INFLATABLE SET

Abstract

The invention relates to a load-bearing inflatable structure, comprising at least one inflatable assembly (3) of the type including a fabric envelope (5) enclosing an inflatable portion. According to the invention, said inflatable portion consists of at least one inflatable tube (4), and at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts (6, 7) is fixed to an area of ​​the fabric envelope (5) covering said at least one inflatable tube when it is inflated. Figure for the abstract: Fig 2

Description

Title of the invention: INFLATABLE ASSEMBLY

[0001] The present invention relates to inflatable assemblies used in load-bearing inflatable structures, structures of the type comprising at least one inflatable assembly forming a beam which makes up the framework of inflatable enclosures, shelters or tents when the framework is covered with a canvas or other elements.

[0002] In the field of inflatable structures, inflatable beams of the type comprising a fabric envelope enclosing an inflatable tube are known. The inflatable tubes are generally tubular in shape and equipped with inflation valves. Such a tubular tube is obtained by winding a film of a polymer material onto itself, then joining the two longitudinal edges with a longitudinal weld to obtain an open tube, followed by two welds at the ends to close the tube. After inflation, the tubes function as beams, providing stiffness to the framework. An inflatable structure is obtained by making a textile envelope by cutting it according to a given pattern, then sewing the edges of the fabric to give it a tubular shape, followed by sewing several tubular envelopes together to obtain the desired shape, for example, an arch or a crossbeam.Several pre-made tubular tubes are inserted inside the fabric envelope thus created, which stiffens as the tubes are inflated. These structures are very lightweight yet sufficiently rigid once inflated. The inflation pressure is generally between 0.1 and 0.5 bar, and most often between 0.2 and 0.35 bar.

[0003] Self-supporting inflatable enclosures are known from documents FR3069001 or FR3092126. These enclosures have a structure comprising beams and struts that support a cover separating the inner part of the enclosure from the outside. Such enclosures are very lightweight and are generally made of flexible materials.

[0004] US patent 2011 / 253184 is also known, describing an inflatable tent made of a very lightweight fabric. According to this patent, the adjacent edges of the tent fabric are folded over each other and welded to create air channels that, when inflated, form the tent's arches. To make the air passages airtight, the walls of the air channels are covered with a certain thickness of airtight material. However, the resulting air channels are quite small in diameter, which limits their range of use. Furthermore, manufacturing the air channel requires preliminary operations such as cutting the fabric and assembling the its edges and welding, in addition to that of coating, operations which lead to high manufacturing costs.

[0005] In all cases, these inflatable structures have a given dimension adapted to the intended use. However, given the cost of such inflatable structures, there is a demand for inflatable structures whose dimensions could be adapted to different use cases.

[0006] There are also use cases where the required dimensions are not identified before the inflatable structure needs to be installed. Users, not wanting to have to transport several structures of different sizes, request inflatable structures whose dimensions can be adapted.

[0007] The inventors have thus set themselves the task of providing an inflatable assembly, for example intended to be part of a load-bearing inflatable structure whose dimensions can be adapted while retaining the advantages in terms of mass and ease of setup at the place of use.

[0008] This goal is achieved according to the invention by an inflatable assembly of the type comprising a fabric envelope which encloses an inflatable part, said inflatable part comprising at least one inflatable tube and at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts being fixed on an area of ​​the fabric envelope covering said at least one inflatable tube when the latter is inflated.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said inflatable part of the inflatable assembly comprises a single inflatable tube.

[0010] Advantageously according to the invention, a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts is of the detachable zipper type, each of the parts being sewn onto the fabric cover.

[0011] This connecting device comprising at least two separable parts may also be any other type of fastening system which is advantageously simple to use such as, for example, Velcro® type fasteners or any type of quick-release buckle system.

[0012] The invention further proposes an inflatable structure comprising at least one inflatable assembly as described according to the invention.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inflatable structure is a load-bearing structure.

