Load lifting tensioned inflatable structure

Abstract

An inflatable structure includes a top end cap, a bottom end cap, a bladder attached to the top end cap and the bottom end cap and configured to contain pressurized air, a plurality of tethers disposed within the bladder, the inflatable structure being movable between a stowed profile and a final support profile wherein the bladder is pressurized and axially expanded and the plurality of tethers are fully extended and limit further movement of the top end cap and the bottom end cap away from each other and limit axial expansion of the bladder; a pulley assembly mounted within the bottom end cap wherein, in the stowed support profile, the plurality of tethers are wound onto the pulley assembly, the pulley assembly being adapted to allow selective extension of the tethers to allow axial expansion of the bladder, wherein the inflatable structure is adapted to provide a plurality of intermediate support profiles capable of supporting compressive loads.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] introduction

[0002] This disclosure relates to a load-lifting inflatable structure that provides multiple support profiles. Background Technology

[0003] Internally tensioned inflatable structures typically consist of a bladder containing pressurized air and tethers attached to the opposing inner surfaces of the bladder. As the bladder inflates, the pressure inside causes it to expand outwards, ultimately putting tension on the tethers, which in turn limits the expansion of the bladder. In addition to limiting the expansion of the bladder, the tethers also increase the amount of compressive load the bladder can withstand before it deforms due to compressive loads.

[0004] In known inflatable structures, when the bladder is not inflated, there is no tension on the tether, and the tether is slack. When pressure is applied inside the bladder, it begins to inflate. The bladder does not need to overcome any expansion resistance; any pressure above atmospheric pressure will cause the bladder to inflate. Because there is no expansion resistance, the pressure inside the bladder does not increase significantly until the bladder is fully inflated. Therefore, the bladder cannot support any significant load before it is fully inflated. Once the bladder is fully inflated, the tether tightens, and the pressure inside the bladder builds up, enabling the bladder to support a load. The higher the pressure inside the bladder, the more compressive load the bladder can support before it deforms due to compressive loads.

[0005] Therefore, while current inflatable structures have achieved their intended purpose, there is still a need for a new and improved inflatable structure that includes elastic tethers adapted to extend incrementally as the bladder expands, thereby allowing pressure to accumulate within the bladder during the expansion process, so that the inflatable structure provides multiple support profiles capable of supporting compressive loads. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to several aspects of this disclosure, an inflatable structure includes: a top cap; a bottom cap; a bladder attached to the top cap and the bottom cap and configured to contain pressurized air between the top cap and the bottom cap; and a plurality of tethers disposed within the bladder, each of the plurality of tethers having a first end connected to the top cap and a second end connected to the bottom cap. The inflatable structure is movable between a collapsed profile and a final supported profile, in which there is no pressure within the bladder and the top cap and bottom cap are positioned in contact, and the bladder is compressed within the top cap and bottom cap, and in the final supported profile the bladder is pressurized and axially expanded. Furthermore, the top cap and bottom cap are forced apart, and the plurality of tethers are fully extended and limit further movement of the top cap and bottom cap away from each other, and limit the axial expansion of the bladder; and a pulley assembly mounted within the bottom cap, wherein when the inflatable structure is in the collapsed support profile, the plurality of tethers are wound around the pulley assembly, the pulley assembly being adapted to allow selective extension of the plurality of tethers to increase the distance the top cap can move away from the bottom cap, and allow the axial expansion of the bladder, wherein the inflatable structure is adapted to provide a plurality of intermediate support profiles between the collapsed profile and the final support profile capable of supporting compressive loads.

[0007] According to another aspect, the pulley assembly is adapted to secure the plurality of tethers at each intermediate support profile and limit the further extension of the plurality of tethers.

[0008] According to another aspect, the pulley assembly includes an escapement mechanism adapted to prevent rotation of the pulley assembly and to prevent the plurality of tethers from unwinding from the pulley assembly.

[0009] According to another aspect, the escapement mechanism includes a release lever adapted to allow selective incremental release of the pulley assembly, thereby allowing the pulley assembly to unwind and release a measured length of each of the plurality of tethers.

[0010] According to another aspect, the bottom cover includes an upper surface and a bottom surface, the sac is attached to the upper surface, the pulley assembly is positioned adjacent to the upper surface, and the escapement is positioned adjacent to the bottom surface.

[0011] According to another aspect, the bottom cover includes a plurality of loops extending from the upper surface of the bottom cover and circumferentially spaced around the bottom cover adjacent to the outer periphery of the bottom cover, each of the plurality of tethers being adapted to extend from the pulley assembly and through one of the plurality of loops, and extend upward to the top cover.

[0012] According to another aspect, the bottom cover includes an air inlet adapted to allow pressurized air to enter the inflatable structure.

[0013] According to another aspect, the escapement mechanism includes a gear comprising a plurality of gear teeth rotatably mounted to and adapted to rotate with the pulley assembly; the release lever includes an anchoring portion pivotally mounted to a bottom cap adjacent to the gear, the anchoring portion of the release lever being adapted to engage the plurality of teeth and prevent rotation of the gear and pulley assembly and unwinding of the plurality of tethers, and being adapted to selectively actuate, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release lever allows the gear to rotate one tooth, which allows for the measurement of the unwinding length of each of the plurality of tethers from the pulley assembly.

[0014] According to another aspect, the pulley assembly includes a single pulley, each of the plurality of tethers being adapted to be wound around the single pulley, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release rod allows equal lengths of each of the plurality of tethers to be unwound from the pulley.

[0015] According to another aspect, the pulley assembly includes at least two pulleys, at least one of the plurality of tethers being adapted to be wound around each of the at least two pulleys, wherein each of the at least two pulleys is adapted to allow selective incremental release of different measured lengths of the at least one of the plurality of tethers wound thereon upon each actuation of the release lever.

