Inflatable camping structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a tent 10 having a first support member 12 comprising first inflatable means (bladder) which is arranged to be inflated to provide a first structural support element for

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a camping assembly comprising an inflatable camping structure. In particular, the present invention relates to an inflatable camping structure comprising a series of embedded pump modules for inflating support members, and a method of inflating a camping structure. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Tents, folding campers such as camper trailers, and camping accessories such as awnings or gazebos may be complex or time consuming to erect, for example when these structures have to be assembled from a number of parts. Such parts may be easily damaged during assembly or in use, for instance by impacts or high winds. To address these problems, these structures may comprise inflatable parts, which allow the structures to be erected by inflating the inflatable parts using a source of pressurised air, such as a pump. With this arrangement, minimal assembly of parts may be required. A disadvantage of using inflatable parts is that a pump or other source of pressurised air must be taken to a camping location by a user. For larger inflatable structures (such as an inflatable family tent) a manually operated pump may not be practical, meaning that a standalone, powered (e.g. electric) pump and source of power are typically required. Standalone air sources can be bulky, noisy and inconvenient, and pneumatic connections between such air sources and inflatable camping structures may be unreliable. Also, such air sources need to be stored when not in use, and may occupy valuable storage space in a camping structure. Where a number of inflatable structures are used, a source of air is required to be compatible to connect to each inflatable structure in turn. The inflatable camping structure may comprise a number of inflatable elements each of which individually requires inflation. To aid this inflation, these individual inflatable elements are arranged within a single network such that a single air source is required. For example, an external pump is attached to an air inlet / outlet valve and the pump can then inflate the single network. These individual inflatable elements may be provided with a number of air inlet valves for connection to a pump. This enables an external pump to be attached at a convenient location. If adjacent inflatable camping structures are used, then each structure may be provided with a separate dedicated air source. Accordingly, such inflatable structures may be operated separately for inflation purposes and each structure may be sequentially inflated. If the order of inflation is essential, then a user can attempt to partially / fully inflate the structures within a sequence which is restricted by the user’s ability to coordinate the attachment / operation of the pump(s). It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether referred to herein or otherwise. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an inflatable camping structure comprising: a first support member comprising first inflatable means which is arranged to be inflated to provide a first structural support element for the inflatable camping structure, the first support member comprising a first pump module configured to inflate the first inflatable means, the first pump module comprising first activation means to activate the first pump module and first signal receiving means to receive control signals; a second support member comprising second inflatable means which is arranged to be inflated to provide a second structural support element for the inflatable camping structure, the second support member comprising a second pump module configured to inflate the second inflatable means, the second pump module comprising second activation means to activate the second pump module and second signal receiving means to receive the control signals; and control means to receive a user input command and to generate the control signals to activate the first pump module and the second pump module. The control means may be located within the first pump module. The control means of the first pump module may be configured to receive the user input command to control the first activation means and the second activation means to enable the first pump module and the second pump module to be activated. The inflatable camping structure may comprise a remote unit into which the user input command may be input / received and this user input command is communicated to the control means located in the first pump module. The first pump module may comprise signal transmission means to transmit the control signals from the first pump module to the second pump module. The first pump module may comprise signal receiving means to receive the control signals. The second pump module may comprise signal receiving means to receive the control signals. Preferably the control means enables a user to control the operation of the first pump module and the second pump module. Preferably the control means enables a user to control the start time(s) and / or stop time(s) of the first pump module and the second pump module. Preferably the control means enables the inflation of the first support member and the second support member to be coordinated. The control means may be configured to control the start times and stop times of the first pump module and the second pump module. The control means may be configured to coordinate the inflation of the first support member and the second support member. This coordinated inflation may individually set the start time of each support member and / or the finish time of each support member and / or may provide gaps or pauses for the inflation of one or more support member. Each pump module may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may deactivate the respective pump once an upper threshold pressure is sensed within the respective inflatable means. The pressure sensor may