Modular expansion structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a system of components that can be combined to form a modular, expandable structure. [Solution] A modular inflatable structure 10 can be formed using inflatable members 12 interconnected together at their respective joints. The inflatable members may have connectors 14 integrated with the inflatable members, or they may be coupled to separate connectors that interconnect adjacent inflatable members. The connectors may have flexible and / or rigid components. The structure may have assembly positions in which inflatable members are coupled to adjacent inflatable members, allowing for fluid flow between the inflatable members. The structure can be inflated to form a support or framework that can be used in a variety of applications and industries.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 321,037, filed Mar. 17, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to expandable structures, and more particularly, to expandable structures that use interchangeable connectors and expandable members having various structural and functional features.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] This disclosure describes a system of components that can be combined to form a modular expandable structure. This structure can be formed using expandable members interconnected together at respective joints. The expandable members can be connectors integrated into the expandable members or connectors coupled to the expandable members as separate connectors, and can have connectors that interconnect adjacent expandable members. The structure can have an assembled position where the expandable members are coupled to adjacent expandable members such that flow between the expandable members is enabled.

[0004] In some embodiments, the expandable structure can be formed using various interchangeable components such as connectors, valves, connector arms, caps, and / or expandable members that can be selectively coupled to each other to form the expandable structure. The connectors can be incorporated into the expandable members themselves to form a framework that can be expanded from a collapsed configuration or non-expanded configuration to an expanded configuration or extended configuration, or can be formed as separate components interconnected with one or more expandable members. As further discussed herein, the various advantages and uses for such structures create many opportunities and benefits in a variety of industries.

[0005] Some embodiments of the models disclosed herein are beneficial and advantageous in terms of ease of storage when the structure is in a collapsed configuration and the speed of expansion to a deployable configuration that makes the structure usable.

[0006] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, the structure may also be modular. Thus, components of the system may be connected to form a structure or to modify the shape and / or function of the structure.

[0007] The modularity of the structure may enable various unique connectors, tubing, panels, bases, and / or other devices including lighting, motors, electrical components, and / or piping components, and / or other features that may be commonly incorporated into toys, storage structures, or other service structures in which the embodiments of the system disclosed herein may find utility. The modularity of the system may allow users to expand the system or replace components of the system to build structures specifically designed for the user's particular needs.

[0008] For example, structures may be used for portable structures such as portable garage spaces for vehicles, trading booths, building sets for educational, recreational, or commercial use, sheds, tents, fortifications, storage facilities and garages, temporary dwellings that may be used in emergencies, obstacle courses, protective shelters against severe weather, and molds for holding or supporting certain types of construction materials (for example, for holding or filling materials such as concrete or other materials that may be sprayed onto the structure or otherwise supported by the structure to harden, and used to facilitate the creation of permanent structures and their use in various other construction and recreational activities).

[0009] Optionally, in some embodiments, the valve and / or connector itself incorporated into the inflatable member may be omitted (for example, a closing cap may be used to close the inflatable member for this purpose).

[0010] In some embodiments, the system may comprise inflatable members and connectors made of rigid and / or flexible materials. For example, at least a portion of the connector, such as its main body section, may be made of a flexible, deformable material. Such embodiments allow the ports of the connector to move in different angular directions relative to each other, thereby allowing relative movement of the inflatable members connected to the connector.

[0011] For example, at least a portion of the connector (e.g., the connector body and / or at least a portion of the connector arms or port) may be made of a flexible material that can bend or flex when a force is applied to the inflatable member attached thereto (at the joint between the inflatable member and the connector), thereby causing a bending stress to act on the inflatable member or the joint.

[0012] Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the connector (e.g., the connector arm) may be rigid enough to allow for a secure bond or seal between the connector and the expandable member coupled thereto.

[0013] In some embodiments, the connector may be incorporated into the inflatable structure itself and may facilitate interconnection with at least one other connector or inflatable structure. In some embodiments, the connector may be formed as a component separate from the inflatable structure and may be used to interconnect with one or more inflatable structures.

[0014] Therefore, when the connector is formed as a component separate from the system's inflatable structure, the connector may be formed without a valve but may function to interact with (e.g., open and / or close) a valve that is built into or incorporated into the coupling portion of the inflatable structure when coupled to it.

[0015] For example, the valve may be opened to allow fluid communication between the inflatable structure and the connector, whether manually by the user or through interaction with the inflatable member when the connector is inserted into the joint of the inflatable structure. The valve may also be closed manually by the user or when the connector is removed from the inflatable member.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the connector itself may be equipped with a valve, and the inflatable structure may be formed without a valve. The valve of the connector may be opened and / or closed (whether manually by the user or through interaction with the inflatable member) when the connector is coupled to the inflatable structure, thereby enabling fluid communication between the inflatable structure and the connector.

[0017] In some embodiments, the connector may be formed without a valve so as not to obstruct fluid flow through the connector. Such embodiments may also be used with valveless inflatable structures to form a system in which air flow through the connector from one inflatable member to another is not obstructed. Connectors of such embodiments may be used to interconnect two or more inflatable structures and to allow fluid flow between them.

[0018] In some embodiments, the connector may be coupled to the inflatable structure without opening a valve, thereby preventing fluid flow between the inflatable structure and the connector. Therefore, in some embodiments, the valve may be incorporated into a connector formed separately from the inflatable member, or into an inflatable member comprising a single component with a connector, or formed as such a component, or may be completely omitted from both. Thus, the valve may be formed as a separate component that can be coupled to the connector and / or the inflatable member. Furthermore, a closing cap may be used to provide sealing for any port or opening of any component of the structure.

[0019] Optionally, the connection between the expansion tube and the connector can be a mechanical or structural connection, such as various engagement mechanisms (protrusions and / or slots), and / or friction mating. For example, both the expansion member and the connector may have a port or connection structure made of a rigid material such as plastic to produce a friction mating engagement.

[0020] As will be further discussed herein, the various advantages and applications of such structures create many opportunities and benefits in various industries. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the structure may be configured to include lighting, piping and / or other electrical or functional components that provide utility to the user.

[0021] Some embodiments of the system may include inflatable members, such as tubes, cubes, rectangular prisms, or panels, which can be inflated using a liquid or gas (hereinafter collectively referred to as “fluid”) to transition from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The inflatable members may be coupled to one or more connectors and interconnected with one or more additional inflatable members.

[0022] An inflatable member may have a specific size, shape, color, stiffness, or thickness that allows it to be used for a particular application. An inflatable member may comprise an inlet port and other three-dimensional forms, such as a tubular section or any variety of geometric shapes, including but not limited to flat panels, spheres, cylinders, cubes, pyramidal pyramids, geometric prisms, and / or other three-dimensional forms. The three-dimensional form may be inflated via a flow through the inlet port so that the inflatable member unfolds or transitions from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration. Therefore, the three-dimensional form of the inflatable member may function or appear as various different structures or features of a three-dimensional inflated structure, such as a wall, support column, awning panel, roof, tabletop, brace, base, or various other structural components.

[0023] In some embodiments, an inflatable member may have two or more inlet ports that allow fluid communication between the inlet ports and the three-dimensional form of the inflatable member. Thus, the inflatable member may be interconnected with two or more connectors at each inlet port to allow fluid passage through the three-dimensional form, for example, to allow fluid communication with additional inflatable members coupled to one of the connectors to which the inflatable member itself is coupled. Therefore, multiple inflatable members may be interconnected to each other in an end-to-end configuration or an array configuration, and the fluid communication of the inflatable members to each other facilitates fluid communication between the connectors and the inflatable members so that a single inflation point of the structure can be used to inflate all of the inflatable members.

[0024] The structural connector may comprise one or more connecting arms configured to connect to each of the inflatable members.

[0025] For example, the connector may have a single connecting arm that can be coupled to an inflatable member, and optionally an expansion port to which an expansion device can be coupled to drive fluid into the inflatable member through the connector.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the expansion port may be configured to be coupled to the connector arm of another connector in addition to or instead of the expansion device.