[0016] According to another aspect, the pulley assembly includes a first pulley and a second pulley, at least one of the plurality of tethers being adapted to be wound around each of the at least two pulleys; the escapement mechanism includes a gear set including a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear, each of the first, second, and third gears having a plurality of teeth, the first pulley being rotatably attached to the first gear, the second pulley being rotatably attached to the second gear, and the third gear meshing with and interconnecting the first and second gears, wherein the release lever includes an anchoring portion pivotally mounted to a bottom end cap, adjacent to and meshing with the third gear to prevent rotation of the first, second, and third gears and the first and second pulleys, and unwinding of the plurality of tethers from the first and second pulleys, and is adapted to be selectively actuated, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release lever allows the first, second, and third gears to rotate one tooth, which allows different measured lengths of the at least one of the plurality of tethers wound around each of the first and second pulleys to be unwound.

[0017] According to another aspect, the first gear includes a first number of gear teeth, while the second gear includes a second number of gear teeth, which is greater than the first number.

[0018] According to another aspect, the inflatable structure is installed inside an automobile vehicle. When in the retracted position, the inflatable structure is recessed flush with the vehicle floor, and when in the final support profile and any of a plurality of intermediate support profiles, the inflatable structure is adapted to provide one of a seating surface, a table, and a cargo restraint.

[0019] According to several aspects of this disclosure, an inflatable structure includes: a top cap; a bottom cap; a bladder attached to the top cap and the bottom cap and configured to contain pressurized air between the top cap and the bottom cap; and a first, second, third, and fourth tether disposed within the bladder, each of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers having a first end connected to the top cap and a second end connected to the bottom cap. The inflatable structure is movable between a collapsed profile and a final supported profile, in which there is no pressure within the bladder and the top cap and bottom cap are positioned in contact, and the bladder is compressed within the top cap and bottom cap; in the final supported profile, the bladder is pressurized and axially expanded, and the top cap and bottom cap are forced apart, and the first, second, third, and fourth tethers are fully extended and limit the top cap and bottom cap from being far apart. Further movement of the top cover and limitation of axial expansion of the bladder; and a pulley assembly mounted within the bottom cover, wherein when the inflatable structure is in the retracted profile, each of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers is wound around the pulley assembly, the pulley assembly being adapted to allow selective extension of each of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers to increase the distance the top cover can move away from the bottom cover and allow axial expansion of the bladder, wherein the inflatable structure is adapted to provide a plurality of intermediate support profiles between the retracted profile and the final support profile capable of supporting compressive loads, wherein when in the retracted position the inflatable structure is recessed flush with the floor of the vehicle, and while in the final support profile and any of the plurality of intermediate support profiles, the inflatable structure is adapted to provide one of a seat surface, a table, and a cargo restraint.

[0020] According to another aspect, the pulley assembly includes an escapement mechanism adapted to prevent rotation of the pulley assembly and to prevent the plurality of tethers from unwinding from the pulley assembly to secure the plurality of tethers and limit further extension of the plurality of tethers at each intermediate support profile. The escapement mechanism includes a release lever adapted to allow selective incremental release of the pulley assembly, thereby allowing the pulley assembly to unwind and release a measured length of each of the plurality of tethers.

[0021] According to another aspect, the bottom end cap includes an upper surface and a bottom surface, a sac attached to the upper surface, a pulley assembly positioned adjacent to the upper surface, and an escapement positioned adjacent to the bottom surface; an air inlet adapted to allow pressurized air to enter the inflatable structure; and four circumferentially equidistant rings extending from the upper surface of the bottom end cap and surrounding the bottom end cap adjacent to its outer periphery, each of a first tether, a second tether, a third tether, and a fourth tether extending from the pulley assembly and passing through one of the four rings respectively, and extending upward to the top end cap.

[0022] According to another aspect, the escapement mechanism includes a gear comprising a plurality of gear teeth rotatably mounted to and adapted to rotate with the pulley assembly; the release lever includes an anchoring portion pivotally mounted adjacent to the gear to a bottom cover, the anchoring portion of the release lever being adapted to engage the plurality of teeth and prevent rotation of the gear and pulley assembly and unwinding of the plurality of tethers, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release lever allows the gear to rotate one tooth, which allows for the measurement of the unwinding length of each of the plurality of tethers from the pulley assembly.

[0023] According to another aspect, the pulley assembly includes a single pulley, each of the plurality of tethers being adapted to be wound around the single pulley, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release rod allows equal lengths of each of the plurality of tethers to be unwound from the pulley.

[0024] According to another aspect, the pulley assembly includes a first pulley and a second pulley, at least one of the plurality of tethers being adapted to be wound around each of the at least two pulleys; the escapement mechanism includes a gear set including a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear, each of the first, second, and third gears having a plurality of teeth, the first pulley being rotatably attached to the first gear, the second pulley being rotatably attached to the second gear, and the third gear meshing with and interconnecting the first and second gears, wherein the release lever includes an anchoring portion pivotally mounted to a bottom end cap, adjacent to and meshing with the third gear to prevent rotation of the first, second, and third gears and the first and second pulleys, and unwinding of the plurality of tethers from the first and second pulleys, and is adapted for selective actuation, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release lever allows the first, second, and third gears to rotate one tooth, which allows for different measured lengths of unwinding of the at least one of the plurality of tethers wound thereon from each of the first and second pulleys.

[0025] According to another aspect, the first gear includes a first number of gear teeth, and the second gear includes a second number of gear teeth, which is greater than the first number.

[0026] The present invention also provides the following technical solutions:

[0027] 1. An inflatable structure comprising:

[0028] Top cap;

[0029] Bottom cap;

[0030] A sac-like structure attached to the top cap and the bottom cap and configured to contain pressurized air between the top cap and the bottom cap;

[0031] A plurality of tethers are disposed within the sac-like structure, each of the plurality of tethers having a first end connected to the top cap and a second end connected to the bottom cap;

[0032] The inflatable structure is movable between a collapsed profile and a final support profile. In the collapsed profile, there is no pressure inside the bladder, and the top cap and bottom cap are positioned in contact, with the bladder compressed within the top and bottom caps. In the final support profile, the bladder is pressurized and axially expanded, and the top and bottom caps are forced apart. The plurality of tethers are fully extended and limit further movement of the top and bottom caps away from each other, and limit the axial expansion of the bladder.