activate the respective pump once a lower threshold pressure is sensed within the respective inflatable means. The sensor may maintain the pressure within the respective inflatable means within a threshold range which may extend from a lower threshold pressure to an upper threshold pressure. The control means may enable the lower threshold pressure and the upper threshold pressure to be set by a user. Preferably the control signals are transmitted wirelessly. The control signals may be transmitted with a Bluetooth unit and / or a Wi-Fi unit and / or with an infrared unit. The control signals may be transmitted through a control wire. The control signals may be transmitted wirelessly (with a Bluetooth unit / Wi-Fi unit / infrared unit) and / or through a control wire from the first pump module to the second pump module. The control means may be operated by a remote unit. Preferably the remote unit is portable. The remote unit may comprise communication means to communicate wirelessly with the control means located in the first pump module. The communication means may comprise a Bluetooth unit to communicate with a Bluetooth unit of the control means. The communication means may comprise a Wi-Fi unit to communicate with a Wi-Fi unit of the control means. The communication means may comprise an infrared unit to communicate with an infrared unit of the control means. The remote unit may comprise a remote-control unit. The remote-control unit may comprise a handset. The remote unit may comprise a mobile phone. The second module comprising signal receiving means wherein activation of the second pump module is controlled by the control means which communicates activation signals to the second pump module. The first support member may comprise a first elongate support member which may extend between a first end and a second end. The second support member may comprise a second elongate support member which may extend between a first end and a second end. Preferably the first pump module comprises a master pump module. Preferably the second pump module comprises a subsidiary pump module. The inflatable camping structure may comprise a plurality of second pump modules (and associated second support members) and preferably a single master pump module (which may include the control means) which is arranged to transmit signal (directly) to each of the plurality of subsidiary pump modules to control a plurality of subsidiary pump modules. The first pump module may be arranged to transmit control signals (directly) to a first subsidiary pump module which may then be arranged to transmit control signals (directly) to a second subsidiary pump module. The first pump module may be arranged to transmit control signals (directly) to a first subsidiary pump module and the first pump module may also transmit control signal (directly) to a second subsidiary pump module. The camping assembly may comprise a plurality of further support members wherein each further support member comprises further inflatable means which is arranged to be inflated to provide a further structural support element for the camping assembly. Preferably each further support member comprises a further pump module configured to inflate the respective further inflatable means of the further support member. Preferably each further pump module comprises: further activation means to activate the respective further pump module; and signal receiving means to receive the control signals; wherein the control means controls the or each further activation means to enable the first pump module, the second pump module and the or each further pump module to be activated and deactivated. The control means may be located within a remote control unit. The control means of the remote control unit may be configured to receive the user input command to control the first activation means and the second activation means to enable the first pump module and the second pump module to be activated. The remote control unit may be arranged to transmit control signals (directly) to a first pump module and one or more second pump modules. The elongate support member may comprise a sleeve. Preferably the inflatable means (element / component) comprises a bladder. The inflatable means (element / component) may locate within the sleeve. The pump module may locate (at least partially) within the sleeve. The pump module may locate entirely within a respective sleeve and each sleeve may provide one or more openings to provide access sockets / buttons and / or air inlets / outlets provided on the pump module. The or each sleeve may provide access and / or openings around the pump module which may enable a user to access port(s) and / or socket(s) and / or button(s) and / or control means provided on the pump module. The sleeve may provide access to a battery compartment of the pump module. The sleeve may provide a fluid flow window to enable air to flow into and / or out of the pump module. The or each sleeve may provide a resealable / re-closable opening whereby the pump module can be inserted and / or extracted from the sleeve. The resealable / re-closable opening may comprise a zip / Velcro / toggle / press stud / button arrangement. The sleeve may retain the pump module with the inflatable means (element / component). Preferably the pump module remains secured to the inflatable means (element / component) whilst the inflatable means (element / component) is in an inflated configuration and a deflated configuration. Preferably the inflatable camping structure is arranged to be stored in a storage configuration in which all of pump modules are secured to respective inflatable means (elements / components). The sleeve may be freely located around the bladder and the sleeve may be secured around a periphery of the pump module and may be secured around a base of the pump module. Accordingly, the pump module may be enclosed within the sleeve. The pump module may be permanently secured (un-couplable / unattachable) to a respective inflatable means (element / component) and preferably the pump module is welded to a respective bladder (inner air bladder). Preferably the first and / or second pump module: is positioned in-line with the respective first and / or second inflatable means, and locates between the first end and the second end of the respective support member. A longitudinal length of the support member may be defined between the first end and the second end and is formed from a longitudinal length of the pump module together with a longitudinal length of the inflatable means in the inflated configuration. The inflatable means may comprise an inflatable component (or element). Preferably the inflatable component / element comprises a single (sole) inflatable component / element and / or a single / sole inflatable component. The inflatable means may comprise bladder. Preferably the pump module extends between the first end of the support member and an end of the inflatable component / element and the inflatable component / element extends between an end of the pump module and the second end of the support member. A first inflatable component may extend between a first end of the support member and a first end of the pump module and a second inflatable component may extend between a second end of the pump module and a second end of the support member. The pump module may extend between a first end of the support member and an end of the inflatable means (element / component) and the inflatable means (element / component) may extend between an end of the pump module and a second end of the support member. The end of the pump module may form an interface with the end of the inflatable means (element / component) such that the pump module extends between a first end of the support member and the interface and the inflatable means (element / component) extends between the interface and a second end of the support member. An end of the pump module may form a first interface with an end of a first inflatable component (element) and a second interface with an end of a second inflatable component (element) such that the pump module locates between the first inflatable component (element) and the second inflatable component (element) and the first inflatable component (element) extends between a first end of the support member and the first interface and the second inflatable component (element) extends between the second interface and a second end of the elongate support member. The pump module may be contiguous with the or each inflatable element / component to provide the support member. Preferably the pump module is in-line with the inflatable means (element / component) in order for the pump module to extend along a longitudinal axis and the or each inflatable means (element / component) to also extend along the (same) longitudinal axis. Preferably the pump module is embedded in the support member. Preferably the pump module is integral with the inflatable means (element / component) to form the support member. A longitudinal length of the support member may comprise a longitudinal length of the pump module plus a longitudinal length of the inflatable means (element / component). The pump module may comprise a (generally) cylindrical housing. The support member may comprise a (generally) cylindrical member. The or each inflatable means (element / component) may comprise a (generally) cylindrical element. The or each inflatable means (element / component) may comprise a tubular bladder. The support member may extend along a first longitudinal axis. The pump module may extend along a second longitudinal axis. The inflatable means / element may extend along a third longitudinal axis. The first, second and third longitudinal axes may all be coincident. The support member may comprise a (generally) linear member. The (generally) linear member may have an angled section and / or may be curved / arcuate. A longitudinal length of the pump module and the or each inflatable means (element / component) may combine to provide a longitudinal length of the support member. Preferably only a part (of the longitudinal length) of the support member is inflatable and the remaining part (or the longitudinal length) of the support member is provided by the pump module. The first end of the pump module may provide a base. Preferably the base is arranged to support the elongate support member on the ground. The base may provide an angled surface in order for the elongate support member to be arranged, in use, to extend upwardly from the ground at an angle (a non-perpendicular angle), and at an angle which may be greater than 30 degrees and more preferably greater than 45 degrees and more preferably greater than 60 degrees. The angle may be less than 85 degrees, preferably less than 80 degrees. The camping structure may comprise a series of support members (air poles) and a canopy. The inflatable structure may comprise a tent or an awning or a gazebo. The support member may provide an air pole for the inflatable camping structure. The pump module may be disposed at a lower end of the support member. The pump module may provide a foot of the elongate support member. The support member may provide a structural limb for the inflatable camping structure and wherein the inflatable means (element / component) may provide a leg for the structural limb and the pump module may provide a foot for the structural limb. The support member may provide a generally horizontally extending section to structurally support a roof portion of a canopy and / or a wall portion of the canopy which may be arranged to locate adjacent to the ground. The inflatable means(element / component) may be in communication with a further inflatable means (element / component). The pump module may be arranged, in use, to maintain the inflatable means (element / component) spaced from the ground and may protect the inflatable means (element / component). The inflatable means (element / component) may be tubular. The inflatable means (element / component) may be generally or substantially cylindrical. The pump module may comprise a generally cylindrical housing, which may be arranged coaxially with an axis of the inflatable means (element / component). Preferably the pump module comprises a detachable battery. Preferably the pump module comprises a rechargeable battery. Preferably the pump module comprises a battery receiver (battery holder). The battery receiver may comprise a slot. The battery receiver may be arranged to receive the battery in a direction perpendicular to an axis of a housing of the pump module. Preferably, the pump module comprises at least one ancillary power connector configured to supply power to an ancillary device. For example, the pump module may comprise one or more USB connectors for charging an accessory such as a smartphone. The camping assembly may comprise a lighting arrangement. The lighting arrangement may comprise one or LED strips. The lighting arrangement may be provided on the inflatable camping structure. The lighting arrangement may be configured to be powered by a power source (e.g. battery) of the pump module. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of inflating an inflatable camping structure, the inflatable camping structure comprising: a first support member comprising first inflatable means which is arranged to be inflated to provide a first structural support element for the inflatable camping structure, the first support member comprising a first pump module configured to inflate the first inflatable means, the first pump module comprising first activation means to activate the first pump module and first signal receiving means to receive control signals; a second support member comprising second inflatable means which is arranged to be inflated to provide a second structural support element for the inflatable camping structure, the second support member comprising a second pump module configured to inflate the second inflatable means, the second pump module comprising second activation means to activate the second pump module and second signal receiving means to receive the control signals; and control means to receive a user input command and to generate the control signals to activate the first pump module and the second pump module. wherein the method comprises generating an operational command for both the first pump module and the second pump module from the user input command, the operational command comprising activation commands for both the first pump module and the second pump module; activating the first activation means of the first pump module and the second activation means of the second pump module with the operational command. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a camping structure; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a camping structure; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of a camping structure; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a pump module; Figures 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a remote handset; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a mobile phone providing control. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention provides an inflatable camping structure (possibly a tent 10, or awning or gazebo etc.) comprising a plurality of inflatable support members 12 each of which includes a respective (embedded) pump module 14 including an air pump for inflation purposes. In the preferred embodiments, the inflatable support members 12 are not within a single air network such that the air within the support members 12 is not shared. In addition, in the preferred embodiments the inflatable support members 12 are provided within a single camping structure (i.e. tent 10) such that the inflatable support members 12 support a single canopy 16. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to simultaneously inflate each inflatable support member 12 at the same time with the respective individual pumps 14. In some embodiments and situations, the inflatable support members 12 may be required to be inflated within a set or pre-defined sequence and / or with specific time periods set therebetween. This may prevent snagging of the canopy 16 and / or damage to the canopy 16. Such a situation may occur when the canopy 16 is being raised from a rigid base on which obstructions may be located, for example with a trailer tent having an inflatable structure to support the canopy 16. The trailer base may include cabinets and components (heating, cooking, seating, tables etc.) all of which may include edges or parts which may snag a canopy 16 during inflation. The present invention provides a tent 10 having a first support member 12 comprising first inflatable means (bladder) which is arranged to be inflated to provide a first structural support element for the tent 10. The first support member 12 includes a first pump module 14 configured to inflate the first bladder which is located within an outer sleeve. The first pump module 14 comprising first activation means to activate the first pump module 14 and first signal receiving means to receive control signals. The first signal receiving means may be a receiver to receive wireless signals from a remote unit or wired signals which may be provided by a switch or button or connected unit. A second support member 12 includes second inflatable means (bladder) which is arranged to be inflated to provide a second structural support element for the tent 10. The second support member 12 includes a second pump module 14 configured to inflate the second inflatable means (bladder). The second pump module 14 comprises second activation means to activate the second pump module 14 and second signal receiving means to receive the control signals. These control signals may originate form a remote unit and / or from the first pump module 14. The present invention includes control means to receive a user input command and to generate the control signals to activate both the first pump module 14 and the second pump module 14. The user input command may be generated by a switch or button on the first pump module or on a remote unit wired to or wirelessly connected to at least the first pump module 14. The user input command may be provided in an app on a smart phone to generate the control signals. The present invention enables an inflation sequence to be coordinated for the independent support members. For