with arc-shaped tent to connect central inflatable column or columns to the inflatable structure, for example in the case of dome tent, or columns, for example in the case of the tent with square base. This central inflatable column or columns also help when the tent is being erected.

[0021] In the case, where the central inflatable column or columns are

pneumatically independent from the inflatable structure, they contribute to the safety of the tent, because in the case of failure of the inflatable structure they are able to sufficiently support the continuously inflated tent cover so as to prevent the total collapse of the tent.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0022] The technical solution is described more in detail on the accompanying drawings,

[0023] Fig. 1 schematically shows overall view of the tent according to this

technical solution, without a part of the modular panels to allow visibility of the mutual arrangement of the inflatable structure and the tent cover;

[0024] Fig. 2 shows cross section according to plane A-A of the Figure 1 , with schematic view of connection of air/inflation medium source to the inflatable structure and the tent cover;

[0025] Fig. 3 schematically shows the tent of the Figure 1 in expanded view;

[0026] Fig. 4 schematically shows overall view of the tent according to this

technical solution, without a part of the modular panels, with interior arrangement with the central column, and schematically shown openings for the pneumatic connection on the interconnecting segment; and

[0027] Fig. 5 schematically shows the tent of the Figure 4 in expanded view, with schematically shown openings for the pneumatic connection on the interconnecting segment and modular panels, and the connecting means on the inflatable structure.

Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] The inflatable tent of Figure 1 , 2, 3, 4 and 5 comprises the inflatable

structure 1_ consisting of inflatable beams 2 of tubular shape. In this embodiment, the inflatable beams 2 are arranged in a dome shape, i.e. they are by one of its ends placed on the ground, evenly spaced on the perimeter of an area to be covered, while the other ends of the beams are joined together. Joining of the inflatable beams 2 is here in the form of a connecting torus-shaped chamber 3, to which said beams 2 are connected, whereas this connecting chamber 3 connects inflatable beams 2 also pneumatically, having them to be inflated simultaneously when erecting the tent. Torus shape of the connecting chamber 3 is

advantageous with regard to use of the central inflatable column 4, which will be further described in detail.

[0029] Obviously, the inflatable beams also comprise means for anchoring them to the ground, because such means are well known, for the sake of simplification they are not shown in the figures, and also it is not necessary to describe them in detail.

[0030] The inflatable beams 2 also comprise the connecting means 5 for

removable connection of the continually inflated interconnecting segment 6. Schematic depiction of the arrangement of said connecting means 5 is schematically shown on the Figure 5. The Figure 5 shows the connecting means 5 only on some beams 2 and chambers 7 in order to maintain comprehensibility of the picture. Obviously, the connecting means 5 are provided also on the other beams 2 and chambers 7. The connecting means 5 are also respectively placed on the continuously inflated interconnecting segment 6. Regarding that it may concern any common connecting means generally used for such purpose, it is not necessary to describe these connecting means in detail. These could be various eyelets engaged with belt, hooks, zippers and so on.

[0031] The separate continuously inflated interconnecting segment 6 is

removable connected with the inflatable beams 2. This interconnecting segment 6 forms separate part, and its overall shape corresponds with shape of the inflatable structure 1_, so as to say, the chambers 7 of the segment 6 corresponds with the directions of the inflatable beams 2 of the inflatable structure _.

[0032] The interconnecting segment 6 provides the function of mechanical

connection of the tent cover 8, as well as the function of pneumatic connection of the separate modular continually inflated panels 9.

[0033] Modular panels 9 are connected to the interconnecting segment 6

between its chambers 7. The Figures 1 and 3 do not show the openings 10 of pneumatic connection of the interconnecting segment 6 and modular panels 9 for the sake of simplification of the picture. However, an embodiment without pneumatic connection of the interconnecting segment 6 and the modular panels 9 is also possible. In such embodiment, however, the interconnecting segment 6 and each modular panel 8 have separate source 11_ of inflation air, which commonly is a fan.

[0034] The most preferred, however, is the embodiment having mutual pneumatic connection of the interconnecting segment 6 and the modular panels 9, as such arrangement simplifies simultaneous inflation when the tent is being erected.

[0035] The chambers 7 of the interconnecting segment 6 have, in this example, substantially trapezoidal cross section preferred due to arc-shaped tent cover 8, and modular panels 9 have preferably cushion shape. The modular panels 9 are connected to the interconnecting segment 6, in this example, by the connecting means provided between adjacent edges VI, 13, 14, 15 of the chambers 7 of the interconnecting segment 6 and the modular panels 9. In this particular example, it is the inner edge 12 of the chamber 7 of the interconnecting segment 6 and the inner edge 3 of the modular panel 9, and the outer edge 14 of the interconnecting segment 6 and the outer edge 15 of the modular panel 9. Outer and inner position of the edges 12, ^3, 14, ^ 5 is defined with regard to the outer and inner side of the tent.

[0036] Said connecting means is the most preferably zip-fastener, which one part is attached, the most preferably by sewing, to the edge VI, 14· of the chamber 7 of the segment 6, and the other part is attached to the edge ^3, 15 of the modular panel 9, also the most preferably by sewing. Connection of the interconnecting segment 6 and the modular panel 9 is then realized by zipping at the respective edges 12!, 13, 14, 15.