[0033] A pulley assembly is installed inside the bottom end cap, wherein when the inflatable structure is in the collapsed support profile, the plurality of tethers are wound around the pulley assembly, the pulley assembly being adapted to allow selective extension of the plurality of tethers to increase the distance the top end cap can move away from the bottom end cap, and to allow axial expansion of the bladder;

[0034] The inflatable structure is adapted to provide a plurality of intermediate support profiles between the collapsed profile and the final support profile, capable of supporting compressive loads.

[0035] 2. The inflatable structure according to technical solution 1, wherein the pulley assembly is adapted to secure the plurality of tethers to each intermediate support profile and limit further extension of the plurality of tethers.

[0036] 3. The inflatable structure according to technical solution 2, wherein the pulley assembly includes an escapement mechanism adapted to prevent rotation of the pulley assembly and to prevent the plurality of tethers from unwinding from the pulley assembly.

[0037] 4. The inflatable structure according to technical solution 3, wherein the escapement mechanism includes a release lever adapted to allow selective incremental release of the pulley assembly, thereby allowing the pulley assembly to unwind and release a measured length of each of the plurality of tethers.

[0038] 5. The inflatable structure according to technical solution 4, wherein the bottom end cap includes an upper surface and a bottom surface, the bladder is attached to the upper surface, the pulley assembly is positioned adjacent to the upper surface, and the escapement mechanism is positioned adjacent to the bottom surface.

[0039] 6. The inflatable structure according to technical solution 5, wherein the bottom cap includes a plurality of loops extending from the upper surface of the bottom cap and adjacent to the outer periphery of the bottom cap at circumferentially equal intervals around the bottom cap, each of the plurality of tethers being adapted to extend from the pulley assembly and through one of the plurality of loops, and extend upward to the top cap.

[0040] 7. The inflatable structure according to technical solution 6, wherein the bottom end cap includes an air inlet adapted to allow pressurized air to enter the inflatable structure.

[0041] 8. The inflatable structure according to technical solution 7, wherein the escapement mechanism includes a gear having a plurality of gear teeth rotatably engaged with and adapted to rotate with the pulley assembly, and the release rod includes an anchoring portion pivotally mounted adjacent to the gear to the bottom end cap, the anchoring portion of the release rod being adapted to engage the plurality of teeth and prevent rotation of the gear and the pulley assembly and unwinding of the plurality of tethers, and being adapted to selectively actuate, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release rod allows the gear to rotate one tooth, which allows for the measurement of the unwinding length of each of the plurality of tethers from the pulley assembly.

[0042] 9. The inflatable structure according to claim 8, wherein the pulley assembly includes a single pulley, each of the plurality of tethers is adapted to be wound around the single pulley, and each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release rod allows equal lengths of each of the plurality of tethers to be unwound from the pulley.

[0043] 10. The inflatable structure according to claim 7, wherein the pulley assembly includes at least two pulleys, at least one of the plurality of tethers is adapted to be wound around each of the at least two pulleys, wherein each of the at least two pulleys is adapted to allow selective incremental release of different measured lengths of the at least one of the plurality of tethers wound thereon each time the release lever is actuated.

[0044] 11. The inflatable structure according to technical solution 7, wherein the pulley assembly includes a first pulley and a second pulley, at least one of the plurality of tethers is adapted to be wound around each of the at least two pulleys, and the escapement mechanism includes a gear set including a first gear, a second gear and a third gear, each of the first gear, the second gear and the third gear having a plurality of gear teeth, the first pulley being rotatably attached to the first gear, the second pulley being rotatably attached to the second gear, and the third gear meshing with and interconnecting with the first gear and the second gear;

[0045] The release rod includes an anchoring portion pivotally mounted to the bottom end cap, adjacent to and engaging the third gear to prevent rotation of the first, second, and third gears, as well as the first and second pulleys, and unwinding of the plurality of tethers from the first and second pulleys. It is also adapted for selective actuation, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release rod allows the first, second, and third gears to rotate one gear tooth, which allows for different measured lengths of unwinding of at least one of the plurality of tethers wound around each of the first and second pulleys.

[0046] 12. The inflatable structure according to technical solution 11, wherein the first gear includes a first number of gear teeth, and the second gear includes a second number of gear teeth greater than the first number.

[0047] 13. The inflatable structure according to claim 7, wherein the inflatable structure is installed in a vehicle and, when in the retracted position, the inflatable structure is recessed flush with the floor of the vehicle, and when in any of the final support profile and the plurality of intermediate support profiles, the inflatable structure is adapted to provide one of a seat surface, a table, and a cargo restraint.

[0048] 14. An inflatable structure for an automobile vehicle, comprising:

[0049] Top cap;

[0050] Bottom cap;

[0051] A sac-like structure attached to the top cap and the bottom cap and configured to contain pressurized air between the top cap and the bottom cap;

[0052] A first tether, a second tether, a third tether, and a fourth tether are disposed within the sac-like object. Each of the first tether, the second tether, the third tether, and the fourth tether has a first end connected to the top cap and a second end connected to the bottom cap.

[0053] The inflatable structure is movable between a collapsed profile and a final support profile. In the collapsed profile, there is no pressure inside the bladder, and the top cap and bottom cap are positioned in contact, with the bladder compressed within the top and bottom caps. In the final support profile, the bladder is pressurized and axially expanded, and the top and bottom caps are forced apart. The first, second, third, and fourth tethers are fully extended and limit further movement of the top and bottom caps away from each other, and limit the axial expansion of the bladder.

[0054] A pulley assembly is installed within the bottom end cap, wherein when the inflatable structure is in the collapsed profile, each of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers is wound around the pulley assembly, the pulley assembly being adapted to allow selective extension of each of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers to increase the distance the top end cap can move away from the bottom end cap;

[0055] The inflatable structure is adapted to provide a plurality of intermediate support profiles between the retracted profile and the final support profile capable of supporting compressive loads. When in the retracted position, the inflatable structure is recessed flush with the floor of the vehicle, and when in any of the final support profile and the plurality of intermediate support profiles, the inflatable structure is adapted to provide one of a seat surface, a table, and a cargo restraint.

