INFLATABLE SET

Abstract

The invention relates to an inflatable assembly (3) of the type comprising a fabric envelope (7) enclosing an inflatable portion. According to the invention, said inflatable portion consists of two inflatable end tubes (4, 6) and an intermediate inflatable tube (5), and separable connecting means (14, 15) are attached partly to an area of ​​the fabric envelope (7) covering one of said inflatable end tubes (6) and partly to an area of ​​the fabric envelope (7) covering the intermediate inflatable tube (5) when the latter 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 being made up of at least three inflatable tubes, two end inflatable tubes and at least one intermediate inflatable tube, and a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts being fixed partly on an area of ​​the fabric envelope covering one of said end inflatable tubes and partly on an area of ​​the fabric envelope covering said at least one intermediate inflatable tube when the latter is inflated.

[0009] According to a first embodiment of the invention, said at least three inflatable tubes can be inflated independently of each other.

[0010] According to a second embodiment of the invention, a first pneumatic connection exists between said two inflatable end tubes, and a second pneumatic connection exists between one inflatable end tube and said at least one intermediate inflatable tube, said second pneumatic connection comprising an actuable shut-off device. According to this second embodiment of the invention, there is a pneumatic connection between the tubes allowing the inflation of one end tube and the intermediate tube from the inflation of the other end tube.

[0011] Advantageously according to this second variant of the invention, said first pneumatic link and said second pneumatic link are made by flexible tubes external to the fabric envelope connected to the inflatable tubes, said flexible tubes passing through the fabric envelope.

[0012] For the purposes of this invention, an actuable sealing device is a system that allows for a leak-proof closure of a pneumatic connection. For example from a tap or valve placed for example in the flexible tube or from a clamp-type device that can pinch the flexible tube.

[0013] Advantageously still 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] The invention further proposes an inflatable structure comprising at least one inflatable assembly as described according to the invention.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inflatable structure is a load-bearing structure.

[0017] 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.

[0018] Indeed, this type of inflatable structure is designed for simple and quick installation. The materials used result in a relatively low weight, and setup is essentially accomplished by inflation using a compressor connected to an inflatable tube via a valve. All the inflatable tubes of the entire structure are advantageously interconnected. Installation can be easily carried out by one or two operators.

[0019] 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, while ensuring, in the case of the second embodiment presented above, that the sealing device is in the open position to ensure the inflation of the three inflatable tubes present within the same inflatable assembly.

[0020] 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 and then closes all the sealing systems connecting one of the end inflatable tubes and an intermediate inflatable tube. When the zippers are fastened, the fabric sleeve between the two zipper sections is enclosed within the inflatable assembly along with the intermediate inflatable tube. During inflation, the intermediate tube and the portion of the fabric sleeve surrounding it are and included between the two parts of the zipper are trapped between the two end tubes which inflate with air.

[0021] 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.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting device, comprising at least two separable parts, is fixed to the fabric cover between the end of the pneumatic connection linked to a first inflatable end tube and the end of the pneumatic connection linked to the intermediate tube connecting it to the second end tube. The choice of positioning of the connecting device, comprising at least two separable parts, such as a zipper, will allow the volume comprising the intermediate tube and a portion of the fabric cover contained between the two inflated end tubes to be defined when the intermediate tube is not inflated in use, in order to obtain an inflatable assembly corresponding to the smallest dimension.

[0023] 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 parts are identical on each of said inflatable assemblies intended to come into contact with the ground.

[0024] 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 displaced upwards when all the intermediate tubes are inflated.

[0025] According to other embodiments of the invention, only part of the intermediate tubes can be inflated to adapt the inflatable structure to the relief of a terrain in order, for example, to keep its top substantially horizontal.

[0026] According to variant embodiments of the invention, the inflatable assemblies according to the invention, comprising three inflatable tubes, 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 the inflatable assemblies in contact with the ground.

[0027] The invention further provides that the entire set of inflatable assemblies constituting the inflatable structure comprises three inflatable tubes.

[0028] According to other embodiments of the invention, at least one inflatable assembly of the inflatable structure comprises six inflatable tubes to form twice a dimensionally adjustable system as described above by combining connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts and advantageously corresponding pneumatic connections.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one inflatable assembly of the inflatable structure, of the type comprising a fabric envelope which encloses at least one inflatable tube, comprises at least one connecting device comprising 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.

[0030] This variant of the invention provides for the possibility of reducing the length of the fabric envelope of an inflatable tube by connecting the parts of said tube to at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts, thus allowing a modification of the length of the inflatable assembly, the inflatable tube adapting to the available volume at the time of inflation. This dimensional adjustment of the inflatable assembly can therefore be carried out independently of the presence of several inflatable tubes within the same inflatable assembly and the associated pneumatic connections. As before, the length adjustment of the inflatable assembly, by attaching or detaching the parts of said at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts, is carried out before the inflatable tube is pressurized.This adjustment can be made by an operator who connects or separates the parts of said inflatable at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts. As before, this adaptation of the length of one or more inflatable assemblies can be carried out simply and quickly.