[0037] In case the zip-fastener is not sufficiently airtight, which may with

continuous inflation require increased power of the fans, it is preferably possible to form additional cover of the zip-fasteners at the respective edges 2, Ζ, 14, 15, preferably by Velcro fastener, whereas, by analogy, one part of the Velcro is attached to the edge 12, 14 of the chamber 7 and covers the zip-fastener at the edge 12, 14 of the chamber 7 and the other part of the Velcro is attached to the edge 121, 15 of the modular panel 9 and covers the zip-fastener at the edge ^3, 15 of the modular panel 9. Velcro fastener also contributes to the strength of the connection between the interconnecting segment and the panel.

[0038] Modularity of the separate continually inflated panels 9 consists in that it is possible, during the production of the body of the panel 9, to produce various designs of the panels 9, for example, solid panels 9, panels 9 with an entrance opening 16, with windows, and so on. Various designs of the inflatable panels 9 can be interchanged through each inflating of the object. It is also advantageous, if the panel 9 serves as a carrier for an advertisement, and the most preferred is the advertisement image directly applied on the sheet material of the panel 9. It is possible then, during each further inflation of the tent, to change the advertisement message, or possibly the color of the tent, by changing of the inflatable panels 9 comprising advertising image. The same principle applies for possibility of changing also the interconnecting segment 6.

[0039] In the example of the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, separate central inflatable column 4 is added to the inflatable structure 1_. The column 4 consists preferably of a tubular body, such that the column 4 after inflation fits with its end to the torus-shaped connecting chamber 3 in the inflatable structure 1_.

[0040] Connection of the column 4 and the inflatable structure 1_ does not

necessarily to be as described above. This connection can be realized by any other mechanical manner. The central inflatable column 4 can also be pneumatically connected with the inflatable structure.

[0041] The inflatable column 4 can, besides its supporting and auxiliary function during erecting of the tent, simultaneously serve as an advertisement carrier, and where a light source is installed in the column 4 made of suitable translucent material, the inflatable column 4 can also serve as a light source for the tent. The same applies also where several inflatable columns 4 are used.

[0042] Erection of the tent according to this technical solution is done as follows.

[0043] On the ground, respectively, the base surface the positions of lower ends of the inflatable beams 2 are set, which, the ends, are attached to the surface or fixed in given positions by any known manner. The interconnecting segment 6 is then attached to the inflatable beams 2 through the connecting means 5. Then, the modular panels 9 are connected to the interconnecting segment 6 through connecting means on respective edges 12, 3, 14, ^5. Panel 9 modules are chosen according to customer requirements for overall design of the tent.

[0044] After said setup of the supporting structure 1_ with or without the central column 4, the interconnecting segment 6 and modular panels 9, which is done with all mentioned parts deflated, the air starts to be supplied to the interconnecting segment 6 and modular panels 9, i.e. the cover 8 of the tent. Then, after the cover is inflated, air starts to be supplied to the inflatable structure 1_ and, if present, the central column 4. Sequence of erecting the tent always depends on circumstances and considerations of the operator. For inflation of the inflatable structure 1_ and the tent cover 8 air sources 1_1 are used, where usually pumps or compressors are used for inflating the inflatable structure 1_ and fans are used for continuous inflation of the tent cover 8.

[0045] A number and arrangement of the compressors and fans usually depends on the size of the tent or required speed of erecting the tent. As required operational pressure in the supporting structure 1_ is reached, optionally in the column 4, the pumps are disconnected, however the fans will continuously inflate the tent cover 8. In the case, if at least one of the pumps includes automatic pressure control system, it can be preferred to leave such pump connected to one of the valves of the supporting structure 1_. The pump then acts as another security component for preventing the failure of the inflatable structure 1_ if leak or forced damage occurs.

Industrial Applicability

[0046] The inflatable tent according to this technical solution can be used where any requirement for mainly temporary cover is present, especially for various events such as sports, cultural, leisure, or as technical facilities and so on.

Claims

Claim 1. An inflatable tent comprising inflatable structure with inflatable

beams, and the tent cover comprising air-filled bodies, characterized in that, the tent cover (8) consists of separate continuously inflated interconnecting segment (6) laid upon and removable connected to the inflatable structure (1), which, the segment (6), chambers (7) correspond to the directions of the inflatable beams (2) of the inflatable structure (1), where separate modular continuously inflated panels (9) are connected to the interconnecting segment (6) between the chambers (7) of the segment (6).

Claim 2. The inflatable tent according to claim 1 , characterized in that, the chambers (7) of the interconnecting segment (6) and modular panels (9) are pneumatically connected.

Claim 3. The inflatable tent according to any of preceding claims,

characterized in that, the chambers (7) of the interconnecting segment (6) have substantially quadrangular, or substantially trapezoidal cross section, and modular panels (9) have cushion shape.

Claim 4. The inflatable tent according to claim 3, characterized in that, the chambers (7) of the interconnecting segment (6) comprise at their edges (12, 14) one part of the connecting means and modular panels (9) comprise at their edges (13, 15) the other part of the connecting means for connecting the modular panels (9) to the interconnecting segment (6).

Claim 5. The inflatable tent according to claim 4, characterized in that, the connecting means for connecting the modular panels (9) to the interconnecting segment (6) is zip-fastener.

Claim 6. The inflatable tent according to any of preceding claims,

characterized in that separate central inflatable column (4), or separate inflatable columns (4), is connected to the inflatable structure (1).

Claim 7. The inflatable tent according to claim 6, characterized in that, the separate central inflatable column (4), or at least of the separate inflatable columns (4), is made of translucent material and comprises a light source.