[0027] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the connector may also have multiple connecting arms without expansion ports, so that the connector is used to interconnect only a plurality of inflatable members. The connector may have a two-way, three-way, four-way, five-way, six-way, or other multi-way connecting arm configuration, which enables interconnection of each number of inflatable members with respect to each other in fluid communication. In this way, the connector can provide fluid communication between each of the inflatable members.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the connector may be configured to permit the connecting arm to rotate relative to the main body of the connector. The connecting arm may be adjusted to an appropriate or desired orientation relative to the connector main body based on the particular application or shape of the structure being formed. This articulating connection can be particularly useful when the connector is used to interconnect multiple inflatable members.

[0029] In some embodiments, the connecting arm of the connector may be configured to rotate or articulate up to 15 degrees relative to a first position of the connecting arm, up to 30 degrees relative to a first position of the connecting arm, up to 45 degrees relative to a first position of the connecting arm, up to 60 degrees relative to a first position of the connecting arm, up to 75 degrees relative to a first position of the connecting arm, or up to 90 degrees relative to a first position of the connecting arm.

[0030] Rotation of the connecting arm can enable the connecting arm to articulate or move to a position where the distal ends of the plurality of connecting arms rotate so that they approach one another or converge toward one another, or articulate or move in the opposite direction so that the distal ends do not move toward one another or converge toward one another.

[0031] For example, in some embodiments, the connector may include a connector main body having a flat or plate-like configuration, and a plurality of connecting arms coupled around the periphery of the flat connector main body. The connecting arms may be pivoted, rotated, and swiveled together such that they tend to move together toward a single point and converge toward one another.

[0032] Optionally, one or more of the arms may also be configured to rotate in the opposite direction to the other connecting arms. Such inherent articulated connections of the connecting arms may allow the connector to define an overall concave shape with respect to the part of the structure corresponding to the connector, to define an overall flat shape with respect to the part of the structure corresponding to the connector, or to define a surface point that produces an intersection of spreading surfaces or a convergence of planes inclined toward each other.

[0033] To provide further understanding, the accompanying drawings, which are included and incorporated into this specification and constitute part thereof, illustrate the embodiments disclosed and, together with the description, serve to illustrate the principles of the embodiments disclosed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an expansion-type structure according to several embodiments. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the expansion-type structure shown in Figure 1, according to several embodiments. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an inflatable connector according to several embodiments, showing the connector arms of the connector in a first position. [Figure 4] This is a top perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 3, according to several embodiments, where the connector arms are in the second position. [Figure 5] This is a side cross-sectional view of the connector shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This is a side cross-sectional view of the connector shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the interconnection between a connector and an expandable member according to several embodiments. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a top view of the interconnection portion of the connector and inflatable member shown in several embodiments. [Figure 9] Figure 7 is a top view of the interconnection portion of the connector and inflatable member shown in several embodiments. [Figure 10] Figure 7 shows a side view of the interconnection portion of the connector and expandable member shown in the diagram, according to several embodiments. [Figure 11] This figure shows an alternative embodiment of a connector that may be used in accordance with the embodiment of the expandable structure disclosed herein. [Figure 12] This figure shows an alternative embodiment of a connector that may be used in accordance with the embodiment of the expandable structure disclosed herein. [Figure 13] This figure shows an alternative embodiment of a connector that may be used in accordance with the embodiment of the expandable structure disclosed herein. [Figure 14] This figure shows an alternative embodiment of a connector that may be used in accordance with the embodiment of the expandable structure disclosed herein. [Figure 15] This figure shows an alternative embodiment of a connector that may be used in accordance with the embodiment of the expandable structure disclosed herein. [Figure 16] This figure shows an alternative embodiment of a connector that may be used in accordance with the embodiment of the expandable structure disclosed herein. [Figure 17] This figure shows an alternative embodiment of a connector that may be used in accordance with the embodiment of the expandable structure disclosed herein. [Figure 18] This figure shows an alternative embodiment of a connector that may be used in accordance with the embodiment of the expandable structure disclosed herein. [Figure 19] This figure shows an exemplary expandable structure in a non-expansion configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 20] This figure shows an exemplary inflatable structure in an inflatable configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 21] This figure shows an inflatable structure having an inflatable member and a connector, according to several embodiments. [Figure 22] This figure shows an inflatable structure having an inflatable member and a connector, according to several embodiments. [Figure 23] This figure shows a portion of an inflatable structure having an inflatable member and a connector, according to several embodiments. [Figure 24] This figure shows a portion of an inflatable structure having an inflatable member and a connector, according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The detailed description below is intended to describe various configurations of the subject art, and not to represent the only configuration in which the subject art can be practiced. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes certain details for the purpose of providing a complete understanding of the subject art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject art can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are illustrated in block diagrams to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject art. For ease of understanding, similar components are given the same element number.

[0036] Referring next to the drawings, various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in Figures 1 to 24. The features shown in these figures and discussed herein can be incorporated into various systems, structures, and components. The system may provide a structure that can expand and contract to provide a structure that can be temporarily and selectively expanded into a deployed configuration and collapse into a reduced configuration when desired.

[0037] Referring next to the drawings, Figure 1 shows one example of many different three-dimensional shapes that can be made using the structural components discussed herein. Figure 1 is an embodiment of an inflatable structure 10 comprising a plurality of inflatable members 12 and connectors 14. Figures 1 and 2 show a perspective view and a side view of the structure 10, respectively. The structure 10 may have a three-dimensional design.

[0038] For example, the structure 10 may have a pentagonal base portion 16. However, other shapes such as quadrangular, square, hexagonal, triangular, or other polygonal shapes may also be realized, and it may have one or more interconnecting expandable members 12 that extend from the base portion and interconnect the sides of the base portion 16. Furthermore, the three-dimensional shape of the structure may be determined based on the intended use or other considerations, providing countless shapes, sizes, and uses for consumers.

[0039] As illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, each connector 14 can be coupled to up to five inflatable members 12. Thus, the structure 10 can define a plurality of triangular surfaces 18, which themselves are defined by adjacent inflatable members 12 on the outer surface of the structure 10. Advantageously, when inflated, such a design of the structure 10 can provide a substantially rigid and rigid structure utilizing a triagonal framework. Thus, the structure 10 can be a stable structure and may be useful in a variety of applications.

[0040] The stability and integrity of structure 10 are examples of some of the possibilities and benefits of inflatable structures disclosed and taught herein through various examples and disclosures. Furthermore, structure 10 can not only provide a reliable and stable framework, but it can also allow the user to incorporate various optional features, such as lighting and shading components, as well as any of the various components and features described above.

[0041] Next, referring to Figures 3 to 10, various features of the connector 14 are shown, which can be used in conjunction with the structure 10. As shown, the connector 14 may comprise one or more connector arms 20 coupled to the main body 22 of the connector 14.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the connector 14 can be coupled to one or more inflatable members 12. The connector 14 can also be used to interconnect two or more inflatable members 12.

[0043] In some embodiments, the main body 22 of the connector 14 may be configured to allow fluid communication between two inflatable members 12 coupled to the connector 14. Thus, the connector 14 can facilitate fluid movement between one inflatable member 12 coupled to the connector 14 and an adjacent inflatable member 12.

[0044] The main body 22 may optionally comprise a material that allows one or more portions of the main body to bend or curve. The main body 22 may comprise both flexible and rigid portions, such as a flexible socket to which the connector arm 20 can be coupled, and a flexible expansion port 80 to which an expansion mechanism or other connector arm can be attached. In some embodiments, the expansion port 80 may bend or flex to allow flexibility and adjustability similar to a ball-socket joint of the connector arm 20, but with less complexity than a ball-socket joint.

[0045] Furthermore, the main body 22 itself may be flexible to allow relative movement between the socket and the connector arm 20. Therefore, any inflatable members coupled to the connector 14 may be able to bend or flex relative to each other.

