Inflation assembly for an inflatable structure

Abstract

The invention relates to an inflation assembly (10) for an inflatable structure comprising at least two inflatable tubes, said assembly comprising an inflation valve (12) and two connecting pipes (14, 16), each connecting pipe having a first end (14a, 16a) and a second end (14b, 16b), and also means for connecting the valve (12) that allow it to be connected to each of said first ends (14a, 16a) of the connecting pipes, and wherein the second ends (14b, 16b) of the connecting pipes (14, 16) are each able to be connected in a sealed manner to the air chamber of a different inflatable tube (102, 103) so that the inflation of two different inflatable tubes (102, 103) is achieved by connecting said inflation valve (12) to a pressurized air source.

Description

Description Title: INFLATION ASSEMBLY FOR AN INFLATABLE STRUCTURE

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of inflatable structures, more particularly of the type comprising air chambers or inflatable tubes forming part of the framework of enclosures, shelters or tents when it is covered with a canvas, or of any structure comprising an assembly of at least two inflatable tubes.

[0002] In this field, enclosures are known comprising a framework made by assembling inflatable tubes connected to each other. Each tube is equipped with an inflation valve. After inflation, the tubes ensure the stiffening of the framework. These structures are generally self-supporting; once inflated, they maintain their shape and support coverings or doors, in the case of enclosures, or shelters, or they support other elements belonging to the structure.

[0003] Such an enclosure is known from document FR 3080391. The enclosure comprises several inflatable modules connected to each other and comprising covers. An inflatable module has a framework composed of beams, spacers and crosspieces made from inflatable air chambers connected together. The air chambers comprise sealed tubes equipped with inflation valves and are placed within a textile envelope. According to the teaching of this document, two neighboring air chambers are connected to each other by means of a connecting pipe equipped with a closing clamp (or "clamp" in English) in order to isolate one air chamber from the other. During inflation, the air chambers of the module are selectively inflated according to a pre-established operating mode. Thus, when the clamp present on a tube connecting two neighboring air chambers is in the open position, they are inflated from a single inflation point.The clamp is then closed to isolate one chamber from the other in order to isolate them in the event of failure of one of the chambers.

[0004] While it performs its functions properly, it has been found that installing an inflation valve on each inner tube in the assembly is quite tedious. Indeed, the valve holder must be tightly attached to the walls of the inner tube, for example by high-frequency welding. Furthermore, the walls of the envelope The inner tube's textile cover must be reinforced with fabrics sewn around the valve seat to support the valve body. Then, the inner tube and the textile cover are assembled so that the openings at the valve seat match each other. All these operations are tedious and the resulting assembly presents the risk of having critical areas exposed to leaks and tears.

[0005] An objective of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the aforementioned documents and to make it possible to simplify and make more flexible the air supply to an inflatable structure, while being reliable in operation.

[0006] This objective is achieved by the invention which provides an inflation assembly for an inflatable structure comprising at least two inflatable tubes, said assembly comprising an inflation valve and two connecting pipes, each connecting pipe having a first end and a second end, as well as means for connecting the valve allowing it to be connected to each of said first ends of the connecting pipes, and where the second ends of the connecting pipes are capable of each being connected in a sealed manner to the air chamber of an inflatable tube so that the inflation of two different inflatable tubes is carried out by connecting said valve to a source of pressurized air.

[0007] In other words, the invention proposes an inflation assembly for an inflatable structure comprising several inflatable tubes, in which at least two tubes are each connected by a connecting pipe to a common inflation valve which is external to the tubes. The assembly thus produced makes it possible to inflate the two tubes, preferably adjacent, simultaneously when the inflation valve connected to the connecting pipe is connected to a source of pressurized air. In other words, it is possible to inflate two adjacent tubes from a single inflation valve which is no longer integrated into the wall of one or each inflatable tube, as in the solutions of the prior art, but which is located outside them, connected to the connecting pipe which connects it from the outside to two internal air chambers of the two adjacent tubes.This solution of an inflation assembly with a remote valve connected to the connecting pipe of each of the two adjacent tubes allows two functions to be integrated into the same object: the classic function of a valve allowing the entry and exit of air. in the structure and the function of air flow connection between the different parts of the structure classically held by connecting pipes.