[0031] When the parts of said at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts are attached, a portion of the fabric envelope is enclosed within the inflatable assembly, and during inflation, the inflatable tube adapts to the internal shape of the inflated assembly thus formed. Advantageously, the dimensional adjustment according to this embodiment of the invention is limited in length to limit the volume of the fabric envelope thus enclosed.

[0032] This variant of the invention can, according to a first embodiment of the invention, be present on an inflatable assembly comprising a single inflatable tube.

[0033] According to a second embodiment of the invention, this variant of the embodiment may be present on an inflatable assembly comprising the three inflatable tubes described above. In such a case, the inflatable assembly thus constituted has two possibilities for adjusting its length. A first possibility with the intermediate inflatable tube, associated with a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts, which may be in an inflated or deflated state, and a second possibility with said at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts fixed to an area of ​​the fabric covering an inflatable tube. The first option will be advantageously used for a relatively large dimensional adjustment and the second option for a more modest dimensional adjustment, the two adjustment options being able to be used simultaneously either to shorten the length of the inflatable assembly or to lengthen it.

[0034] According to this embodiment of the invention, the invention further provides, in one embodiment, for at least two connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts, distributed over an area of ​​the fabric envelope covering the same inflatable tube when inflated, two of said at least two connecting devices sharing a portion of said two connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts, this portion being compatible with each of the complementary portions of said two connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts. According to this embodiment, said two connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts can be used independently of each other to modulate the length of the inflatable assembly.

[0035] The invention further provides 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 separable connecting means.

[0036] 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 connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts, two by two.

[0037] Preferably according to the invention, the connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts according to this variant of the invention are of the detachable zipper type as to enclose the intermediate sausage.

[0038] 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 6, 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 variant 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.

[0039] The figures are not shown to scale to simplify understanding.

[0040] Figure 1 illustrates an inflatable load-bearing structure 1, comprising several inflatable assemblies 2. Each inflatable assembly 2 comprises at least one inflatable tube having 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 made by sewing 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 constructed.

[0041] According to this embodiment of the invention, the fabric envelope is made of polyester fabric and the inflatable tubes are made of polyurethane.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Figure 2 more specifically illustrates a partial schematic view of an inflatable assembly 3 according to the invention, such as a pillar, of a load-bearing structure. The representation in Figure 2 illustrates this inflatable assembly 3 in an inflated state, presenting its longest dimension. According to the invention, the inflatable assembly 3 consists of three inflatable tubes 4, 5 and 6 surrounded by a fabric cover 7. The two end inflatable tubes 4, 6 are connected to each other by a flexible tube 8 connected to each of the end inflatable tubes 4, 6 by valves 9, 10 which pass through the fabric cover 7. A second flexible tube 11 establishes a pneumatic connection between the end inflatable tube 4 and the intermediate inflatable tube 5. This second flexible tube 11 is connected to the end inflatable tube 4 by a valve 12 and to the intermediate inflatable tube 5 by a valve 13, the valves 12 and 13 passing through the fabric cover 7.The second flexible tube 11 has a sealing system, not shown in the figures. In the case of [Fig.2], this sealing system is in the open position to allow air to pass from the end inflatable tube 4 to the intermediate tube 5. The end inflatable tube 4 is also equipped with a valve, not shown in the figures, which allows the inflation of the three inflatable tubes 4, 5 and 6, with air flowing through tubes 8 and 11.

[0044] The inflatable assembly, when inflated, has a length Lgl of 2 m. The two end tubes 4 and 6 each have a length Lgl of 0.5 m. And the intermediate inflatable tube 5 has a length Lgl of 1 m.

[0045] The two parts 14, 15 of a zipper, further illustrated on this [Fig.2] in a detached state, allow the inflation of the intermediate inflatable tube 5. The two parts 14, 15 of the zipper are advantageously sewn onto the fabric cover and positioned between the valve 10 of the flexible tube associated with the end inflatable tube 6 and the valve 13 associated with the intermediate inflatable tube 5 to allow their attachment. The two parts 14, 15 of the zipper are positioned at a distance d0 from each other equal to 1 m.

[0046] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a partial view of the inflatable assembly 3, of the load-bearing structure 1 according to the invention in another state having a reduced length. According to this configuration the two inflatable tubes 4 and 6 are pressurized while the intermediate tube 5 remains in a deflated state.

[0047] Before inflating the inflatable assembly 3, the two parts 14, 15 of the zipper are assembled by an operator. During the closing process, the operator ensures that the portion of the fabric cover located between the two parts of the zipper is properly inserted without pinching it in the closure. The operator then activates the sealing system associated with the flexible tube 11 to prevent air from entering the intermediate inflatable tube 5.

[0048] During inflation via the valve, not shown in the figures, associated with the inflatable end tube 4, this tube and the other inflatable end tube 6 are pressurized while the intermediate tube 5 remains uninflated. The two end tubes compress the inflatable intermediate tube 5 and the portion 16 of the fabric cover located between the sections 13 and 14 of the zipper.