[0046] In addition, the main body 22 may have an outer surface or layer with a pad or cushion. Therefore, if a user comes into contact with the connector during use, the padded main body of the connector may advantageously provide some protection against injury or trauma.

[0047] For example, the main body 22 may comprise a mixture of rigid or hard plastics and flexible and / or soft materials. For example, the connector arm 20 may have a generally spherical connecting surface 52 that engages with a generally spherical surface 54 of the socket 56 of the main body 22. The socket 56 of the main body 22 may be formed from hard plastic or other rigid material. This may enable a ball-socket joint that provides both a secure interconnection between the connector arm 20 and the main body 22 and allows the connector arm 20 to translate, pivot, pivot, or rotate relative to the main body 22.

[0048] The connector 14 may be formed from a rigid and / or flexible material. In some embodiments, the connector arm 20 may have a generally spherical connecting surface 52 formed from a rigid material such as hard plastic, the connecting surface 52 interlocking with the hard plastic of the socket 56 of the main body 22.

[0049] Optionally, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the connector arm 20, such as its central length portion, may be made of a flexible material that allows the second or distal end portion 72 of the connector arm 20 to bend at its furthest point relative to the spherical connecting surface 52 of the connector arm 20.

[0050] The connector arm 20 may optionally be configured to define a longitudinal length or range between the spherical connecting surface 52 and the distal end portion 72. In some embodiments in which a portion of the connector arm 20 is formed from a flexible material, the connector arm 20 may be steered or bent in a desired angular direction to provide the benefits of increased flexibility, alternative configurations, and ease of assembly, which may be facilitated by allowing slight adjustability when the connector arm 20 is connected to another connector or another component such as an inflatable member.

[0051] The connector 14 may incorporate only rigid connector arms, only flexible connector arms, or a mixture of rigid and flexible connector arms. The connector may be configured to allow the user to arbitrarily replace the connector arms in order to allow the user to adjust a given system based on its structural, functional, or other requirements.

[0052] In addition, in some embodiments, the connector arm 20 may be formed as a single continuous part with the body 22 of the connector 14 (i.e., the connector arm is formed integrally with the body). Thus, the body may be formed integrally with one or more connector arms, each connector arm determining a predetermined orientation relative to the body. In such embodiments, the connector arm may have a flexible portion that allows the connector arm to bend or pivot relative to the body in order to provide some adjustability of the connector arm relative to the body. Thus, such embodiments may allow the connector to have one or more flexible or adjustable connector arms by providing a single-component connector in which the body and connector arms are formed from a single continuous material, without using a ball-socket joint or other hinged connector between the body and the connector arm. Nevertheless, such embodiments may also be configured to include one or more sockets or joints to which separately formed connector arms can be coupled, in addition to the connector arms formed integrally with the body.

[0053] In some embodiments, the connector arm 20 may be coupled to the main body 22 to allow movement of the connector arm 20 relative to the main body 22. Such movement may allow the connector arm 20 to translate, pivot, pivot, or rotate relative to the main body 22.

[0054] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the connector arm 20 can be moved to various positions relative to the main body 22. Figure 3 shows a top perspective view of the connector 14, in which the connector arm 20 is positioned in a downwardly bent position 30. The downwardly bent position 30 may represent the furthest position of the second or distal end portion 72 of the connector arm 20 relative to the main body 22.

[0055] Figure 4 shows the connector arm 20 in an upwardly bent position 32. The upwardly bent position 32 may represent the opposite position to the downwardly bent position 30. When moving between the downwardly bent position 32 and the upwardly bent position 32, the connector arm 20 may swivel, rotate, or pivot to an angle of up to approximately 90 degrees or greater. The range of motion of the connector arm 20 relative to the main body 22 may be an angle of up to approximately 15 degrees, up to approximately 30 degrees, up to approximately 45 degrees, up to approximately 60 degrees, up to approximately 75 degrees, up to approximately 90 degrees, up to approximately 105 degrees, or greater.

[0056] When measuring the range of motion of a given connector arm 20, the main body 22 of the connector 14 can define a plane 40 through which the main body 22 and the connector arm 20 pass. As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the central axis 42 of the connector arm 20 can be tilted at a certain bending angle with respect to the connector plane 40. For example, in Figure 5, the central axis 42 of the connector arm 36 can define a downward angle 44 with respect to the plane 40. Furthermore, in Figure 6, the connector arm 20 is rotated to an upwardly bent position 32, defining an upward angle 46 between the central axis 42 of the connector arm 20 and the plane 40 of the main body 22 of the connector 14.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the downward angle 44 may be in the range of 0 to about 15 degrees, about 0 to about 30 degrees, about 0 to about 45 degrees, about 0 to about 60 degrees, about 0 to about 75 degrees, or a larger angle. Similarly, the upward angle 46 may be between about 0 and about 15 degrees, between about 0 and about 30 degrees, between about 0 and about 45 degrees, between about 0 and about 60 degrees, between about 0 and about 75 degrees, or a larger angle.

[0058] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the connector arm 20 may be coupled to the body 22 using a ball-socket configuration 50. For example, the connector arm 20 may have a generally spherical connecting surface 52 that engages with a generally spherical surface 54 of the socket 56 of the body 22. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, this ball-socket configuration 50 may allow the connector arm 20 to be in fluid communication with the internal cavity 60 of the body 22.

[0059] In some embodiments, the connector arm 20 may define an internal passage 62 extending from a first end portion 70 of the connector arm 20 to a second or distal end portion 72. The first end portion 70 of the internal passage 62 of the connector arm 20 may open toward an internal cavity 60 of the main body 22. The internal cavity 60 may be in fluid communication with one or more of the sockets 56 to allow one or more of the connector arms 20 to be in fluid communication with and / or with each other.

[0060] Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, the main body 22 may include an expansion port 80 that is in fluid communication with the internal cavity 60 of the main body 22. The expansion port 80 may be used to connect an expansion device (not shown) thereto, so that a user can drive fluid into the internal cavity 60 of the main body 22, thereby inflating any fluidly connected connector arms 20 and inflatable members, each of which is coupled thereto.

[0061] Therefore, the connector 14 may optionally include an expansion port 80 that allows the connector 14 to be used to drive fluid toward one or more inflatable members 12. However, in some embodiments, the connector 14 may be designed without an expansion port 80. In such embodiments, the connector 14 may provide fluid communication between inflatable members, each of which is coupled to the connector 14.

[0062] In other embodiments, the connector 14 may be configured to block or interrupt fluid flow to and from one or more of the inflatable members coupled to the connector 14. For example, the connector 14 may consist of a solid body 22 that does not provide any fluid communication between each of the coupled inflatable members 12. However, the connector 14 may also be configured such that the body 22 allows fluid communication between two or more inflatable members but prevents fluid communication to and from one or more other inflatable members.

[0063] As described above, the inflatable structures and / or connectors of the systems disclosed herein may be formed to include one or more valve mechanisms that selectively allow or restrict fluid communication through them.

[0064] In some embodiments, the connector may have one or more valves that control the fluid flow through it.

[0065] In some embodiments, the inflatable structure may have one or more valves that control the fluid flow through it.

[0066] Furthermore, in some embodiments, neither the connector nor the inflatable structure may have one or more valves to control the fluid flow passing through it.

[0067] Furthermore, in some embodiments, both the connector and the inflatable structure may have one or more valves that control the fluid flow through them.

[0068] If used in some embodiments of the system, the valve can be opened and / or closed manually by the user and / or through interaction with the inflatable member or connector, thereby enabling fluid communication between the inflatable structure and the connector.

[0069] For example, the connector 14 may be configured to include a valve (e.g., a one-way valve) in one or more of the sockets 56 or in the connector arm 20. According to some embodiments, the one-way valve may be incorporated into the internal passage 62 of each connector arm 20. The one-way valve may allow flow into or out of the connector arm 20.