[0008] This inflation system allows us to eliminate the multiple valves in the inflatable structure, valves which were fully integrated into the construction of each inflatable tube, and replace them with external valves added to the system of connecting pipes which thus connect the inflatable tubes together.

[0009] The valve of the inflation assembly being capable of inflating and deflating the inflatable tubes to which it is connected, by inflation assembly is meant an assembly capable of inflating them when the valve is connected to a source of pressurized air, as well as deflating them by exposing the valve to the air.

[0010] This results in an inflatable structure of simplified construction, with reduced manufacturing time, while being more reliable in operation, presenting ease of inflation, respectively deflation, due to the reduction in the number of valves, while being aesthetically pleasing.

[0011] Said inflation valve may be supported at the top of a hollow body having a general T-shape and where each of the lateral branches of said body may be connected to a first end of the connecting pipe. Such a three-branched body of the assembly is a rigid part which can better support the various components, for example one of its branches may form a seat for the inflation valve and the others for the two connecting pipes. This also makes it possible to offset the various components relative to each other for a better arrangement of these within the assembly.

[0012] Said inflation valve can be connected to said first end of each connecting pipe by means of a closing device making it possible to pass from an open position in which it allows air communication between said two inflatable tubes and a closed position in which the air communication between the two tubes is stopped. This makes it possible to isolate the valve from each inflatable tube and to allow easy replacement of a faulty inflatable tube.

[0013] Said valve can be removably mounted within the assembly. This allows an inflation valve to be easily installed within the assembly and removed for replacement with another valve.

[0014] Said inflation valve can be arranged at an equal distance from each inflatable tube. This allows good balancing of the assembly, the rigid body being connected to connecting pipes which are preferably flexible pipes.

[0015] Said inflation valve may comprise a non-return valve. It may thus be capable of moving from an open position to a closed position under the action of a membrane acting as a non-return valve. This allows simplified operation of the assembly and makes the two inflatable tubes that it connects independent, the valve being in the closed position during operation.

[0016] Said closing device may be a flap valve. Such a flap valve or butterfly valve type device comprises a disc which blocks the passage of air in the closed position, while in the open position the disc is rotated by an actuating rod. Such a device is of simplified construction and space-saving.

[0017] Each closure device can be connected by a mounting adapter to each first end of the connecting pipe. This has the advantage of ensuring easy assembly and disassembly of the components of the assembly.

[0018] Assembly according to the invention, characterized in that it comprises a pressure measuring device. This makes it possible to know the value of the pressure of the inflation gas inside one inflatable tube or both inflatable tubes.

[0019] Said pressure measuring device is mounted on said hollow body opposite the inflation valve. This allows the weight of the components within the inflation assembly to be distributed in a balanced manner.

[0020] Said inflatable tube can have a tubular shape and can be made from a polyurethane film or a polyurethane-coated fabric.

[0021] Said second end of the connecting pipe can be connected by welding to the internal wall of the air chamber of said inflatable tube. This ensures increased sealing of their connection.

[0022] The objective of the invention is also achieved with an inflatable structure comprising at least one inflation assembly according to the invention.

[0023] The objective of the invention is also achieved with a method for inflating an inflatable structure comprising an inflation assembly according to the invention, characterized in that the inflation of two different inflatable tubes of said structure is carried out from an inflation valve which is arranged outside each of said tubes.

[0024] The invention will be better understood from the remainder of the description, which is based on the following figures: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the structure of an inflatable enclosure according to the state of the art; Figure 2 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of a part of the inflatable structure of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an inflation assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention and Figure 4 is a perspective view of a variant of the embodiment of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a top view, Figure 6a is a sectional view of the assembly, Figure 6b is a three-dimensional sectional view on an enlarged scale of the valve of Figure 6a, and Figure 7 is a perspective view of an inflation assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0025] In the various figures, identical or similar elements bear the same reference. Their description is therefore not systematically repeated.