[0056] 15. The inflatable structure according to claim 14, wherein the pulley assembly includes an escapement mechanism adapted to prevent rotation of the pulley assembly and to prevent the plurality of tethers from unwinding from the pulley assembly, thereby securing the plurality of tethers and limiting further extension of the plurality of tethers at each intermediate support profile, the escapement mechanism including a release lever adapted to allow selective incremental release of the pulley assembly, thereby allowing the pulley assembly to unwind and release a measured length of each of the plurality of tethers.

[0057] 16. The inflatable structure according to technical solution 15, wherein the bottom end cap comprises:

[0058] The upper surface and the bottom surface, the sac-like structure is attached to the upper surface, the pulley assembly is positioned adjacent to the upper surface, and the escapement mechanism is positioned adjacent to the bottom surface;

[0059] An air inlet adapted to allow pressurized air to enter the inflatable structure; and

[0060] Four rings extend from the upper surface of the bottom cover and are circumferentially equidistant around the bottom cover, adjacent to the outer periphery of the bottom cover. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers extends from the pulley assembly, passes through one of the four rings, and extends upward to the top cover.

[0061] 17. The inflatable structure according to claim 16, wherein the escapement mechanism includes a gear having a plurality of gear teeth rotatably engaged with and adapted to rotate with the pulley assembly, and the release lever includes an anchoring portion pivotally mounted adjacent to the gear to the bottom end cap, the anchoring portion of the release lever being adapted to engage the plurality of teeth and prevent rotation of the gear and the pulley assembly and unwinding of the plurality of tethers, and being adapted to selectively actuate, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release lever allows the gear to rotate one tooth, which allows for the measurement of the unwinding length of each of the plurality of tethers from the pulley assembly.

[0062] 18. The inflatable structure according to claim 17, wherein the pulley assembly includes a single pulley, each of the plurality of tethers is adapted to be wound around the single pulley, and wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release rod allows equal lengths of the plurality of tethers to be unwound from the pulley.

[0063] 19. The inflatable structure according to technical solution 16, wherein the pulley assembly includes a first pulley and a second pulley, at least one of the plurality of tethers is adapted to be wound around each of the at least two pulleys, and the escapement mechanism includes a gear set including a first gear, a second gear and a third gear, each of the first gear, the second gear and the third gear having a plurality of gear teeth, the first pulley being rotatably attached to the first gear, the second pulley being rotatably attached to the second gear, and the third gear meshing with and interconnecting with the first gear and the second gear;

[0064] The release rod includes an anchoring portion pivotally mounted to the bottom end cap, adjacent to and engaging the third gear to prevent rotation of the first, second, and third gears, as well as the first and second pulleys, and unwinding of the plurality of tethers from the first and second pulleys. It is also adapted for selective actuation, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release rod allows the first, second, and third gears to rotate one gear tooth, which allows for the unwinding of at least one of the plurality of tethers wound around the first and second pulleys by a different measured length.

[0065] 20. The inflatable structure according to technical solution 19, wherein the first gear includes a first number of gear teeth, and the second gear includes a second number of gear teeth greater than the first number.

[0066] Further scope will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the descriptions and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0067] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0068] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an inflatable structure according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0069] Figure 2A is Figure 1 The diagram shows an inflatable structure in a collapsed support profile.

[0070] Figure 2B is Figure 1 The diagram shows an inflatable structure, in which the inflatable structure is located in the middle support structure;

[0071] Figure 2C yes Figure 1 The diagram shows an inflatable structure, in which the inflatable structure is located within the final support structure.

[0072] Figure 3 It is a top view of the upper surface of the bottom end cap;

[0073] Figure 4 It is a view of the bottom surface of the end cap from below;

[0074] Figure 5A yes Figure 4 China is composed of " Figure 5A An enlarged view of a portion of the escapement mechanism shown;

[0075] Figure 5B It is similar to Figure 5A An enlarged view shows that the anchoring part of the escapement mechanism has been actuated;

[0076] Figure 5C It is similar to Figure 5A An enlarged view shows the escapement mechanism's anchoring section moving back to its default position and the gears rotating;

[0077] Figure 5D It is similar to Figure 5A An enlarged view showing the escapement mechanism's anchoring section in the default position and the gear having rotated one tooth;

[0078] Figure 6A It is a perspective view of the inflatable structure used as the seat surface, which is in the middle of the supporting profile;

[0079] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A perspective view of the inflatable structure, with the inflatable device in the final support profile;

[0080] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of an inflatable structure mounted flush with the vehicle floor in the retracted support profile.

[0081] Figure 8 It is a top view of the upper surface of the bottom end cap of the pulley assembly including the first pulley and the second pulley;

[0082] Figure 9 This is a view taken from below, showing the bottom surface of the end cap with an escapement mechanism having a gear set including a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear; and

[0083] Figure 10 This is a perspective diagram of an inflatable structure that provides an inclined support profile.

[0084] These figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized, such as to show details of specific components. In some cases, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring this disclosure. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to apply this disclosure in various ways. Detailed Implementation

[0085] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, application, or use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing technical fields, background art, brief overview, or the following detailed description. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the term "module" refers individually or in any combination of any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control components, processing logic, and / or processor devices, including but not limited to: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and memories executing one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuits, and / or other suitable components providing the said functionality. Although the figures shown herein depict examples of certain arrangements of elements, additional intervening elements, devices, features, or components may be present in actual embodiments. It should also be understood that these figures are merely illustrative and may not be drawn to scale.

[0086] As used herein, the term "vehicle" is not limited to automobiles. While this article primarily describes the technology in the context of automobiles, the technology is not limited to automobiles. These concepts can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as those relating to aircraft, ships, other vehicles, and consumer electronics components.

[0087] refer to Figure 1 The inflatable structure 10 according to this disclosure includes a top cap 12, a bottom cap 14, a bladder 16 attached to the top cap 12 and the bottom cap 14 and configured to contain pressurized air between the top cap 12 and the bottom cap, and a plurality of tethers 18 disposed within the bladder 16. Each of the plurality of tethers 18 has a first end 20 connected to the top cap 12 and a second end 22 connected to the bottom cap 14. When the bladder 16 is inflated, the bladder 16 expands axially, as indicated by arrow 24, forcing the top cap 12 and the bottom cap 14 away from each other. The plurality of tethers 18 are adapted to limit the movement of the top cap 12 and the bottom cap 14 away from each other and to limit the axial expansion of the bladder 16. The inflatable structure 10 is adapted to provide a plurality of support profiles capable of supporting compressive loads.