[0070] For example, the connector arm 20 may be configured to allow flow through its internal passage 62 only when the connector arm 20 is interconnected with each of the expandable members 12.

[0071] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the connector arm 20 may have one or more engaging projections 90 along the second end portion 72 of the connector arm 20. The engaging projections 90 may extend distally from the second end portion 72. However, the engaging projections 90 may be positioned around the periphery or periphery of the connector arm 20 in a manner that allows for proper interconnection with each inflatable member 12. Various designs and configurations can be realized to enable engagement between the connector arm 20 and the inflatable member 12.

[0072] Optionally, the one-way valve of the connector arm 20 can be disengaged to allow flow through the internal passage 62 of the connector arm 20 and the inflatable member 12 when the connector arm 20 is engaged with the inflatable member 12. A grub or connector component may be coupled to the connector arm 20 or the inflatable member 12 and may be configured to enter and / or open the valve when the connector arm is coupled to another connector arm or inflatable member.

[0073] In some embodiments, the connector arm 20 may be configured to include a valve that allows fluid to flow out of the connector 14 into the inflatable member 12, but completely blocks fluid flow from the inflatable member 12 towards the connector 14. Such a design may be useful for a given inflatable connector to which an inflatable device is coupled to drive fluid into the structure 10. However, such an inflatable connector may also include a single one-way valve incorporated within the inflatable port 80, instead of or in addition to other one-way valves incorporated in the connector arm 20 or body 22 of the connector 14.

[0074] The connector arms of the connector may be configured to be coupled to their respective inflatable members. The coupling between the inflatable member and the connector arms may enable or provide a secure interconnection between the inflatable member and the connector.

[0075] For example, referring next to Figures 7 to 10, the portion between the connector 14 and the inflatable member 12 is illustrated in various figures. As shown in Figure 7, the connector 14 may be coupled to the inflatable member 12 at the first end portion 100 of the inflatable member. The first end portion 100 may comprise a connecting socket 102 into which the second end portion 72 of the connector arm 20 may be inserted. As described above, the second end portion 72 of the connector arm 20 may engage with the inflatable member 12 and be fixedly coupled thereto. The connecting socket 102 may comprise various engaging mechanisms such as projections, recesses, grooves, or other such mechanisms, and the engaging mechanism may engage with the connector arm 20 and the connecting socket 102, ensuring a secure coupling between them.

[0076] In some embodiments, the system may be configured to provide a substantially robust connection between the connector arms 20 in the connection socket 102. The system may be configured to preferentially allow bending in the inflatable member 12 (to support any significant bending stress or other loads applied to the structure in localized areas around a given connector and inflatable member), rather than allowing the joint itself to act as a potential point of structural defect.

[0077] For example, in some embodiments, Figures 7 to 10 show that a substantially robust interconnection can be provided through a firm, deep engagement between the second end portion 72 of the connector arm 36 and the inside of the connecting socket 102. For example, in some embodiments, about one-third to one-half of the length of the connector arm 20 may be inserted into the connecting socket 102 or overlapped longitudinally with the connecting socket 102 so as to be securely coupled to the connecting socket 102. Furthermore, in some embodiments, about one-third to two-thirds of the length of the connecting arm 20 may be coupled to the connecting socket 102. Advantageously, to produce a superior, robust joint exhibiting high bending strength, at least about one-third or at least about one-half of the length of the connector arm 20 may be inserted into the connecting socket 102 or overlapped longitudinally with the connecting socket 102. Figure 10 shows a cutaway view of the wall of the inflatable member 12 illustrating the connecting socket 102 from inside the tubular member 12.

[0078] In addition, Figures 7 to 9 show embodiments of a manifold configuration 110 for the connector body 22. The manifold configuration 110 may include a plurality of hollow channels 112 that interconnect the sockets 56 of the body 22 to enable fluid communication between the connector arms 20 and any expandable members 12 coupled thereto.

[0079] Optionally, the connector 14 may include an end cap 120 that can be coupled to the second end portion 72 of the connector arm 20. In some embodiments, the end cap 120 may be fixed to the connector arm 20 and may prevent air from escaping from the connector arm 20. According to some embodiments, the end cap 120 may also provide protection against and / or prevent the ingress of debris into the second end portion 72 of the connector arm 20. In particular, the end cap 120 may protect the engaging projection 90 and may help ensure that the second end portion 72 of the connector arm 20 remains clean and free from debris or other particles.

[0080] In some embodiments in which a valve is incorporated within the connector arm 20 itself, the end cap 120 may also serve to block the flow through the connector arm 20. Nevertheless, both of these components, namely the valve in the connector arm 20 (when used in the design) and the end cap 120, may help and ensure that the fluid pressure in the system is not compromised and maintains the desired level during use of the system 10.

[0081] As further shown in Figures 7 to 10, the ball-socket joint 50 of the connector 14 may allow the connector arm 20 to swivel, rotate, or pivot to a plurality of different positions, and to articulate vertically or horizontally with respect to a given structure or plane of the connector 14. In some embodiments, the interconnection between the connector arm 20 and the main body 22 of the connector 14 may allow for a rotational articulation connection in order to enable various specific configurations and positions of the connector arm 20, thereby allowing the shape of the structure 10 to be articulated specifically with a given design.

[0082] As previously stated, connectors may be configured to include multiple connector arms, to be arranged in different shapes or configurations, and to provide other structural or functional features for specific applications. Figures 11–18, 23, and 24 illustrate various diagrams of alternative connector designs that may be used according to some embodiments of the structures disclosed herein. The connector designs shown and described herein may be modified and / or used in any combination. For example, any of the connector designs in Figures 1–18, 23, and 24 may be used in a given structure or structure kit, in any combination with each other, or by themselves, according to a particular embodiment.

[0083] Figures 11 to 13 show embodiments of connector 140, which comprises a connector body 142 having a plurality of connection sockets 144, and connector arm structures 146 may be mounted within the plurality of connection sockets 144. The connector body 142 may include an expansion port 150 which can be coupled to the connector arm of another connector of an expansion device and / or structure. The connector arm structure 146 may function in the same way as the ball-socket connector arm of connector 14 discussed above. However, as illustrated in Figure 13, the connector arm structure 146 may provide a range of rotational movement that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the connection axis 160. Thus, the connector arm 162 of the connector arm structure 146 may swivel, rotate, or pivot around the connection axis to a desired position relative to the body 142 of connector 140.

[0084] The connector 140 illustrated in Figures 11 to 13 also shows that the connector may have three connector arms extending from it. In this regard, Figures 14 to 18 show similar alternative embodiments of the connector. For example, Figures 14 to 16 show a connector 170 having a connector body 172 with four sockets 174 into which each of the connecting arm structures 176 is coupled.

[0085] In addition, Figures 17 and 18 show further embodiments of a connector 190 having a connector body 192 with two sockets 194 to which the respective connecting arm structures 196 are coupled. Additional embodiments of connectors 170 and 190 may also have their respective expansion ports and other structural and functional features disclosed herein for other embodiments.

[0086] Furthermore, similar to connector 14, the connectors shown in Figures 11 to 18 may also include a flexible body or a body with pads.

[0087] Therefore, the main body of the connector illustrated in Figures 11 to 18 may be flexible to allow relative movement between the socket and the connector arms. This may allow any inflatable members coupled to the connector to bend or flex relative to each other.

[0088] In addition, the main body of the connectors illustrated in Figures 11 to 18 may have an outer surface or layer with padding or cushioning. Therefore, if a user comes into contact with the connector during use (such as during structural contraction), the padded main body of the connector may advantageously provide some protection against injury or trauma.

[0089] The connectors disclosed herein include various connector bodies having sockets that allow the connector arms to have a default or initial position where the connector arm axes are in a common plane. However, the connector bodies may also be configured to allow the connector arm axes to be positioned at an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to one or more other connector axes of the connector.