[0049] In the inflated state as shown in this representation, the lengths Leg2 of the inflatable end tubes 4 and 6 are approximately equal to 0.5 m, and the bulk created by the presence of the inflatable intermediate tube 5 and the portion of the fabric envelope between parts 13 and 14 represents a length D of approximately 2 cm. The length Lg2 of the inflatable assembly (3) thus inflated is approximately 1 m

[0050] The inflation of the two end tubes 4 and 6 associated with the intermediate tube 5 and the part of fabric 16 compressed and trapped between the two end tubes 4 and 6 contribute to the rigidity of the inflated assembly 3.

[0051] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a partial view of another inflatable assembly 21 of the inflatable support structure according to the invention. The inflatable assembly 21 consists of an inflatable tube 22 surrounded by a fabric envelope 23 and a valve, not shown in the figures, associated with the inflatable tube 22 to pressurize it.

[0052] 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 by trapping part 25 in the resulting fold. In other embodiments, only two parts may be present. to form a single zipper. It is also possible, in the case of two zippers, to completely separate them and have four parts sewn onto the fabric casing. According to other possible embodiments of the invention, a larger number of zippers are provided, with a common part shared by several zippers, as illustrated for part 24 in [Fig. 4], or, as previously described, with completely independent zippers.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The representation in [Fig.4] illustrates the inflatable assembly 21 in its state of greatest length Lpgl which is equal to 2 m.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The length Lpg2 of the inflatable assembly 21 is then equal to 1.8 m.

[0057] 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 and between parts 25 and 26, are enclosed within the inflatable assembly. During inflation, the inflatable tube 22 conforms to these parts 25, 27, and 28.

[0058] The length Lpg3 of the inflatable assembly 21 is then equal to 1.6 m.

[0059] In the examples described, the two types of length adjustment for an inflatable assembly, one relating to Figures 2 and 3 and the other to Figures 4, 5, and 6, have been described separately, that is, in connection with different inflatable assemblies of the supporting structure according to the invention. According to other embodiments of the invention, it is planned to combine these two types of length adjustment for an inflatable assembly. According to these embodiments, the embodiment described in Figures 4, 5, and 6 can be positioned on the portion of the fabric envelope surrounding one or more of the inflatable tubes 4, 5, or 6 shown in Figures 2 and 3, or on two of them, or on all three inflatable tubes.

Claims

Demands

1. An inflatable assembly (3) of the type comprising a fabric envelope (7) which encloses an inflatable part, characterized in that said inflatable part comprises at least three inflatable tubes (4, 5, 6), two end inflatable tubes (4, 6) and at least one intermediate inflatable tube (5), in that a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts (14, 15) is fixed partly on an area of ​​the fabric envelope (7) covering one of said end inflatable tubes (6) and partly on an area of ​​the fabric envelope (7) covering said at least one intermediate inflatable tube (5) when the latter is inflated, in that a first pneumatic connection (8) exists between said two end inflatable tubes (4, 6), in that a second pneumatic connection (11) exists between an end inflatable tube (4) and said at least one intermediate inflatable tube (5),and in that said second pneumatic link (11) comprises an actuable shut-off device.

2. Inflatable assembly (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first pneumatic link (8) and said second pneumatic link (11) are made by flexible tubes external to the fabric envelope (7) connected to the inflatable tubes (4, 5, 6), said flexible tubes passing through the fabric envelope (7).

3. Inflatable assembly (3) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting device comprising at least two separable parts (14, 15) is of the detachable zipper type.

4. Inflatable assembly (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the linking device comprising at least two separable parts (14, 15) is fixed on the fabric envelope (7) between the end of the pneumatic linking connected to a first inflatable end tube (6) and the end of the pneumatic linking connected to the intermediate tube (5) linking it to the second end tube (4).

5. Inflatable structure (1) comprising several inflatable assemblies (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one inflatable assembly (3) 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. Inflatable structure (1) according to claim 5 or 6, comprising several inflatable assemblies (3), as described according to any one of claims 1 to 4, intended to come into contact with the ground, characterized in that the distances between each of said at least two separable parts (14, 15) of the connecting devices are identical on each of said inflatable assemblies (3) intended to come into contact with the ground.

8. Inflatable structure (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that at least one inflatable assembly (21), of the type comprising a fabric envelope (23) which encloses at least one inflatable tube (22), comprises at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts (24, 25, 26) fixed to an area of ​​the fabric envelope (23) covering said at least one inflatable tube (22) when the latter is inflated.

9. Inflatable structure (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that an inflatable assembly (21) comprises at least two connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts distributed over an area of ​​the fabric envelope (23) covering the same inflatable tube (22) when the latter is inflated.

10. Inflatable structure (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that two of said at least two connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts distributed over an area of ​​the fabric envelope (2) 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.

11. Inflatable structure (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that said at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts (24, 25, 26) is of the detachable zipper type.

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