[0088] Refer to Figures 2A and 2B and Figure 2C The inflatable structure 10 can collapse into the support profile 26S as shown in Figure 2A, and... Figure 2CThe final support profile 26F varies between the shown figures. In the collapsed support profile 26S, there is no pressure within the bladder 16, and the top cap 12 and bottom cap 14 are positioned in contact, the bladder 16 is compressed within the top cap 12 and bottom cap 14, and the inflatable support structure 10 supports the compressive load, as indicated by arrow 28. In the final support profile 26F, the bladder 16 is pressurized and axially expanded, and the top cap 12 and bottom cap 14 are forced apart, and the plurality of tethers 18 are fully extended and limit further movement of the top cap 12 and bottom cap 14 away from each other, and limit the axial expansion of the bladder 16. Since the tethers 18 cannot extend further, the expansion of the bladder 16 tightens the tethers 18 and allows pressure to build up within the bladder 16, where the inflatable structure 10 supports the compressive load, as indicated by arrow 30.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable structure 10 includes a first tether 18A, a second tether 18B, a third tether 18C, and a fourth tether 18D disposed within the bladder 16. Each of the first tether 18A, the second tether 18B, the third tether 18C, and the fourth tether 18D has a first end 20 connected to the top cap 12 and a second end 22 connected to the bottom cap 14.

[0090] refer to Figure 3 A pulley assembly 32 is mounted within the bottom cover 14, wherein the plurality of tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D are wound around the pulley assembly 32 when the inflatable structure 10 is in the retracted profile 26S. The pulley assembly 32 is adapted to allow selective extension of the plurality of tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D to increase the distance the top cover 12 can move away from the bottom cover 14 and to allow axial expansion of the bladder 16. The inflatable structure 10 is adapted to provide a plurality of intermediate support profiles 26I between the retracted profile 26S and the final support profile 26F capable of supporting compressive loads.

[0091] Referring to Figure 2B, the inflatable structure 10 is shown with an intermediate support profile 26I, in which the bladder 16 is not fully inflated, but the pulley assembly 32 prevents further extension of the tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D. Due to the tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D restricting further expansion of the bladder 16 and the movement of the top cap 12 away from the bottom cap 14, pressure builds up within the bladder 16, enabling the inflatable structure 10 to support compressive loads with the intermediate support profile 26I, as indicated by arrow 34. Referring again to Figure 2A, the inflatable structure 10 has a collapsed height 36 when in the collapsed support profile 26S, an intermediate height 38 when in the intermediate support profile 26I, and a final height 40 when in the final support profile 26F. Because the pulley system is adapted to allow selective extension of the tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D, a person using the inflatable structure can release as much or as little of the tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D as needed. Therefore, the inflatable support structure can provide multiple intermediate support profiles 26I at various heights between the collapsed height 36 and the final height 40, any one of which can support a compressive load.

[0092] In the inflatable structure 10 described herein, it is assumed that the bottom cap 14 is stationary or fixed in space, and the movement of the top cap 12 is constrained only by the tether 18 connecting the top cap 12 and the bottom cap 14 to each other. However, in various embodiments, the top cap 12 may be stationary or fixed in space, and the movement of the bottom cap 14 may be constrained only by the tether 18 connecting the top cap 12 and the bottom cap 14 to each other. In other embodiments, either the top cap 12 or the bottom cap 14 may be stationary or fixed in space, and the movement of the top cap 12 and the bottom cap 14 may be constrained only by the tether 18 connecting the top cap 12 and the bottom cap 14 to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one elastic tether 18 is one of an elastic band, a spring, and an elastic core surrounded by a non-elastic outer winding.

[0093] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 In an exemplary embodiment, the pulley assembly 32 includes an escapement mechanism 42. The escapement mechanism 42 is adapted to prevent rotation of the pulley assembly 32 and to prevent unwinding of the plurality of tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D from the pulley assembly 32. The escapement mechanism 42 includes a release lever 44 adapted to allow selective incremental release of the pulley assembly 32, thereby allowing the pulley assembly 32 to unwind and release a measured length of each of the plurality of tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D.

[0094] For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the escapement 42 is adapted to allow one inch of each tether 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D to be unwound from the pulley assembly 32 each time the escapement 42 is actuated by the user of the inflatable structure 10. Starting from when the inflatable structure 10 is partially inflated to the intermediate support profile 26I (where the intermediate height 38 of the inflatable structure is twelve inches), if the user wishes to increase the height of the inflatable structure 10, actuation of the escapement 42 by the user releases the pulley assembly 32, which allows an additional inch of unwound tether 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, thereby allowing the top cap 12 to move upwards an additional inch away from the bottom cap 14. The bottom cap 14 of the inflatable structure 10 includes an air inlet 46 adapted to allow pressurized air to enter the bladder 16 of the inflatable structure. Additional air is introduced into the bladder 16 through air inlet 46, and pressure builds up again within the bladder 16, causing the inflatable structure 10 to provide an intermediate support profile 26I with a midpoint height 38 of thirteen inches, capable of supporting compressive loads. Each successive actuation of the escapement mechanism 42 results in the intermediate support profile 26I being one inch higher than the previous intermediate support profile.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom end cap 14 includes an upper surface 48 and a bottom surface 50, the bladder 16 is attached to the upper surface 48, and the pulley assembly 32 is positioned adjacent to the upper surface 48, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the escapement mechanism 42 is positioned adjacent to the lower surface 50, as... Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0096] Refer again Figure 3 In another exemplary embodiment, the bottom cap 14 includes a plurality of rings 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D extending from the upper surface 48 of the bottom cap and circumferentially equally spaced around the bottom cap 14 adjacent to the outer periphery 54 of the bottom cap 14. Each of the plurality of tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D is adapted to extend from the pulley assembly 32 and pass through one of the plurality of rings 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, and extend upward to the top cap. As shown in the figure, the first tether 18A extends radially outward from the pulley assembly 32 to the first ring 52A and passes through the first ring 52A, and extends upward to the top cover 12; the second tether 18B extends radially outward from the pulley assembly 32 to the second ring 52B and passes through the second ring 52B, and extends upward to the top cover 12; the third tether 18C extends radially outward from the pulley assembly 32 to the third ring 52C and passes through the third ring 52C, and extends upward to the top cover 12; the fourth tether 18D extends radially outward from the pulley assembly 32 to the fourth ring 52D and passes through the fourth ring 51D, and extends upward to the top cover 12.