[0090] In some embodiments, a connector may be configured to have multiple connector arms extending from a single point. For example, a connector may be configured to have six arms, all of which are oriented at a 90-degree angle to each other. Other connectors may be configured to have other angular relationships between their arms. Some connectors may be configured to have connector arms extending from multiple points (not just a single point). Such embodiments may realize any of the features and structural characteristics disclosed herein.

[0091] As stated above, the connectors disclosed herein may be used in forming structures, but the teachings and disclosures herein provide examples of connector bodies and other features that can be realized to produce any of a variety of useful structures suitable for educational, entertainment, and commercial applications.

[0092] Next, referring to Figures 19 and 20, the inflated and constructed forms of structure 200 are shown. Figure 19 shows structure 200 in a non-inflated or collapsed configuration, and Figure 20 shows structure 200 in an inflated configuration. As illustrated, an inflation device 202 may be coupled to a connector 204 of structure 200. The inflation device 202 may supply air into the connector 204, thereby transferring air to the inflatable member 206 of the system. As illustrated in Figure 20, the inflatable member is pressurized and achieves a rigid or inflated configuration. Structure 200 utilizes a pyramidal design with a connector having at least three connecting arms.

[0093] Figures 21 and 22 show yet another embodiment of an inflatable assembly 210 having multiple inflatable members 212 coupled together via a connector 220 and a valve component 222, according to several embodiments. The connector 220 may comprise five connection ports 224 distributed around the periphery of the connector body 226. The connector ports 224 may be oriented coplanar with respect to each other in the body plane, but extending in different directions away from the central point of the connector body 226. Furthermore, one or more additional connector ports may extend from the connector body 226 in a plane different from the body plane.

[0094] The valve component 222 may include a membrane or sealing portion which may bend to an open position when a projection of the corresponding male valve portion is pressed against it. The valve component 222 may be coupled to, connected to, integrated with, or otherwise formed together with the inflatable member 212 or connector 220. The male valve portion may also be coupled to, connected to, integrated with, or otherwise formed together with the inflatable member 212 or connector 220. The valve component 222 may be coupled to the inflatable member 212 and / or port 224 via a mechanical fit such as a friction fit or a screw connection.

[0095] Therefore, the assembly 210 illustrated in Figures 21 and 22 shows that the connector may comprise one or more ports extending in a single plane and one or more ports extending in another plane intersecting the plane of the other ports. As discussed above with respect to other embodiments disclosed and shown herein, the connector 220 may incorporate any of a variety of features, such as valves, caps, rigid and / or flexible connector arm structures, and connector arms formed integrally with or separately from the connector body, which are incorporated herein by reference but are not repeated for brevity.

[0096] Figures 23 and 24 show yet another embodiment of an inflatable assembly 250 having multiple inflatable members 252 that can be coupled together via a connector 260 and connector arms 262, according to several embodiments. Figure 23 shows the interconnection of a pair of inflatable members 252 with the connector 260 via connector arms 262.

[0097] As shown in Figure 23, the connector arms 262 may be detachable from and attachable to the connector 260. Each of the connector arms 262 may be received within the port 264 of the body 266 of the connector 260. Each connector arm 262 may include a central tab region 270 interposed between the oppositely oriented first and second end portions 272, 274 of the connector arm 262. Although the connector arms 262 are shown having oppositely oriented end portions 272, 274, the end portions may be oriented at angles such as 45, 60, and 90 degrees. Other angular orientations of the end portions relative to each other or to the central tab region 270 can also be realized.

[0098] Furthermore, each of the first and second end portions 272, 274 of the connector arm portion 262 may be provided with one or more engaging members 276. The engaging members 276 (e.g., flexible projections) may be inserted into the port 264 of the connector 260 to facilitate engagement with it. In addition, the engaging members 276 may be inserted into the connecting socket 280 of the inflatable member to facilitate engagement with it. Thus, the first and second end portions 272, 274 may be coupled to the inflatable member 252 and / or port 264 via friction fitting (e.g., using the engaging members 276) or via mechanical fitting such as screw connections (not shown, but corresponding male and female threads may be included in the respective first and second end portions 272, 274, the inflatable member 252 and / or port 264).

[0099] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the engaging member 276 may be inserted into the connecting socket 280 to open a valve 278 of the connector 260. For example, the valve 278 of the connector 260 may be located at each of the ports 264 of the connector 260 and may open when a connector arm 262 is engaged with it. When the connector arm 262 is removed from the connecting socket 280, the valve 278 may automatically return to its closed position.

[0100] The connecting socket 280 may be at least partially recessed within the end portion of the expandable member. Furthermore, the connecting socket 280 may include a rigid rim or flange 282 which can be used to facilitate gripping and engagement with the connector arm 262.

[0101] Furthermore, the end portion of the expandable member 252 may be formed to be rigid or flexible. In some embodiments, the connecting socket 280 may be made of a rigid material and may be recessed into the end portion of the expandable member.

[0102] Figure 24 also illustrates that the connector arm 262 can be crimped into the port 264 of the connector 260.

[0103] As discussed above with respect to other embodiments, the body 266 of the connector 260 may be flexible to allow its ports 264 to bend or curve relative to one another. Furthermore, the body 266 may have a padded or cushioned outer surface or layer. Therefore, if a user comes into contact with the connector during use, the padded body of the connector may advantageously provide some protection against injury or trauma.

[0104] Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the connector arm 262 can be advantageously formed as a rigid member. Thus, the connector arm 262 can interconnect with the port 264 of the main body 266, which in some embodiments may be relatively flexible and bendable. Moreover, if a part of the assembly 250 is damaged or broken, it is easier and less expensive to replace only the connector arm 262 rather than replacing the port 264 of the main body 266 or several other components integrally formed with the inflatable member or connector.

[0105] The features discussed individually with respect to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 24 can be realized in conjunction with other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0106] Examples of technologies that serve as the subject matter of a clause Various examples of the aspects of this disclosure are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and do not limit the subject art. The identification of figures and reference numbers is provided below for illustrative purposes only and the clauses are not limited by these identifications.

[0107] Clause 1. A modular inflatable structure comprising: an inflatable member having an inlet port and a three-dimensional shape; and a connector having a main body, a first arm, and a second arm, wherein at least one of the first and second arms is configured to articulate with respect to the main body and has a fluid passage fluidically interconnected with the internal volume of the main body, wherein (i) in the assembled position, the inflatable member is coupled to the first arm, allowing fluid to flow between the main body and the inflatable member; and (ii) in the separated position, the inflatable member is detached from the first arm, blocking fluid flow through the first arm.

[0108] Clause 2. The inflatable structure according to Clause 1, wherein each of the first and second arms has a valve integrated therein to regulate the flow through it.

[0109] Clause 3. The inflatable structure as described in Clause 2, wherein the inflatable member has a valve that opens at the assembly position to allow flow between the main body and the inflatable member.

[0110] Clause 4. The inflatable structure according to Clause 1, wherein the main body comprises a flexible material that allows the first and second arms to bend relative to each other and relative to the main body.

[0111] Clause 5. The first and second arms are rigid components of the inflatable structure as described in Clause 1.

[0112] Clause 6. The inflatable structure described in Clause 1, wherein the first and second arms are detachable from the main body.

[0113] Clause 7. The inflatable structure according to Clause 1, wherein each of the first and second arms comprises opposite end portions having a plurality of engaging members for coupling with the port of the connector and the connecting socket of the inflatable member.

[0114] Clause 8. An inflatable structure according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, further comprising a valve configured to restrict flow through a first arm, wherein in the separation position, the valve is in a closed position restricting flow between the body and the inflatable member.

[0115] Clause 9. The valve is an inflatable structure as described in Clause 8, located within the first arm.

[0116] Clause 10. The inflatable structure according to Clause 8, wherein the first arm is connected to the main body at the first end portion of the first arm, and the valve is located at the first end of the first arm.