example, all of the supporting members may be activated to start inflating in unison (i.e. the same inflation start time). Pressure sensors within the inflatable support members 12 (or bladders) may individually activate each pump when an upper pressure threshold is detected within the support member 12. Accordingly, each pump module 14 is deactivated independently. Furthermore, the sensors may detect if a lower pressure threshold is reached such that the pump module 14 is re-activated to increase the pressure back up to the upper threshold. These upper and lower pressure thresholds may be set and changed individually (for example using the app) since some structural support member may require greater pressure than other support members. The present invention provides a system whereby the individual inflatable support members 12 are inflatable at set times within a set sequence which is fully controllable. The use of individual support members 12 enables such members 12 to be easily replaced within the structure, for example due to the result of a puncture. A single network may make the repair or replacements more problematic. Some specific preferred embodiments will now be described below in more detail. In one inflation operation, a user operates either a remote-control unit 40 or an app on a smart phone 50 which sends a signal to a first (master) pump module 14 that the inflation sequence should be activated. Alternatively, a switch or other input device may be provided on the first pump module, for example a voice activated command unit. The master pump module 16 includes control means in the form of a control unit to process the instructions. The control unit may then activate the master pump module 14 to commence inflation of the associated inflatable support member 12. In addition, the control unit may send a signal to one or more subsidiary / auxiliary pump modules 14 associated with respective support members 12 of the same structure (tent 10). This may coordinate the inflation of the entire structure and all of the individual inflatable support members 12. For example, a signal may be sent from transmission means in the form of a transmitter in the master pump module 14. This signal is transmitted to receiving means in the form of a receiver on each subsidiary pump module 14. The receiver may then activate or deactivate the associated subsidiary pump module 14. Accordingly, the user has a single operation to commence, pause or stop the inflation or deflation sequence. The sequence may include the simultaneous inflation start time of one or more inflatable members and / or have delayed start times for inflation. Similarly, one or more pump module 14 may be arranged to pause during the inflation sequence. Accordingly, the sequence can be pre-programmed depending on the layout and / or configuration of the camping structure. The signal may be transmitted from the master pump module along one or more transmission wires such that the pump modules are all hard wired together, as shown in Figure 1. In alternative embodiments, the pump modules may be in wireless communication, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3. In the embodiments shown in Figure 2, the central / middle pump module 14 transmits the signals to adjacent subsidiary (slave) pump modules. In another embodiment, any one of the pump modules within the tent 10 can act as the master pump module and sends the activation / deactivation signal to one or more subsidiary (slave) pump modules. As shown in Figure 3, the pump modules may be arranged in a daisy chain arrangement. For example, the control signal is first transmitted to a first pump module. This control signal is then transmitted to a second pump module. The control signal is then transmitted form the second pump module to the third pump modules and so forth. Such a daisy chain arrangement or series arrangement may reduce the transmission distance between adjacent pump modules which may limit the wiring required and / or the power for the associated wireless transmitters / receivers. In another embodiment, each pump module may receive control signals directly form a remote unit (i.e. the control means is located in a remote unit not the first pump module). The remote unit may include the control means to activate / deactivate each pump module. The remote unit includes a user interface whereby the inflation operation can be commenced. This is then communicated individually (e.g. by Bluetooth) to each pump module from the single central remote unit. Furthermore, in some embodiments the pump module 14 includes a (pressure) sensor to sense the internal pressure of the respective bladder of the support member 12. Such a sensor monitors the pressure which may help maintain the integrity of the structure. For example, the pressure sensor may sense that the pressure has decreased below a threshold pressure such that further pressure would be advantageous or necessary in order to maintain and provide the structural integrity of the inflatable support member 12. The pump module 14 may receive this low pressure signal and activate the pump in order to increase the pressure of the bladder. In addition, the sensor may detect and monitor the pressure in order to deactivate the pump. For example, the pump module 14 may be activated to run the pump until the pressure sensor detects and signals that the bladder has reached or achieved the required or preferred pressure or even a maximum pressure. The preferred pressure may therefore be monitored such that once this pressure has been achieved the pump is automatically switched off or deactivated. This prevents overinflation and damage to the support member 12. Previously, the manual monitoring and deactivation of a pump would rely on the perception, judgement and experience of the user such that inflatable support member 12 may be underinflated or overinflated both of which may cause damage or other problems (structural instability). Furthermore, the sensor may continually monitor the pressure to maintain the pressure above the threshold pressure and / or below the upper limit (maximum pressure or preferred pressure). The