[0014] The inventors have thus been able to present an inflatable assembly, which can in particular be used for a load-bearing inflatable structure, which can be installed quickly by one or two people and which can be adapted in terms of dimensions simultaneously with the installation in a step prior to inflation.

[0015] Indeed, this type of inflatable structure is designed for simple and quick installation. The materials used result in a relatively low weight and The setup is essentially done by inflating the inflatable tube using a compressor connected to it via a valve; all the inflatable tubes of the entire structure are advantageously interconnected. The installation can be easily carried out by one or two operators.

[0016] With the inflatable assembly according to the invention, the choice of size is made before inflation, for example by ensuring that the zippers present on the inflatable assembly are detached to obtain the largest size.

[0017] Conversely, when the inflatable support structure according to the invention is to be installed in its smallest possible size, the operator first ensures that all the zippers are connected to reduce the overall length of the inflatable assemblies. Once the zippers are attached, the fabric sleeve between the two zipper sections is enclosed within the inflatable assembly. During inflation, this fabric sleeve between the two zipper sections is trapped, and the inflatable tube conforms to the shape created by this entrapment within the inflated assembly.

[0018] The closing or opening of the zippers can be carried out by an operator simply and quickly enough so that the installation time of the supporting structure remains quite acceptable.

[0019] The choice of positioning of the parts of said at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts and the distance separating them will make it possible to define the volume of fabric trapped when the parts of said at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts are attached to obtain a load-bearing inflatable structure corresponding to the small dimension. This also determines the length of the inflatable assembly after inflation.

[0020] According to a variant of the invention, an inflatable assembly comprises several connecting devices including at least two separable parts, fixed on an area of ​​the fabric envelope covering said at least one inflatable tube when the latter is inflated.

[0021] According to this embodiment of the invention, the invention further provides, in a first embodiment, two connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts, fixed to an area of ​​the fabric covering an inflatable tube when inflated, sharing a portion of said two connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts, this portion being compatible with each of the complementary parts of said two connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts. According to this embodiment, the two connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts can be used independently of each other to adjust the length of the inflatable assembly.

[0022] The invention further provides, according to a second embodiment, for the case of two connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts present on the same inflatable assembly and not sharing any part of the two connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts.

[0023] According to other embodiments of the invention, an inflatable assembly comprises at least three connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts, independent of each other or sharing a part of the connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inflatable structure according to the invention comprising several inflatable assemblies according to the invention intended to come into contact with the ground, the distances between each of the parts of the connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts are identical on each of said inflatable assemblies intended to come into contact with the ground.

[0025] According to this embodiment of the invention, the simultaneous choice of setting the inflatable assemblies according to the larger dimension mode or according to the smaller dimension mode can make it possible to maintain a similar general appearance between the two installation modes, the top of the inflatable structure being globally moved upwards when the set of connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts are in the detached position.

[0026] According to other embodiments of the invention, only a part of the linking devices comprising at least two separable parts are in a detached position to adapt the inflatable structure to the relief of a terrain, for example to keep its top substantially horizontal.

[0027] According to variant embodiments of the invention, inflatable assemblies comprising connecting devices including at least two separable parts are not in contact with the ground and can allow the dimensions of the inflatable structure to be modulated in directions other than those of inflatable assemblies in contact with the ground.

[0028] The invention further provides that all the inflatable assemblies constituting the inflatable support structure include connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts.

[0029] Other advantageous details and features of the invention will become apparent from the description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to Figures 1 to 9, which represent: - [Fig. 1], a perspective view of a diagram of an inflatable supporting structure, - [Fig. 2], a schematic representation of an inflatable assembly according to the invention, - [Fig. 3], a schematic representation of the inflatable assembly of [Fig. 2] in a different state, - [Fig. 4], a schematic representation of another inflatable assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention, - [Fig.5], a schematic representation of the inflatable assembly of [Fig.4] in a first, different state, - [Fig.6], a schematic representation of the inflatable assembly of [Fig.4] in a second, different state, - [Fig.7], a schematic representation of another inflatable assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, - [Fig.8], a schematic representation of the inflatable assembly of [Fig.7] in a first, different state, - [Fig.9], a schematic representation of the inflatable assembly of [Fig.7] in a second different state.