[0117] Clause 11. The inflatable structure according to Clause 8, further comprising a second valve configured to restrict flow through a second arm, wherein the second valve maintains a closed position restricting flow through the second arm when the second arm is detached from another inflatable member, arm, or body.

[0118] Clause 12. The inflatable structure described in Clause 11, wherein the second valve is located within the second arm.

[0119] Clause 13. The inflatable structure according to Clause 11, wherein the second arm is connected to the main body at the first end portion of the second arm, and the second valve is located at the first end of the second arm.

[0120] Clause 14. An inflatable structure according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein both the first and second arms are configured to be articulated to the main body.

[0121] Clause 15. An inflatable structure according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, further comprising a third arm attached to the main body.

[0122] Clause 16. The inflatable structure described in Clause 15, further comprising a fourth arm attached to the main body.

[0123] Clause 17. The inflatable structure described in Clause 16, further comprising a fifth arm attached to the main body.

[0124] Clause 18. The inflatable structure according to Clause 17, comprising five inflatable members, each inflatable member being able to be coupled to one of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth arms.

[0125] Clause 19. The inflatable structure described in Clause 17, wherein the third, fourth, and fifth arms are configured to be articulated to the main body.

[0126] Clause 20. The inflatable structure according to Clause 19, wherein at least one of the first or second arms is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to the main body.

[0127] Clause 21. The inflatable structure according to Clause 19, wherein at least one of the first or second arms is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 45 degrees relative to the main body.

[0128] Clause 22. The inflatable structure according to Clause 19, wherein at least one of the first or second arms is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 60 degrees relative to the main body.

[0129] Clause 23. The inflatable structure according to Clause 19, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 75 degrees relative to the main body.

[0130] Clause 24. The inflatable structure according to Clause 19, wherein at least one of the first or second arms is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 90 degrees relative to the main body.

[0131] Clause 25. The inflatable structure according to Clause 19, wherein the first end portions of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth arms are joined to the main body at a joint point that jointly forms a plane of rotation, and the joint connections of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth arms allow the second end portions of the first, second, third, fourth, and / or fifth arms to be positioned on the first or second side of the plane of rotation.

[0132] Clause 26. The inflatable structure according to Clause 25, wherein the second end portion of the first arm, second arm, third arm, fourth arm, and / or fifth arm can be rotated at an angle of up to about 60 degrees on the first side of the plane of rotation.

[0133] Clause 27. The inflatable structure according to Clause 25, wherein the second end portion of the first arm, second arm, third arm, fourth arm, and / or fifth arm can be rotated at an angle of up to about 15 degrees on the second side of the plane of rotation.

[0134] Clause 28. An inflatable structure according to any one of Clauses 1 to 27, wherein the first end portions of the first arm and the second arm are joined to the main body at a joint point that jointly forms a plane of rotation, and the joint connection of the first arm and the second arm allows the second end portions of the first arm and the second arm to be positioned on the first or second side of the plane of rotation.

[0135] Clause 29. The inflatable structure according to Clause 25, wherein the first arm and the second end portion of the second arm can be rotated at an angle of up to about 60 degrees on the first side of the plane of rotation.

[0136] Clause 30. The inflatable structure according to Clause 25, wherein the first arm and the second end portion of the second arm can be rotated at an angle of up to about 15 degrees on the second side of the plane of rotation.

[0137] Clause 31. An inflatable structure according to any one of Clauses 1 to 30, further comprising a cap for sealing a fluid opening in the first arm.

[0138] Clause 32. An inflatable structure according to any one of Clauses 1 to 31, wherein the three-dimensional form of the inflatable member comprises first and second end portions, and an inlet port is located on the first end portion of the three-dimensional form.

[0139] Clause 33. An inflatable structure according to any one of Clauses 1 to 32, wherein the inflatable member comprises a valve coupler at an inlet port, the valve coupler configured to actuate a valve on a first arm to allow flow between the main body and at least one inflatable member.

[0140] Clause 34. Connector for an inflatable structure, the connector comprising a body, a first arm, and a second arm, wherein at least one of the first and second arms is configured to articulate with respect to the body and has a fluid passage fluidically interconnected with the internal volume of the body.

[0141] Clause 35. The connector according to Clause 34, wherein the first arm has a valve integrated therein to restrict the flow through it.

[0142] Clause 36. The connector according to Clause 35, wherein, in the assembly position where the inflatable member is coupled to the first arm, the valve is moved to an open position to allow flow between the main body and the inflatable member.

[0143] Clause 37. The valve is in the default closed position, restricting flow through the first arm, as described in Clause 35.

[0144] Clause 38. The valve is located within the first arm portion of the connector described in Clause 35.

[0145] Clause 39. The connector according to Clause 35, wherein the first arm is coupled to the main body at the first end portion of the first arm, and the valve is located at the first end of the first arm.

[0146] Clause 40. The connector according to Clause 35, further comprising a second valve configured to restrict flow through a second arm, wherein when the second arm is detached from another inflatable member, arm, or body, the second valve maintains a closed position restricting flow through the second arm.

[0147] Clause 41. The second valve is the connector described in Clause 40, located within the second arm.

[0148] Clause 42. The connector according to Clause 40, wherein the second arm is coupled to the main body at the first end portion of the second arm, and the second valve is located at the first end of the second arm.

[0149] Clause 43. The connector described in any one of Clauses 34 to 42, wherein both the first and second arms are configured to be articulated to the main body.

[0150] Clause 44. The connector described in any one of Clauses 34 to 43, further comprising a third arm attached to the main body.

[0151] Clause 45. The connector according to Clause 44, further comprising a fourth arm attached to the main body.

[0152] Clause 46. The connector according to Clause 45, further comprising a fifth arm attached to the main body.

[0153] Clause 47. The connector described in Clause 46, wherein the third, fourth, and fifth arms are configured to be articulated to the main body.

[0154] Clause 48. The connector according to Clause 46, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to the main body.

[0155] Clause 49. The connector according to Clause 46, wherein the first end portions of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth arms are connected to the main body at a joint point that jointly forms a plane of rotation, and the joint connections of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth arms allow the second end portions of the first, second, third, fourth, and / or fifth arms to be positioned on the first or second side of the plane of rotation.

[0156] Clause 50. The connector according to Clause 46, wherein the second end portion of the first arm, second arm, third arm, fourth arm, and / or fifth arm can be rotated at an angle of up to about 60 degrees on the first side of the plane of rotation.

[0157] Clause 51. The connector according to Clause 46, wherein the second end portion of the first arm, second arm, third arm, fourth arm, and / or fifth arm can be rotated by an angle of up to about 15 degrees on the second side of the plane of rotation.

[0158] Clause 52. The connector according to any one of Clauses 34 to 51, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 45 degrees with respect to the main body.

[0159] Clause 53. The connector according to any one of Clauses 34 to 52, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 60 degrees relative to the main body.

[0160] Clause 54. The connector according to any one of Clauses 34 to 53, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 75 degrees relative to the main body.

[0161] Clause 55. The connector according to any one of Clauses 34 to 54, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 90 degrees relative to the body.

[0162] Clause 56. The connector according to any one of Clauses 34 to 55, wherein the first end portions of the first arm and the second arm are connected to the main body at a joint point that jointly forms a plane of rotation, and the joint connection of the first arm and the second arm allows the second end portions of the first arm and the second arm to be positioned on the first or second side of the plane of rotation.

[0163] Clause 57. The connector according to Clause 56, wherein the first arm and the second end portion of the second arm can be rotated at an angle of up to about 60 degrees on the first side of the plane of rotation.

[0164] Clause 58. The connector according to Clause 56, wherein the first arm and the second end portion of the second arm can be rotated at an angle of up to about 15 degrees on the second side of the plane of rotation.