[0026] The inflatable structure 100 of Figure 1 is an enclosure comprising a frame 101 made from several inflatable tubes 10 of the state of the art. The inflatable tubes have a generally tubular shape, they are made from an airtight film by successive manufacturing and assembly operations to form a sealed air chamber. After manufacturing, the inflatable tubes are inserted into a textile envelope. The textile envelope can contain one or more inflatable tubes and is made by sewing to take the shape of an element of the enclosure's framework, such as a beam, an arch or a crosspiece.

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates by an enlarged scale view a part of the frame 101 of Figure 1 in which two adjacent inflatable tubes are seen whose air chambers are arranged in their respective textile envelopes. More particularly, a first vertical inflatable tube 102 and a second horizontal inflatable tube 103 adjacent to the first and assembled to it by a joining seam 107 of the frame 101 are seen. The first tube 102 comprises an inflation valve 104 integrated into its wall and communicating with the air chamber thereof to carry out its inflation as well as its deflation. The second inflatable tube 103 comprises a similar inflation valve.The air chambers of the two adjacent inflatable tubes also have an air flow connection using a connecting pipe 105 provided with a closing clamp (or "clamp" in English) making it possible to isolate, when it is in the closed position, the first inflatable tube 102 from the second inflatable tube 103.

[0028] The inflation assembly 10 of the invention is visible in Figures 3 to 7. More particularly with reference to Figure 3, there is an inflation assembly 10 which comprises an inflation valve 12 and two connecting pipes, in particular a first connecting pipe 14 and a second connecting pipe 16, each connecting pipe having a first end 14a, respectively 16a and a second end 14b, respectively 16b. The inflation assembly 10 also comprises connection means 11 of the valve 12 allowing it to be connected to each of said first ends 14a, 16a of the connecting pipes 14 and 16. The second ends 14b and 16b of the connecting pipes 14 and 16 are each capable of being connected in a sealed manner to the air chamber of a different inflatable bladder.

[0029] The inflation assembly 10 of the invention is mounted in the space between two adjacent inflatable tubes, such as tubes 102 and 103 of FIG. 2, replacing the connecting pipe 105. Thus, the second end 14b of the first connecting pipe 14 is fixed in an airtight manner, for example by high-frequency welding (HF welding), to the internal wall of the air chamber of a first inflatable tube 102. Similarly, the second end 16b of the second connecting pipe 16 is fixed in an airtight manner, for example by high-frequency welding (HF welding) to the inner wall of the air chamber of the second inflatable tube 103. The air chamber of an inflatable tube is made from a polyurethane-based thermoplastic film or a polyurethane-coated fabric. The different parts of the film are assembled for example by high-frequency welding (HF welding). The thickness of the film used to manufacture the tube is between 100 and 300 μm, preferably between 100 and 160 μm.

[0030] The inflation assembly 10 of the invention thus produced makes it possible to connect two different tubes 102, 103 in a sealed manner to a single inflation valve 12 external to the two tubes, or which does not belong to either of them, but is located in the space between two neighboring tubes, preferably at an equal distance from each. Thus, when the inflation valve 12 is connected to a source of pressurized air, the simultaneous inflation of the first inflatable tube 102 and the second inflatable tube 103 is carried out, without one of these tubes being provided with an inflation valve in the wall of its internal chamber.