pressure within the bladder will fluctuate and change after the initial inflation. For example, air may slowly / gradually escape to reduce the pressure and temperature changes may increase and decrease the internal pressure of the bladder. Accordingly, the pressure sensor may enable the pressure within the bladder to be maintained within a desired range (between a low threshold and an upper threshold) without any interference by a user. In this specification, the present invention is described with reference to inflatable camping structures which are arranged to be erected on a ground surface. Accordingly, the terms “upwardly”, “upper” and related terms refer to a direction away from gravity in use (e.g. towards the top in Figure 1). The terms “downwardly”, “lower” and related terms refer to an opposite direction (e.g. towards the bottom in Figure 1). A first embodiment of a camping structure according to the invention is shown in Figure 1. The camping structure comprises an inflatable camping structure in the form of a tent 10. The tent 10 comprises a plurality of (elongate) inflatable support members 12 (or inflatable support elements / components) or air poles. The inflatable support members 12 are tubular and generally elongate and cylindrical. The tent 10 comprises first, second and third inflatable support members 12. The inflatable support members 12 together form an internal support structure of air poles which supports a canopy 16 of the tent 12. The tent 12 is provided with a series of embedded or integrated pump modules 14 for inflating the inflatable support members 12 of the tent 10. Specifically, the pump modules 14 are positioned / located in-line with a respective inflatable support member 12. More specifically, the pump module 14 is in fluid communication with a respective inflatable element / component in the form of a bladder of the respective elongate inflatable support member 12. The term in-line is used to refer to the arrangement of the pump module 14 and the bladder being located end on adjacent to each other such that the longitudinal length of the elongate support member 12 consists of the longitudinal length of the pump module 14 plus the longitudinal length of the bladder (inflatable element(s)). In this way, the pump module 14 locates between a first (longitudinal) end 20 and a second (longitudinal) end 21 of the elongate support member 12. The longitudinal length of the elongate support member 12 is thereby defined between the first end 20 and the second end 21 and this is formed from the longitudinal length of the pump module 14 together with the longitudinal length of the bladder in the inflated configuration. In the first preferred embodiment, each pump module 14 is disposed at a lower end of the upright inflatable support members 12. The pump modules 14 each form a foot of the upright support members 12. In this way, the pump module 14 forms part of the structure of the tent 10 and each upright inflatable support member 12 is at least partly supported by the pump module 14. Therefore, the pump module 14 and the bladder together provide an elongate support member 12 of the tent 10. The pump module 14 extends from a first, lower end 20 of the support member 12 towards the bladder and the bladder extends between the pump module 14 and a second end 21 of the support member 12. The pump module 14 is generally cylindrical. The pump module 14 is coaxial with the inflatable support member 12 and, specifically, the pump module 14 and the bladder are coaxial. In this embodiment, a base of the pump module 14 is arranged to rest on a ground surface on which the tent 10 is erected. The pump module 14 comprises an air pump which is connected to an inlet of the bladder. The outlet of the air pump may be directly connected to the interior of the inflatable element with no valve located therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, the pump module 14 is welded to the bladder to create a permanent connection, i.e. not able to be detached, uncoupled or released. In alternative embodiments, the pump module 14 may be detachable. In one alternative embodiment, the pump module 14 may be connected to a valve of the bladder such that the pump module 14 can be removed. In a further alternative embodiment, the pump module 14 may be permanently attached to an intermediate bladder which is then removably attached to the (primary) bladder through a valve. Again, such a valve connection enables the pump module 14 to be removed and / or replaced from the bladder. A shown in Figure 4, the pump module 14 comprises a generally cylindrical housing 30 which is arranged to house a pump (air pump) of the pump module 14. The pump housing is provided with an outlet opening in a top wall 32 of the pump housing 30. The outlet opening has a circular periphery and is provided with air slots 34 to provide air to the bladder. An inlet opening 36 is provided in a side wall of the pump housing 30. A battery housing comprises a generally rectangular battery slot 38 in a side wall of the battery housing. The slot 38 is sized to receive a removable battery of the pump module. In this way the battery housing comprises a battery receiver or battery holder. The pump outlet is connected to or locates through an inlet of the bladder. In particular, the outlet extends through an inlet of the bladder. In this way, each pump is arranged to inflate the dedicated bladder of the inflatable support members of the tent 10. The pump modules 14 may also be operated to deflate the tent 10 by pumping air out of the inflatable support members 12. In this way, the tent 10 can be deflated more quickly and / or completely than by deflating the tent 10 manually. Accordingly, the tent 10 (or other inflatable structure) may be made more compact (e.g. for storage) by deflating it using the pump modules 14, compared with manual deflation by a user. In addition, the present invention enables the individual support members 12 to be deflated simultaneously (for example, deflation commencing at the same time) and / or deflated in a particular sequence to aid the configuration of the tent 10 and / or canopy 16 as the