[0030] The figures are not shown to scale to simplify understanding.

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates an inflatable load-bearing structure 1, comprising several inflatable assemblies 2. Each inflatable assembly 2 comprises an inflatable tube with a generally tubular shape. The inflatable tubes are made from an airtight film through successive manufacturing and assembly operations to form an airtight air chamber. After manufacturing, the inflatable tubes are inserted into a fabric envelope. The fabric envelope can contain one or more inflatable tubes and is sewn to take the desired shape. Such inflatable assemblies can constitute a pillar, an arch, or a cross member of the structure, depending on the type of structure being constructed.

[0032] According to this embodiment of the invention, the fabric cover is made of polyester fabric and the inflatable tubes are made of polyurethane

[0033] The various inflatable assemblies are advantageously connected to each other by flexible tube and valve type systems to allow inflation of the structure from a single valve and thus ensure homogeneous inflation to the desired pressure.

[0034] Figure 2 illustrates a partial schematic view of an inflatable assembly 3, such as a pillar, of a load-bearing structure according to the invention. Figure 2 shows this inflatable assembly 3 in its inflated state, exhibiting its longest dimension. According to the invention, the inflatable assembly 3 consists of an inflatable tube 4 surrounded by a fabric cover 5. The inflatable tube 4 is further equipped with a valve, not shown in the figures, which allows inflation.

[0035] The inflatable assembly 3, thus inflated, has a length Lgl of 2 m.

[0036] The two parts 6, 7 of a zipper, further illustrated in this [Fig. 2], are in a detached state. The two parts 6, 7 of the zipper are advantageously sewn onto the fabric cover and positioned at a distance d0 from each other equal to 20 cm.

[0037] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a partial view of the inflatable assembly 3, of the supporting structure 1 according to the invention in another state having a reduced length.

[0038] Before inflating the inflatable assembly 3, the two parts 6, 7 of the zipper are assembled by an operator. During the closing process, the operator ensures that part 8 of the fabric cover, located between the two parts 6 and 7 of the zipper, is properly inserted without pinching it in the zipper.

[0039] During inflation by the valve, not shown in the figures, associated with the inflatable tube 4, the latter is put under pressure and comes to conform to this part 8 of the fabric envelope.

[0040] In the inflated state according to this representation, the length Lg2 of the inflatable assembly thus inflated is equal to approximately 1.8 m

[0041] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce the length of the fabric envelope, by linking the two parts of the zipper, thus allowing a modification of the length of the inflatable assembly, the inflatable tube adapting to the volume available at the time of inflation.

[0042] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a partial view of another inflatable assembly 21 of a load-bearing inflatable structure according to the invention. The inflatable assembly 21 consists of an inflatable tube 22 surrounded by a fabric cover 23 and a valve, not shown in the figures, associated with the inflatable tube 22 to pressurize it.

[0043] Three parts 24, 25, 26 of two zippers are sewn onto the fabric cover 23. Parts 24 and 25 can be joined together, and parts 24 and 26 can also be joined together by trapping part 25 in the fold thus created.

[0044] In the example shown in [Fig. 4], the distance dl between parts 24 and 25 is equal to the distance d2 between parts 25 and 26 and is equal to 20 cm. According to other embodiments of the invention, these distances dl and d2 could be different.

[0045] The representation in [Fig.4] illustrates the inflatable assembly 21 in its state of greatest length Lpgl which is equal to 2 m.

[0046] In [Fig. 5], parts 24 and 25 are closed, and part 27 of the fabric cover 23, located between these two parts 24 and 25 of the zipper, is enclosed within the inflatable assembly. During inflation, the inflatable tube 22 conforms to this part 27.

[0047] The length Lpg2 of the inflatable assembly 21 is then equal to 1.8 m.

