Inflatable shelter

Details Inflatable shelter Inflatable shelter

1999-05-07

2001-07-17

Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)

Static structures (e.g., buildings)

Shaped or strengthened by fluid pressure

Intersecting tubular elements form framework

C052S002230, C052S002240, C135S090000, C135S096000, C135S124000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06260306

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to shelters, such as tents and canopies, formed from flexible membranes. In particular, the present invention relates to an inflatable shelter that has few parts, that is simple to manufacture and that is to easy to set up and repair.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Portable shelters, such as tents and canopies, are employed to provide cover and protection from the elements such as sun, rain and wind. Such portable shelters generally include a flexible lightweight membrane, such as canvas, which is supported by poles or inflated members. Although more easily erected as compared to pole supported shelters, inflatable shelters are typically more expensive to manufacture, are more subject to failure and are more difficult to repair. Conventional inflatable shelters utilize either a single extremely complex shaped inflatable member or multiple tubes that have axial ends that converge at the apex of the shelter or that overlap one another at the apex of the shelter. Shelters that employ a single inflatable member are extremely complex and difficult to manufacture. Moreover, once damaged, the entire shelter must be replaced. Shelters employing multiple tubes that have axial ends converging at the apex of the structure require a greater number of parts, are time consuming to assemble and are subject to leakage. Shelters employing multiple tubes that overlap one another at the apex of the structure result in the outer perimeter of the shelter being multi-tiered such that the shelter is difficult to cover with a fly. Moreover, such shelters are unattractive due to the outer surface discontinuity.
As a result, there is a continuing need for an inflatable structure or shelter that is easy to manufacture, requires fewer parts, is easy to assemble, is easily erected and is easily repaired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an inflatable shelter that includes a flexible membrane, a first elongate inflatable tube supported by the flexible membrane and a second elongate inflatable tube supported by the flexible membrane. The first tube has first and second axial ends and a first intermediate portion between the first and second axial ends. The second tube has third and fourth axial ends and a second intermediate portion between the third and fourth axial ends. The first, second, third and fourth axial ends terminate in a plane. The first and second intermediate portions converge towards one another such that the first and second tubes form four legs supporting the membrane.
The present invention also provides for an inflatable shelter including a first sleeve defining a first lumen, a second sleeve defining a second lumen, a first inflatable tube received within the first lumen, and a second inflatable tube received within the second lumen. The first sleeve has first and second axial ends and a first intermediate portion between the first and second axial ends. The second sleeve has third and fourth axial ends and a second intermediate portion between the third and fourth axial ends. The first and second intermediate portions converge. The first and second lumens are separated by at least one divider panel extending parallel to the first and second lumens.
The present invention also provides an inflatable shelter including a plurality of sleeves defining a plurality of lumens, a plurality of wall panels coupled to and extending between the plurality of sleeves and a plurality of elongate inflatable tubes disposed within the plurality of sleeves, respectively. Each of the plurality of tubes are insertable into and removable from the plurality of sleeves such that each of the plurality of tubes may be replaced.
The present invention also provides a shelter shell for being supported by a plurality of inflatable tubes, whereby inflation of the tubes supports the shell. The shelter shell includes a plurality of sleeves providing a plurality of lumens configured to removably receive the plurality of inflatable tubes, respectively, and a plurality of wall panels coupled to and extending between the plurality of sleeves. Each of the sleeves is preferably air permeable and is configured to completely surround a circumference of the tube disposed therein.


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Johnson Worldwide Associates Eureka Catalog—“Twin Tube Frame Tents” (12 pages).
Johnson Worldwide Associates Eureka Catalog—“Genesis, Elite and Capri Tents, Party Tents and Canopies” (8 pages).

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