structure deflates. Again, this may prevent snags and potential damage to the canopy 16 and / or inflatable members 12 and may also optimise the final position of the canopy 16 and / or inflatable members 12 after deflation. The pump module 14 further comprises an electronics module disposed between the battery and the pump. The electronics module is configured to supply power from the battery to the pump. The electronics module may comprise a control unit for controlling the pump. For example, the pump may be operated remotely, e.g. using a remote-control device / unit40 (see Figure 5) in the form of a portable handset and / or a smart phone 50 using an application (see Figure 6). The pump module 14 is embedded or integral with the inflatable support member 12 meaning that an external or standalone air source (e.g. pump or compressor) is not required for inflating the inflatable support member(s) 12. Since, in the present invention, the pump module 14 is integral to a respective inflatable support member 12 (and therefore also integral with the overall camping structure / tent 10, the pump modules 14 do not significantly occupy interior space (e.g. accommodation or storage space) of the inflatable camping structure. Accordingly, the camping structure may be more compact overall. One or more detachable, rechargeable batteries may be provided so that the battery in the pump modules 14 can be replaced as required. As mentioned above, the pump module may locate at the foot (lower end 20) of a respective elongate support member 12. The elongate support member 12 extends upwardly from the lower end 20 to an upper portion and in this embodiment the elongate support member 12 is arranged in a partial loop and extends upwardly passes through an arcuate roof portion and then returns downwardly to a second lower end 21. The elongate support member 12 thereby provides two upright legs and a roof portion which spans between the two legs. A base (surface) of the pump module 14 may be angled (relative to the (cylindrical) sides) and provides a flat base from which the elongate support member 12 can extend upwardly at an angle. The term camping structure is defined to include camping and / or caravanning apparatus and equipment. In particular, the camping structure may comprise a tent, trailer tent, folding camper, awning and / or a trailer tent etc. or a combination of these. In another embodiment, the camping structure comprises an awning which is releasably secured to a side of a caravan although in other embodiments the awning may be releasably secured to the side of a tent / trailer tent / folding camper. The awning again comprises a canopy 16 and a series of support members 12. The awning may be inflated by the individual pumps 14 associated with the inflatable support members 12. In some embodiments, the airflow through each pump module 14 can be switched on and off, and a flow rate can be controlled. As mentioned above, a remote unit communicates activation signals to the second (and subsequent) pump module(s) and this may be in the form of master and subsidiary pump modules. However in some embodiments all pump modules may be the same and equal and all may be activated by the same remote control. As discussed, in some embodiments each pump can independently monitor the air pressure in the attached bladder and will automatically turn on and inflate back up to the required pressure, if required. The pump module is fully enclosed within the sleeve, and welded to the inner air bladder. It may be possible to remove the pump module from the sleeve, making it easier and less expensive to replace damaged air beams. This can be achieved in by housing the pump module underneath a bladder / sleeve and being connected through a valve, and then an additional sleeve will combine the two (from the outside it will look like one beam). Alternatively, the pump module could be housed in its own, smaller beam / sleeve and then attached to the larger beam / sleeve via a valve. Again an additional sleeve may encompass the assembly making it appear as a single beam from the outside. The pump module may include a lower port providing an air inlet as well as housing the on / off button. An upper port may house a removable lithium battery which holds a usb-c power input socket (for charging the battery itself). There may also be usb-c output socket / s for use as a power bank meaning charging other products or for lighting etc. The support member may have a separate valve for releasing air. This may provide the option of being able to inflate the bladder through this valve. This may be advantageous if the embedded pump is broken or there is no power in the battery. In some embodiments, a single switch or button can be pressed on one of the pumps to activate all of the pumps. In this example, the fist pump module acts as the parent pump it will have the capacity to turn on the other pumps. The present invention provides the option or ability to turn the pumps on through a switch, button or even through a microphone (e.g. similar to a smart speaker). The subsidiary pumps will either be identical to the parent pump or will not have the capacity to be turned on without the parent pump turning on. Th e present invention utilises a number of relatively low power pump rather than a single powerful pump to inflate an inflatable camping structure. Such robust pumps add cost, complexity, weight and additional bulk. The use of a number of small pumps may also speed up inflation times. The present invention provides a single switch point (remote or otherwise), rather than having to be switched on / off separately from each other. The air poles do not have to be linked as is the case for single point inflation. The present invention provides a series of separate air tubes, not interlinked, that are inflated each with a dedicated, integrated pump, that could all be switched on in unison. A further problem with single point inflation, where the air poles are linked together by tubes and valves, is the tubes and valves get easily damaged during pack down and storage. So negating this requirement, also helps overcome this limitation.