[0048] In [Fig. 6], parts 24 and 26 are closed, and part 25 and parts 27 and 28 of the fabric cover 23, located respectively between parts 24 and 25, are enclosed within the inflatable assembly. During inflation, the inflatable tube conforms to these parts 25, 27, and 28.

[0049] The length Lpg3 of the inflatable assembly 21 is then equal to 1.6 m.

[0050] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a partial view of another inflatable assembly 31 of an inflatable support structure according to the invention. The inflatable assembly 31 consists of an inflatable tube 32 surrounded by a fabric cover 33 and a valve, not shown in the figures, associated with the inflatable tube 32 to pressurize it.

[0051] Four parts 34, 35, 36, 37 of two zippers are sewn onto the fabric cover 33. Parts 34 and 35 can be joined together, and parts 36 and 37 can also be joined together.

[0052] In the example shown in [Fig. 7], the distance d3 between parts 34 and 35 is equal to the distance d4 between parts 36 and 37 and is equal to 20 cm. According to other embodiments of the invention, these distances d3 and d4 could be different.

[0053] The representation in [Fig.7] illustrates the inflatable assembly 31 in its state of greatest length Lsgl which is equal to 2 m.

[0054] In [Fig. 8], parts 34 and 35 are closed, and part 38 of the fabric cover 33, located between these two parts 34 and 35 of the zipper, is enclosed within the inflatable assembly. During inflation, the inflatable tube 32 conforms to this part 38.

[0055] The length Lsg2 of the inflatable assembly 31 is then equal to 1.8 m.

[0056] In [Fig.9], parts 36 and 37 are also closed and part 39 of The fabric cover 33, located between the two parts 36 and 37, is also enclosed within the inflatable assembly. During inflation, the inflatable tube also conforms to this part 39.

[0057] The length Lsg3 of the inflatable assembly 31 is then equal to 1.6 m.

[0058] According to yet other possible embodiments of the invention, a larger number of zippers can be provided on the fabric envelope of an inflatable assembly according to the invention, either in an embodiment of the type of that of [Fig.4] in which the zippers share a part, or in an embodiment of the type of that of [Fig.7], in which the zippers are independent of each other, or in an embodiment combining these two embodiments, some of the zippers sharing a part and other zippers being independent.

Claims

Demands

1. Inflatable assembly (3, 21, 31) of the type comprising a fabric envelope (5, 23, 33) which encloses an inflatable part, characterized in that said inflatable part comprises at least one inflatable tube (4, 22, 32) and in that at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts (6, 7, 24, 25, 26, 34, 35, 36, 37) is fixed to the fabric envelope (5, 23, 33) covering said at least one inflatable tube when the latter is inflated.

2. Inflatable assembly (3, 21, 31) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts (6, 7, 24, 25, 26, 34, 35, 36, 37) is of the detachable zipper type.

3. Inflatable assembly (3, 21, 31) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said inflatable assembly (3, 21, 31) comprises several connecting devices including at least two separable parts fixed on an area of ​​the fabric envelope (23, 33) covering said at least one inflatable tube (22, 32) when the latter is inflated.

4. Inflatable assembly (3, 21, 31) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that two connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts fixed on an area of ​​the fabric envelope (23) covering the same inflatable tube (22) when inflated share a separable part (24), this part being associatable with each of the complementary parts (25, 26) of said two connecting devices.

5. Inflatable structure (1) comprising several inflatable assemblies (3, 21, 31), characterized in that it comprises at least one inflatable assembly (3, 21, 31) as described according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Inflatable structure (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said inflatable structure (1) is a load-bearing structure.

7. An inflatable structure (1) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, comprising several inflatable assemblies (3, 21, 31) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, intended to come into contact with the ground, characterized in that the distances between each of the parts of the connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts (6, 7, 24, 25, 26, 34, 35, 36, 37) are identical on each of the said inflatable assemblies (3, 21, 31) intended to come into contact with the ground.

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