[0165] Clause 59. A modular inflatable structure comprising an inflatable member having an inlet port, a three-dimensional shape, and a connector, wherein, in the assembly position, the inflatable member is coupled to a second inflatable member to allow flow between the inflatable members, and the structure is configured to have a non-inflatable configuration and an inflatable configuration in which the structure has a predetermined shape.

[0166] Clause 60. A modular inflatable structure comprising a plurality of inflatable members and a connector for fluidly interconnecting the plurality of inflatable members, wherein each inflatable member comprises a connecting socket and a flexible body, and the connector comprises a rigid connector arm and a flexible body configured to receive the rigid connector arm, and in the assembly position, the inflatable members are coupled to a second inflatable member to enable flow between the inflatable members, and the structure is configured to have a non-inflatable configuration and an inflatable configuration in which the structure has a predetermined shape.

[0167] Clause 61. The inflatable structure according to Clause 60, wherein the main body comprises a flexible material that allows the first and second arms to bend relative to each other and relative to the main body.

[0168] Clause 62. The inflatable structure described in Clause 60, wherein the first and second arms are rigid components.

[0169] Clause 63. The inflatable structure described in Clause 60, wherein the first and second arms are detachable from the main body.

[0170] Clause 64. The inflatable structure according to Clause 60, wherein each of the first and second arms comprises opposite end portions having a plurality of engaging members for coupling to the port of the connector and the connecting socket of the inflatable member.

[0171] Clause 65. An inflatable structure or connector as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 64, comprising rigid connector arms, flexible connector arms, or a combination of rigid and flexible connector arms.

[0172] Clause 66. An inflatable structure or connector as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 65, comprising one or more connector arms integrally formed with a connector body.

[0173] Clause 67. An inflatable structure or connector according to any one of Clauses 1 to 66, comprising one or more connector arms integrally formed with a connector body, and one or more connector arms coupled to the connector body via a joint.

[0174] Further considerations In some embodiments, any provision in this specification may be dependent on any single independent provision or any single dependent provision. In one embodiment, any provision (e.g., a dependent or independent provision) may be combined with any other provision (e.g., a dependent or independent provision). In one embodiment, a claim may include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, actions, means, or components) described in a provision, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one embodiment, a claim may include some or all of the words described in one or more provisions, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one embodiment, some of the words in each provision, sentence, phrase, or paragraph may be deleted. In one embodiment, additional words or elements may be added to a provision, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one embodiment, the subject art may be realized without using some of the components, elements, functions, or actions described herein. In one embodiment, the subject art may be realized using additional components, elements, functions, or actions.

[0175] The foregoing description is provided so that those skilled in the art can implement the various configurations described herein. The subject art has been described in detail with reference to various figures and configurations, but it should be understood that these are for illustrative purposes only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the subject art.

[0176] Many other methods may exist for realizing the subject art. Various functions and elements described herein may be classified differently from those shown without departing from the scope of the subject art. Various modifications to these configurations will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles set forth herein may be applied to other configurations. Therefore, many changes and modifications can be made to the subject art by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the subject art.

[0177] The specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed process is to be understood as an example of an exemplary approach. The specific order or hierarchy of steps in the process may be rearranged based on design preferences. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The attached method claims present elements of various steps in a sample order and are not to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0178] When used herein, the phrase “at least one of” precedes a set of items and is accompanied by the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of those items, modifies the enumerated items as a whole, rather than each individual member (i.e., each item) listed. The phrase “at least one of” does not require the selection of at least one of each of the enumerated items; rather, it allows the meaning to include at least one of any of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of the items, and / or at least one of each of the items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refer to A only, B only, or C only; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0179] As used herein, the term “rigidity” may refer to a material that cannot be bent or deformed from its initial shape without permanent deformation or breakage. Furthermore, the term “flexibility” may refer to a material that can be bent or deformed from its initial shape without permanent deformation or breakage.

[0180] When used in this disclosure, terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” and “rear” should be understood to refer to an arbitrary reference frame, not a typical gravity reference frame. Thus, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and rear surface may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravity reference frame.

[0181] Furthermore, to the extent that terms such as “include” and “have” are used in the description or claims, such terms are intended to be comprehensive in the same manner as the term “comprise” is interpreted when “comprise” is used as a transitional term in a claim.

[0182] As will be understood by those skilled in the art when used herein, the term “about” is relative to the stated actual value and allows for approximation, inaccuracy, and limitations of measurement under the relevant circumstances. In one or more embodiments, the terms “about,” “substantially,” and “nearly” may provide industrially accepted tolerances for the relative relationship between their corresponding terms and / or matters, such as tolerances from less than 1 percent to 10 percent of the stated actual value and other appropriate tolerances.

[0183] As used herein, the term “comprising” indicates the existence of a specified integer, but allows for the possibility of other integers not specified. The term does not imply any particular ratio of the specified integers. Variations of the word “comprising,” such as “comprise” and “comprises,” correspond to similar meanings.

[0184] The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, case, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily construed as being preferable or advantageous to other embodiments.

[0185] References to singular elements are intended to mean "one or more" rather than "one and only one" unless otherwise stated. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. The term "several" refers to one or more. Underlined and / or italicized headings and subheadings are for convenience only and are not intended to limit the subject art, nor to be referenced in connection with the interpretation of the description of the subject art. All structural and functional equivalents to elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure, known to those skilled in the art or to become known thereafter, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the subject art. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, whether such disclosure is expressly stated in the above description or not.

[0186] While the detailed descriptions include many specifics, these should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the subject art, but merely as illustrating different examples and embodiments of the subject art. It should be understood that the scope of the subject art includes other embodiments not discussed in detail above. Various other modifications, changes, and variations can be made to the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatus of the subject art disclosed herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, it is not necessary for a device or method to address all issues that can be resolved (or have all the advantages that can be achieved) by different embodiments of this disclosure in order to be included within the scope of this disclosure. The use of “can” and its derivatives herein should be understood as “possible” or “optionally,” as opposed to a positive ability.

Claims

1. A modular inflatable structure comprising: an inflatable member having an inlet port and a three-dimensional shape; and a connector having a main body, a first arm, and a second arm, wherein at least one of the first and second arms is configured to be articulated with respect to the main body and has a fluid passage fluidically interconnected with the internal volume of the main body, wherein (i) in the assembled position, the inflatable member is coupled to the first arm, allowing fluid to flow between the main body and the inflatable member; and (ii) in the separated position, the inflatable member is detached from the first arm, blocking fluid flow through the first arm.

2. The inflatable structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second arms has a valve integrated therewith to restrict the flow through it.

3. The expandable structure according to claim 2, wherein the expandable member opens the valve at the assembly position to allow flow between the main body and the expandable member.

4. The inflatable structure according to claim 1, wherein the main body portion comprises a flexible material that allows the first and second arms to bend relative to each other and relative to the main body portion.

5. The inflatable structure according to claim 1, wherein the first and second arm portions are rigid components.

6. The inflatable structure according to claim 1, wherein the first and second arm portions are separable from the main body portion.

7. The inflatable structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second arms has an opposite end portion having a plurality of engaging members for coupling to the port of the connector and the connection socket of the inflatable member.

8. The expandable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a valve configured to restrict flow through the first arm, wherein in the separation position, the valve is in a closed position that restricts flow between the main body and the expandable member.

9. The inflatable structure according to claim 8, wherein the valve is located within the first arm portion.

10. The inflatable structure according to claim 8, wherein the first arm is connected to the main body at the first end portion of the first arm, and the valve is located at the first end of the first arm.

11. The inflatable structure according to claim 8, further comprising a second valve configured to restrict flow through the second arm, wherein the second valve maintains a closed position restricting flow through the second arm when the second arm is detached from another inflatable member, arm, or body.

12. The inflatable structure according to claim 11, wherein the second valve is located within the second arm.

13. The inflatable structure according to claim 11, wherein the second arm is connected to the main body at the first end portion of the second arm, and the second valve is located at the first end of the second arm.

14. The inflatable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein both the first and second arm portions are configured to be articulated to the main body portion.