Claims

1. An inflatable camping structure comprising:a first support member comprising first inflatable means which is arranged to be inflated to provide a first structural support element for the inflatable camping structure, the first support member comprising a first pump module configured to inflate the first inflatable means, the first pump module comprising first activation means to activate the first pump module and first signal receiving means to receive control signals;a second support member comprising second inflatable means which is arranged to be inflated to provide a second structural support element for the inflatable camping structure, the second support member comprising a second pump module configured to inflate the second inflatable means, the second pump module comprising second activation means to activate the second pump module and second signal receiving means to receive the control signals; andcontrol means to receive a user input command and to generate the control signals to activate the first pump module and the second pump module.

2. An inflatable camping structure according to Claim 1 in which the control means is located within the first pump module.

3. An inflatable camping structure according to Claim 2 in which the control means of the first pump module is configured to receive the user input command to control the first activation means and the second activation means to enable the first pump module and the second pump module to be activated.

4. An inflatable camping structure according to Claim 3 in which the inflatable camping structure comprises a remote unit into which the user input command is input and this user input command is communicated to the control means located in the first pump module.

5. An inflatable camping structure according to any preceding claim in which thefirst pump module comprises signal transmission means to transmit the control signals from the first pump module to the second pump module.

6. An inflatable camping structure according to any preceding claim in which the control means is configured to control the start times and stop times of the first pump module and the second pump module.

7. An inflatable camping structure according to any preceding claim in which the control means is configured to coordinate the inflation of the first support member and the second support member.

8. An inflatable camping structure according to Claim 7 in which this coordinated inflation individually sets the start time of each support member and / or the finish time of each support member.

9. An inflatable camping structure according to Claim 7 or Claim 8 in which this coordinated inflation provide gaps or pauses for the inflation of one or more support member.

10. An inflatable camping structure according to any preceding claim in which each pump module includes a pressure sensor.

11. An inflatable camping structure according to Claim 10 in which the pressure sensor deactivates the respective pump once an upper threshold pressure is sensed within the respective inflatable means.

12. An inflatable camping structure according to Claim 10 or Claim 11 in which the pressure sensor activates the respective pump once a lower threshold pressure is sensed within the respective inflatable means.

13. An inflatable camping structure according to any one of Claim 10 to Claim 12 in which the pressure sensor maintains the pressure within the respective inflatablemeans within a threshold range which may extend from a lower threshold pressure to an upper threshold pressure.

14. An inflatable camping structure according to any one of Claim 10 to Claim 13 in which the control means enables the lower threshold pressure and the upper threshold pressure to be set by a user.

15. An inflatable camping structure according to any preceding claim in which the control signals are transmitted with a Bluetooth unit from the first pump module to the second pump module.

16. An inflatable camping structure according to any one of Claim 1 to Claim 14 in which the control signals are transmitted wirelessly with a Bluetooth unit from the first pump module to the second pump module.

17. The control means may be operated by a remote unit. Preferably the remote unit is portable.

18. An inflatable camping structure according to any preceding claim in which the first pump module comprises a master pump module and the second pump module comprises a subsidiary pump module.

19. An inflatable camping structure according to Claim 18 in which the inflatable camping structure comprises a plurality of subsidiary pump modules and associated second support members and a single master pump module which includes the control means which is arranged to transmit signals directly to each of the plurality of subsidiary pump modules to control the plurality of subsidiary pump modules.

20. An inflatable camping structure according to Claim 18 in which the first pump module is arranged to transmit control signals directly to a first subsidiary pump module which is then be arranged to transmit control signals directly to a second subsidiary pump module.

21. An inflatable camping structure according to Claim 1 in which the control means is located within a remote control unit and the control means of the remote control unit is configured to receive the user input command to control the first activation means and the second activation means to enable the first pump module and the second pump module to be activated.

22. An inflatable camping structure according to Claim 21 in which the remote control unit is arranged to transmit control signals directly to a first pump module and one or more second pump modules.

23. An inflatable camping structure according to any preceding claim in which the pump modules locate entirely within a respective sleeve and the sleeve provide one or more opening to provide access sockets / buttons and / or air inlets / outlets provided on the pump module.

24. An inflatable camping structure according to Claim 23 in which each sleeve is provide a re-closable opening whereby the pump module can be inserted and extracted from the sleeve.

25. A method of inflating an inflatable camping structure, the inflatable camping structure comprising:a first support member comprising first inflatable means which is arranged to be inflated to provide a first structural support element for the inflatable camping structure, the first support member comprising a first pump module configured to inflate the first inflatable means, the first pump module comprising first activation means to activate the first pump module and first signal receiving means to receive control signals;a second support member comprising second inflatable means which is arranged to be inflated to provide a second structural support element for the inflatable camping structure, the second support member comprising a second pump module configured to inflate the second inflatable means, the second pumpmodule comprising second activation means to activate the second pump module and second signal receiving means to receive the control signals; andcontrol means to receive a user input command and to generate the control signals to activate the first pump module and the second pump module.5 wherein the method comprises generating an operational command for both the first pump module and the second pump module from the user input command, the operational command comprising activation commands for both the first pump module and the second pump module;activating the first activation means of the first pump module and the second 10 activation means of the second pump module with the operational command.

Images