[0097] Refer again Figure 4 In an exemplary embodiment, the escapement 42 includes a gear 56 comprising a plurality of gear teeth rotatably mounted to and adapted to rotate with the pulley assembly 32. A release lever 44 includes an anchoring portion 58 pivotally mounted to the end cap 14 adjacent to the gear 56. The anchoring portion 58 of the release lever 44 engages the plurality of teeth and prevents rotation of the gear 56 and the pulley assembly 32, as well as unwinding of the plurality of tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D. The anchoring portion 58 of the escapement 42 is adapted to be selectively actuated, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion 58 of the release lever 44 allows the gear 56 to rotate one tooth, which allows for the measurement of the unwinding length of each of the plurality of tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D from the pulley assembly 32.

[0098] refer to Figure 5A The anchoring portion 58 of the escapement mechanism 42 is shown in its default position, wherein the anchoring portion 58 of the release lever 44 prevents rotation of the gear 56. In an exemplary embodiment, the release lever 44 is biased to the default position, wherein when actuated by a user, the release lever 44 automatically returns to the default position upon release. The anchoring portion 58 of the release lever 44 includes a notch 60. A first tooth 62 of the gear 56 is positioned within the notch 60, and a second tooth 64 of the gear 56 contacts the outer surface 66 of the anchoring portion 58, wherein rotation of the gear 56 is prevented. As indicated by arrow 70, the anchoring portion 58 is actuated by rotation about a pivot point 68. Reference Figure 5B When the anchoring part 58 rotates as indicated by arrow 70, the gear 56 rotates, as indicated by arrow 72. The first tooth 62 of the gear 56 contacts the sidewall 74 of the recess 60, and the second tooth 64 passes over the outer surface 66 and enters the recess 60. (Reference) Figure 5C Upon actuation, the anchoring portion 58 is biased back to its default position, as indicated by arrow 76, and allows gear 56 to rotate, as indicated by arrow 78. Rotation of gear 56 causes its third tooth 80 to contact the outer surface 66 of the anchoring portion 58 of the release lever 44, while further rotation of gear 56 is prevented. (Reference) Figure 5D Once the anchoring portion 58 of the release mechanism 42 returns to its default position, the third tooth 80 contacts the outer surface 66, the second tooth 64 is positioned within the recess 60, and the first tooth 62 is positioned outside the recess 60. Therefore, each actuation of the release mechanism 42 allows the gear 56 to rotate one tooth, which allows the pulley assembly 32 to rotate with the gear 56 and allows for the measurement of the unwinding of each of the tethering ropes 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D from the pulley assembly 32.

[0099] The operation of the escapement mechanism 42 depends on the tension applied to the tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D. When the bladder 16 of the inflatable structure 10 is inflated to the intermediate support profile 26I, the pressure within the bladder 16 tightens the tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D, pulling the pulley assembly 32. This tension in the tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D biases the pulley assembly 32 and the gear 56 as follows: Figure 5B and Figure 5C Rotate as shown by arrows 72 and 78 in the diagram.

[0100] Refer again Figure 3 and Figure 4 In an exemplary embodiment, the pulley assembly 32 includes a single pulley 82, each of the plurality of tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D adapted to be wound around the single pulley 82. Each actuation of the anchoring portion 58 of the release lever 44 allows equal lengths of each of the plurality of tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D to be simultaneously unwound from the pulley 82. Because each of the tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D is allowed to extend simultaneously and equally, the orientation of the top cap 12 does not change as the top cap 12 moves away from the bottom cap 14, and the top cap 12 remains substantially horizontal. Therefore, when the inflatable structure 10 is moved from such a position as... Figure 6A The intermediate support profile 26I shown is changed as follows Figure 6B When the final support profile 26F is shown, the support surface 84 provided by the top cap 12 remains horizontal. The support surface 84 of the top cap 12 will remain horizontal at all intermediate support profiles 26I between the collapsed support profile 26S and the final support profile 26F. The top cap 12 can be used for a seat surface in a vehicle or for a table surface. For example, referring again to FIG. 2B, the inflatable structure 10 can be inflated to an intermediate support profile 26I in which the height 38 of the top cap 12 is adapted for use as a seat surface in a vehicle, such as... Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown. Or, refer again. Figure 2C The inflatable structure 10 is inflatable into the final support structure 26F, in which the height 40 of the top cover 12 is suitable for use as a table. (Reference) Figure 7 In an exemplary embodiment, when the inflatable structure 10 is in the collapsed support profile 26S, the inflatable structure 10 is recessed within the vehicle floor 86, wherein the support surface 84 of the top cover 14 is flush with the vehicle floor 86. Therefore, as Figure 7As shown, when in the stowed position, the inflatable structure 10 does not obstruct the loading of goods using the vehicle floor 86. In addition to being used on seat surfaces or table surfaces, the inflatable structure 10 can also be inflated to the intermediate support profile 26I or the final support profile 26F to act as a restraint, thereby preventing goods from sliding on the vehicle floor.

[0101] In another exemplary embodiment, the pulley assembly 32 includes at least two pulleys, at least one of the plurality of tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D being adapted to be wound around each of the at least two pulleys, wherein each of the at least two pulleys is adapted to allow selective incremental release of different measured lengths of at least one of the plurality of tethers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D wound thereon each time the release lever 44 is actuated.

[0102] refer to Figure 8 The inflatable structure 110 includes a bottom cover 114, which has a pulley assembly 132, including a first pulley 182A and a second pulley 182B. A first tether 118A and a second tether 118B are adapted to be wound around the first pulley 182A, while a third tether 118C and a fourth tether 118D are adapted to be wound around the second pulley 182B.