[0031] The connection means 11 of the inflation assembly 10 of figures 3 and 4 comprise a T-shaped body 20, a body which is hollow inside and each branch 21, 22, 23 of which comprises at its end a thread allowing the connection of the body 20 with the other elements of the inflation assembly. Thus, the branch 21 of the body 20 terminates at its end with a tip provided with a female thread which is capable of being assembled with the male thread of the inflation valve 20. The two axially opposite branches 22 and 23 each terminate with a male thread capable of being assembled with female threads of the two connectors 24 and 26 which carry the first ends 14a, respectively 16a of the pipes 14, respectively 16. Indeed, the pipes 14, 16 are flexible pipes, made for example of silicone having an internal diameter of approximately 8 mm, an external diameter of approximately 14 mm and a length of between 60 and 80 mm.Their first ends 14a and 16a are mounted using a tight and airtight assembly, one in a fitting 24 and the other in a fitting 26. The fittings 24 and 26 are rigid parts made for example of PVC or PE. The body 20 is also a rigid part made for example of PVC or PE.

[0032] The inflation assembly 10 of Figures 3 and 4 further comprises two closing clamps 15 and 17 each mounted on a pipe 14, respectively 16. The clamps are of the type molded in a single piece of plastic material and are capable of regulating the flow of air through the flexible pipe from an open position in which they allow air to pass to a completely closed position in which they pinch the flexible pipe and prevent the flow of air through the pipe. Such a clamp is of the type marketed by the company WANIKOU®.

[0033] The inflation valve 12 is of the GAASTRA type, more precisely known under the reference GA-KITES GAASTRA KITE VENTIL from the company CORONATION®. It is of the type capable of passing from an open position, under the action of the pressure of the inflation air, to a closed position using a membrane acting as a non-return valve. An inflation valve 12 is shown in Figure 6b. It comprises a body 32 having a generally tubular shape, provided in its lower part with a threaded portion 33 intended for its mounting in a corresponding thread of the body 20 of the assembly and a protective cap 31 in its upper part. The body of the valve is made of a plastic material, for example ABS. The cap 31 is removed to be able to connect the interior of the valve to the nozzle of an inflation pump. The valve 12 is thus directly connected to a source of pressurized air.The lower part of the body 32 ends with a flexible membrane 34 which can deform under the pressure of the blown air during inflation and move away from it in order to allow the blown air to pass through the orifices 35 of the valve towards the main conduit 50 of the body 20 of the assembly.

[0034] Figure 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the inflation assembly 10 of Figure 3. In this alternative embodiment, the inflation assembly 10 further comprises an inflation pressure measuring device 30. The inflation pressure measuring device 30 is for example a pressure gauge, it is fixed on the body 20 opposite the inflation valve 12 so as to be in fluid communication with the pipes 14 and 16. The pressure gauge thus mounted measures the pressure existing in the two tubes when the closing clamps 15, 17 are open or, in a single inflatable tube when one of the clamps is closed and the other is open. The inflation pressure is generally between 0.1 and 0.5 bar, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.35 bar.

[0035] Figures 5 to 7 illustrate an inflation assembly 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The inflatable tubes 102 and 103 to which the inflation assembly 10 of the invention is connected are shown in dotted lines in Figure 5 and are omitted in the representation of Figures 6 to 7 for clarity. The inflation assembly 10 according to this embodiment comprises flexible connecting pipes 14, 16 shorter than those of the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4. The second ends 14b, respectively 16b are connected by HF welding, using the bases 14c, respectively 16c, provided for this purpose, with the interior of the air chamber of each inflatable tube 102, respectively 103, thus forming an airtight connection therewith.The first ends 14a and 16a of the pipes 14, 16 are connected in an airtight manner by intermediate connectors 44 and 46 respectively to closing devices which are flap valves 45, 47 respectively, in turn connected in an airtight manner to the lateral inlets in a hollow, rigid body 40 of the assembly. The body 40 has a general T-shape, with a main branch 50 and two lateral branches 48 and 50, it has three air circulation channels inside: a main channel 50' which connects it to the outlet of the inflation valve 12, main channel which branches into two lateral channels 48' and 49' each oriented towards a connecting pipe 14, 16 respectively, being connected in an airtight manner to each of the pipes. A pressure gauge or measuring device 30 is mounted in the lower portion of the body 40 to measure the pressure therein.