15. The inflatable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a third arm portion attached to the main body portion.

16. The inflatable structure according to claim 15, further comprising a fourth arm portion connected to the main body portion.

17. The inflatable structure according to claim 16, further comprising a fifth arm portion connected to the main body portion.

18. The inflatable structure according to claim 17, wherein the structure comprises five inflatable members, each inflatable member being able to be connected to one of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth arm portions.

19. The inflatable structure according to claim 17, wherein the third, fourth, and fifth arm portions are configured to be articulated to the main body portion.

20. The inflatable structure according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate at an angle of at least 30 degrees with respect to the main body.

21. The inflatable structure according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate at an angle of at least 45 degrees with respect to the main body.

22. The inflatable structure according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate at an angle of at least 60 degrees with respect to the main body.

23. The inflatable structure according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate at an angle of at least 75 degrees with respect to the main body.

24. The inflatable structure according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate at an angle of at least 90 degrees with respect to the main body.

25. The inflatable structure according to claim 19, wherein the first end portions of the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, the fourth arm, and the fifth arm are connected to the main body at a joint point that jointly forms a plane of rotation, and the joint connections of the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, the fourth arm, and the fifth arm allow the second end portions of the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, the fourth arm, and / or the fifth arm to be positioned on the first or second side of the plane of rotation.

26. The inflatable structure according to claim 25, wherein the second end portion of the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, the fourth arm, and / or the fifth arm can be rotated at an angle of up to about 60 degrees on the first side of the plane of rotation.

27. The inflatable structure according to claim 25, wherein the second end portion of the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, the fourth arm, and / or the fifth arm can be rotated at an angle of up to about 15 degrees on the second side of the plane of rotation.

28. The inflatable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first end portion of the first arm and the second arm are connected to the main body at a joint point that jointly forms a plane of rotation, and the joint connection of the first arm and the second arm allows the second end portion of the first arm and the second arm to be positioned on the first or second side of the plane of rotation.

29. The inflatable structure according to claim 25, wherein the first arm and the second end portion of the second arm can be rotated at an angle of up to about 60 degrees on the first side of the rotation plane.

30. The inflatable structure according to claim 25, wherein the first arm and the second end portion of the second arm can be rotated at an angle of up to about 15 degrees on the second side of the rotation plane.

31. The inflatable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 30, further comprising a cap for sealing the fluid opening of the first arm.

32. The inflatable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the three-dimensional form of the inflatable member comprises first and second end portions, and the inlet port is located in the first end portion of the three-dimensional form.

33. The inflatable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the inflatable member is provided with a valve coupler at the inlet port, and the valve coupler is configured to actuate a valve on the first arm so as to allow flow between the main body and the at least one inflatable member.

34. A connector for an inflatable structure, the connector comprising a body, a first arm, and a second arm, wherein at least one of the first and second arms is configured to be articulated to the body and has a fluid passage fluidly interconnected with the internal volume of the body.

35. The connector according to claim 34, wherein the first arm has a valve integrated therewith to restrict the flow through it.

36. The connector according to claim 35, wherein, in the assembly position where the inflatable member is coupled to the first arm, the valve is moved to an open state in order to allow flow between the main body and the inflatable member.

37. The connector according to claim 35, wherein the valve is in a default closed position that restricts flow through the first arm.

38. The connector according to claim 35, wherein the valve is located within the first arm portion.

39. The connector according to claim 35, wherein the first arm is coupled to the main body at the first end portion of the first arm, and the valve is located at the first end of the first arm.

40. The connector according to claim 35, further comprising a second valve configured to restrict flow through the second arm, wherein the second valve maintains a closed position restricting flow through the second arm when the second arm is detached from another inflatable member, arm, or body.

41. The connector according to claim 40, wherein the second valve is located within the second arm.

42. The connector according to claim 40, wherein the second arm is coupled to the main body at the first end portion of the second arm, and the second valve is located at the first end of the second arm.

43. The connector according to any one of claims 34 to 42, wherein both the first and second arm portions are configured to be articulated to the main body portion.

44. The connector according to any one of claims 34 to 43, further comprising a third arm portion coupled to the main body portion.

45. The connector according to claim 44, further comprising a fourth arm portion coupled to the main body portion.

46. The connector according to claim 45, further comprising a fifth arm portion connected to the main body portion.

47. The connector according to claim 46, wherein the third, fourth, and fifth arms are configured to be articulated to the main body.

48. The connector according to claim 46, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 30 degrees with respect to the main body.

49. The connector according to claim 46, wherein the first end portions of the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, the fourth arm, and the fifth arm are connected to the main body at a joint point that jointly forms a plane of rotation, and the joint connections of the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, the fourth arm, and the fifth arm allow the second end portions of the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, the fourth arm, and / or the fifth arm to be positioned on the first or second side of the plane of rotation.

50. The connector according to claim 49, wherein the second end portion of the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, the fourth arm, and / or the fifth arm can be rotated at an angle of up to about 60 degrees on the first side of the rotation plane.

51. The connector according to claim 46, wherein the second end portion of the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, the fourth arm, and / or the fifth arm can be rotated by an angle of up to about 15 degrees on the second side of the rotation plane.

52. The connector according to any one of claims 34 to 51, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 45 degrees with respect to the main body.

53. The connector according to any one of claims 34 to 52, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 60 degrees with respect to the main body.

54. The connector according to any one of claims 34 to 53, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 75 degrees with respect to the main body.

55. The connector according to any one of claims 34 to 54, wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is configured to rotate by an angle of at least 90 degrees with respect to the main body.

56. The connector according to any one of claims 34 to 55, wherein the first end portion of the first arm and the second arm are connected to the main body at a joint point that jointly forms a plane of rotation, and the joint connection of the first arm and the second arm allows the second end portion of the first arm and the second arm to be positioned on the first or second side of the plane of rotation.

57. The connector according to claim 56, wherein the first arm and the second end portion of the second arm can be rotated at an angle of up to about 60 degrees on the first side of the rotation plane.

58. The connector according to claim 56, wherein the first arm and the second end portion of the second arm can be rotated by an angle of up to about 15 degrees on the second side of the rotation plane.

59. A modular inflatable structure comprising an inflatable member having an inlet port, a three-dimensional shape, and a connector, wherein, at the assembly position, the inflatable member is coupled to a second inflatable member to enable flow between the inflatable members, and the structure is configured to have a non-inflatable configuration and an inflatable configuration in which the structure has a predetermined shape.

60. A modular inflatable structure comprising a plurality of inflatable members and a connector for fluidly interconnecting the plurality of inflatable members, wherein each inflatable member comprises a connection socket and a flexible body portion, the connector comprises a rigid connector arm portion and a flexible body portion configured to receive the rigid connector arm portion, and in the assembly position, the inflatable members are coupled to a second inflatable member to enable fluid flow between the inflatable members, and the structure is configured to have a non-inflatable configuration and an inflatable configuration in which the structure has a predetermined shape.

61. The inflatable structure according to claim 60, wherein the main body portion comprises a flexible material that allows the first and second arms to bend relative to each other and relative to the main body portion.

62. The inflatable structure according to claim 60, wherein the first and second arm portions are rigid components.

63. The inflatable structure according to claim 60, wherein the first and second arm portions are separable from the main body portion.

64. The inflatable structure according to claim 60, wherein each of the first and second arms has opposite end portions having a plurality of engaging members for coupling to the port of the connector and the connection socket of the inflatable member.

65. The connector comprises a rigid connector arm, a flexible connector arm, or a combination of rigid and flexible connector arms, according to any one of claims 1 to 64.

66. The expandable structure or connector according to any one of claims 1 to 65, wherein the connector comprises one or more connector arms formed integrally with the connector body.

67. The expandable structure or connector according to any one of claims 1 to 66, comprising: one or more connector arms integrally formed with the connector body; and one or more connector arms connected to the connector body via a joint.

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