[0103] The bottom cap 114 includes an upper surface 148 and a bottom surface 150. A sac-like structure 16 is attached to the upper surface 148, and a pulley assembly 132 is positioned adjacent to the upper surface 148. Figure 8 As shown, the escapement mechanism 142 is positioned adjacent to the bottom surface 150, as... Figure 9 As shown in the diagram, the escapement mechanism 142 includes a gear set 156, which includes a first gear 156A, a second gear 156B, and a third gear 156C. Each of the first gear 156A, the second gear 156B, and the third gear 156C includes a plurality of gear teeth. A first pulley 182A is rotatably attached to the first gear 156A to rotate with it, a second pulley 182B is rotatably attached to the second gear 156B to rotate with it, and the third pulley 156C meshes with and interconnects with the first gear 156A and the second gear 156B.

[0104] Refer again Figure 8The bottom cap 114 includes a plurality of rings 152A, 152B, 152C, 152D extending from the upper surface 148 of the bottom cap 114 and circumferentially spaced around the bottom cap 114 adjacent to the outer periphery 154 of the bottom cap 114. Each of the plurality of tethers 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D is adapted to extend from the pulley assembly 132 and pass through one of the plurality of rings 152A, 152B, 152C, 152D, and extend upward to the top cap 112. As shown in the figure, the first tether 118A extends radially outward from the first pulley 182A to the first ring 152A, passes through the first ring 182A, and extends upward to the top cover; the second tether 118B extends radially outward from the first pulley 182A to the second ring 152B, passes through the second ring 152B, and extends upward to the top cover; the third tether 118C extends radially outward from the second pulley 182B to the third ring 152C, passes through the third ring 153C, and extends upward to the top cover; the fourth tether 118D extends radially outward from the second pulley 182B to the fourth ring 152D, passes through the fourth ring 152D, and extends upward to the top cover.

[0105] Refer again Figure 9 The escapement mechanism 142 includes a release lever 144 having an anchoring portion 158 pivotally mounted to a bottom cover 114, adjacent to and engaging a third gear 156C to prevent rotation of the first gear 156A, the second gear 156B, and the third gear 156C, as well as the first pulley 182A and the second pulley 182B, and the plurality of tethers 118A, 118B, 118C, and 118D from the first pulley 182A and the second pulley 182B. The release lever 144 is adapted to be selectively actuated, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion 158 of the release lever 144 allows the first gear 156A, the second gear 156B, and the third gear 156C to rotate one gear tooth, which allows for different measured lengths of at least one of the plurality of tethering ropes 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D wound thereon to be unwound from each of the first pulley 182A and the second pulley 182B.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, the first gear 156A includes a first number of gear teeth, while the second gear 156B includes a second number of gear teeth, which is greater than the first number. Therefore, when the release mechanism 142 allows the first gear 156A, second gear 156B, and third gear 156C to rotate one tooth, the second gear 156B rotates less than the first gear 156A, and the measured amounts of the third tether 118C and fourth tether 118D released by the second pulley 182B are less than the measured amounts of the first tether 118A and second tether 118B released by the first pulley 182A. Therefore, when the inflatable structure 10 is released from FIG. 2A and Figure 7The collapsed support outline 26S shown is partially inflated to, as Figure 10 When the intermediate support profile 126I is shown in the dotted image, the orientation of the top cover 112 is tilted relative to the bottom cover 114 at a first angle 88. The reason for the tilted orientation is that each time the escapement mechanism 142 is actuated, each of the first tether 118A and the second tether 118B is allowed to unwind from the first pulley 182A more than each of the third tether 118C and the fourth tether 118D is allowed to unwind from the second pulley 182B. This allows the first side 90 of the top cover 112 attached to the first tether 118A and the second tether 118B to move further away from the bottom cover 114 than the second side 92 of the top cover 112 attached to the third tether 118C and the fourth tether 118D.

[0107] Accordingly, when the user selectively actuates the escapement 142 to move the inflatable structure 10 from the intermediate support profile 126I to the final support profile 126F, the orientation of the top cap 112 relative to the bottom cap 114 is further tilted at a second angle 94. This tilted orientation is caused by allowing each of the first tethers 118A and the second tethers 118B to unwind from the first pulley 182A more than each of the third tethers 118C and the fourth tether 118D from the second pulley 182B, thus allowing the first side 90 of the top cap 112 attached to the first tethers 118A and the second tethers 118B to move further away from the bottom cap 114 than the second side 92 of the top cap 112 attached to the third tethers 118C and the fourth tether 118D. The angle of the top cap 112 increases linearly from zero degrees when the inflatable structure 10 is in the retracted support profile 26S to the second angle 94 when the inflatable structure 10 is in the final support profile 126F.

[0108] The inflatable structure disclosed herein offers several advantages. These advantages include providing an inflatable structure capable of supporting compressive loads not only when fully inflated and presenting its final support profile, but also when partially inflated and presenting one of a plurality of intermediate support profiles. Furthermore, the orientation of the top cap can be tailored for specific applications, such as deploying aerodynamic features, mirrors, or other exterior features of the vehicle, and providing a support structure for passengers or objects used by passengers within the vehicle.

[0109] The descriptions in this disclosure are merely exemplary in nature and are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure without departing from its essential points. Such changes should not be considered as a departure from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An inflatable structure comprising: Top cap; Bottom cap; A sac-like structure attached to the top cap and the bottom cap and configured to contain pressurized air between the top cap and the bottom cap; A plurality of tethers are disposed within the sac-like structure, each of the plurality of tethers having a first end connected to the top cap and a second end connected to the bottom cap; The inflatable structure is movable between a collapsed profile and a final support profile. In the collapsed profile, there is no pressure inside the bladder, and the top cap and bottom cap are positioned in contact, with the bladder compressed within the top and bottom caps. In the final support profile, the bladder is pressurized and axially expanded, and the top and bottom caps are forced apart. The plurality of tethers are fully extended and limit further movement of the top and bottom caps away from each other, and limit the axial expansion of the bladder. A pulley assembly is installed inside the bottom end cap, wherein when the inflatable structure is in the collapsed profile, the plurality of tethers are wound around the pulley assembly, the pulley assembly being adapted to allow selective extension of the plurality of tethers to increase the distance the top end cap can move away from the bottom end cap, and to allow axial expansion of the bladder; The inflatable structure is adapted to provide a plurality of intermediate support profiles between the collapsed profile and the final support profile, which are capable of supporting compressive loads. The pulley assembly includes an escapement mechanism, the escapement mechanism includes a release lever, and the release lever includes an anchoring portion. The pulley assembly includes a single pulley, each of the plurality of tethers is adapted to be wound around the single pulley, and each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release lever allows equal lengths of each of the plurality of tethers to be unwound from the single pulley.