[0036] The inflation assembly according to this embodiment has more rigidity than that of the first embodiment and is easier to install, the intermediate connectors 44 and 46 being connectors made of PVC or PE, therefore more rigid than the silicone connecting pipes which are themselves shortened as much as possible. In a variant of this embodiment, the pipes 14 and 16 are materialized by the outlet pipe of the elbow valves of the type of adhesive outlet valves of an inflatable bladder such as the ONE PUMP valves marketed by the company WANIKOU® In this case, the intermediate connectors 44 and 46 can be connected directly to the outlet pipes of these valves.

[0037] In operation, the inflation assembly 10 is connected to the inflatable tubes 102 and 103 by being connected by the second ends of the connecting pipes 14, 16 and in a sealed manner to the air chambers thereof. The closing devices are open in order to allow air to circulate freely between the two inflatable tubes through the hollow body of the assembly 10. The air outlet of an air pump is then connected to the inlet of the inflation valve 12 and pressurized air is injected into the two inflatable tubes simultaneously. When the inflation pressure measured by the pressure measuring device 30 has reached the pre-established inflation limit value, the pump is stopped and its nozzle is removed from the inflation valve. The protective cap of the valve is closed, as are the closing devices located between the hollow body of the assembly and the connecting pipes, so as to isolate the two inflatable tubes 102, 103 from each other. To deflate the tubes, the inflation valve 12 is exposed to air after having chosen the open position of the closing devices of the inflation assembly 10.

[0038] Other variations and embodiments of the invention may be contemplated within the scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, different types of inflation valves may be used with the entire invention.

Claims

Claims 1. Inflation assembly (10) for an inflatable structure (100) comprising at least two inflatable tubes (102, 103), said assembly comprising an inflation valve (12) and two connecting pipes (14, 16), each connecting pipe having a first end (14a, 16a) and a second end (14b, 16b), as well as connection means (11) of the valve allowing it to be connected to each of said first ends (14a, 16a) of the connecting pipes, and where the second ends (14b, 16b) of the connecting pipes (14, 16) are capable of being each connected in a sealed manner to the air chamber of an inflatable tube (102, 103) so that the inflation of two different inflatable tubes (102, 103) is carried out by connecting said inflation valve (12) to a source of pressurized air.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said valve (12) is supported on the central branch (21, 50) of a hollow body (20, 40) having a general T shape and where the lateral branches (22, 23, 48, 49) of said body are each connected to a first end (14a, 16a) of a connecting pipe (14, 16).

3. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inflation valve (12) is connected to said first end (14a, 16a) of each connecting pipe by means of a closing device (15, 17; 45, 47) making it possible to pass from an open position in which it allows air communication between said two inflatable tubes and a closed position in which the air communication between the two tubes is stopped.

4. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said valve (12) is removably mounted within the assembly.

5. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inflation valve (12) is arranged at an equal distance from each inflatable tube.

6. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inflation valve (12) comprises a non-return valve.

7. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said closing device is a flap valve (45, 47).

8. Assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each closing device (45, 47) is connected by a mounting adapter (44, 46) to each first end (14a, 16a) of the connecting pipe (14, 16).

9. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a pressure measuring device (30).

10. Assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said pressure measuring device (30) is mounted on said hollow body (20, 40) opposite the inflation valve (12).

11. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inflatable tube (102, 103) has a tubular shape and is made from a polyurethane film or a polyurethane-coated fabric.

12. Assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said second end (14b, 16b) of the connecting pipe (14, 16) is fixed by welding to the internal wall of the air chamber of said inflatable tube.

13. Inflatable structure (100) comprising at least one inflation assembly (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

14. Method for inflating an inflatable structure (100) comprising an inflation assembly (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the inflation of two different inflatable tubes (102, 103) of said structure is carried out from an inflation valve (12) which is arranged outside each of said tubes.

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