2. The inflatable structure of claim 1, wherein the pulley assembly is adapted to secure the plurality of tethers to each intermediate support profile and limit further extension of the plurality of tethers.

3. The inflatable structure of claim 2, wherein the escapement mechanism is adapted to prevent rotation of the pulley assembly and to prevent the plurality of tethers from unwinding from the pulley assembly.

4. The inflatable structure of claim 3, wherein the release lever is adapted to allow selective incremental release of the pulley assembly, thereby allowing the pulley assembly to unwind and release a measured length of each of the plurality of tethers.

5. The inflatable structure of claim 4, wherein the bottom end cap includes an upper surface and a bottom surface, the bladder is attached to the upper surface, the pulley assembly is positioned adjacent to the upper surface, and the escapement mechanism is positioned adjacent to the bottom surface.

6. The inflatable structure of claim 5, wherein the bottom cap includes a plurality of circumferentially equidistant loops extending from the upper surface of the bottom cap and adjacent to the outer periphery of the bottom cap, each of the plurality of tethers being adapted to extend from the pulley assembly and through one of the plurality of loops and extend upward to the top cap.

7. The inflatable structure of claim 6, wherein the bottom end cap includes an air inlet adapted to allow pressurized air to enter the inflatable structure.

8. The inflatable structure of claim 7, wherein the escapement mechanism comprises a gear having a plurality of gear teeth rotatably engaged with and adapted to rotate with the pulley assembly, and the anchoring portion is pivotally mounted adjacent to the gear to the bottom end cap, the anchoring portion of the release lever being adapted to engage the plurality of gear teeth and prevent rotation of the gear and the pulley assembly and unwinding of the plurality of tethers, and being adapted to selectively actuate, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release lever allows the gear to rotate one tooth, which allows for the measurement of the unwinding length of each of the plurality of tethers from the pulley assembly.

9. The inflatable structure of claim 7, wherein the inflatable structure is installed in an automobile vehicle, and when in the retracted profile, the inflatable structure is recessed flush with the floor of the vehicle, and when in any of the final support profile and the plurality of intermediate support profiles, the inflatable structure is adapted to provide one of a seating surface, a table, and a cargo restraint.

10. An inflatable structure for an automobile vehicle, comprising: Top cap; Bottom cap; A sac-like structure attached to the top cap and the bottom cap and configured to contain pressurized air between the top cap and the bottom cap; A first tether, a second tether, a third tether, and a fourth tether are disposed within the sac-like object. Each of the first tether, the second tether, the third tether, and the fourth tether has a first end connected to the top cap and a second end connected to the bottom cap. The inflatable structure is movable between a collapsed profile and a final support profile. In the collapsed profile, there is no pressure inside the bladder, and the top cap and bottom cap are positioned in contact, with the bladder compressed within the top and bottom caps. In the final support profile, the bladder is pressurized and axially expanded, and the top and bottom caps are forced apart. The first, second, third, and fourth tethers are fully extended and limit further movement of the top and bottom caps away from each other, and limit the axial expansion of the bladder. A pulley assembly is installed within the bottom end cap, wherein when the inflatable structure is in the collapsed profile, each of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers is wound around the pulley assembly, the pulley assembly being adapted to allow selective extension of each of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers to increase the distance the top end cap can move away from the bottom end cap; The inflatable structure is adapted to provide a plurality of intermediate support profiles between the collapsed profile and the final support profile capable of supporting compressive loads. When in the collapsed profile, the inflatable structure is recessed flush with the floor of the vehicle, and when in any of the final support profile and the plurality of intermediate support profiles, the inflatable structure is adapted to provide one of a seat surface, a table, and a cargo restraint. The pulley assembly includes an escapement mechanism, the escapement mechanism includes a release lever, and the release lever includes an anchoring portion. The pulley assembly includes a single pulley, each of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers being adapted to be wound around the single pulley, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release lever allows equal lengths of each of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers to be unwound from the single pulley.

11. The inflatable structure of claim 10, wherein the escapement is adapted to prevent rotation of the pulley assembly and to prevent the first, second, third, and fourth tethers from unwinding from the pulley assembly to secure the first, second, third, and fourth tethers and limit further extension of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers at each intermediate support profile, and the release lever is adapted to allow selective incremental release of the pulley assembly, thereby allowing the pulley assembly to unwind and release a measured length of each of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers.

12. The inflatable structure according to claim 11, wherein the bottom end cap comprises: The upper surface and the bottom surface, the sac-like structure is attached to the upper surface, the pulley assembly is positioned adjacent to the upper surface, and the escapement mechanism is positioned adjacent to the bottom surface; An air inlet adapted to allow pressurized air to enter the inflatable structure; and Four rings extend from the upper surface of the bottom cover and are circumferentially equidistant around the bottom cover, adjacent to the outer periphery of the bottom cover. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers extends from the pulley assembly, passes through one of the four rings, and extends upward to the top cover.

13. The inflatable structure of claim 12, wherein the escapement includes a gear comprising a plurality of gear teeth rotatably mounted to and adapted to rotate with the pulley assembly, and wherein the anchoring portion is pivotally mounted adjacent to the gear to the bottom end cap, the anchoring portion of the release lever being adapted to engage the plurality of gear teeth and prevent rotation of the gear and the pulley assembly and unwinding of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers, and being adapted to selectively actuate, wherein each actuation of the anchoring portion of the release lever allows the gear to rotate one tooth, which allows for the measurement of the unwinding length of each of the first, second, third, and fourth tethers from the pulley assembly.

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