EP0024401B1 - Inflatable structures and pneumatic boats comprising such structures - Google Patents

Abstract

Inflatable structure comprised of a flexible envelope (1q), characterized in that it comprises a rigid core (2q) flat or shaped on at least of a portion of the surface thereof. According to an alternative, this rigid core is comprised of the base of a fixing device (4q) and is partially or completely coated with a synthetic or rubber elastomeric layer (13q) by means of which it is welded to the coated tissue (1q) forming the flexible envelope of said inflatable structure. The device also applies to pneumatic boats of the type comprising floats consisting of inflatable structures having the aforesaid characteristics.

Description

The present invention relates to improvements to inflatable structures.

It also applies to inflatable boats of the type comprising floats constituted by inflatable tubes.

More specifically, the device and method according to the invention apply to the production of inflatable structures consisting of a flexible envelope made using a coated fabric and covered, on at least a portion of its surface, by at least one rigid core constituting the base of a fixing means allowing the assembly of said inflatable structures to various supports (rigid or semi-rigid boat hull, helicopter shoes, etc.) or to various accessories such as, for example, considering the advantageous application of the invention to inflatable boats: cleats, handles, mooring and towing rings, line loops, keel, engine support board, bowsprit support, oars supports , interior handrail supports, bow profile, various attachments, etc ...

According to one embodiment of such inflatable structures (US-A-2,979,064), the rigid core formed by the base of a fixing device is embedded in a layer of neoprene and is welded, by means of this last, on the external face of the flexible envelope constituted by a coated fabric.

This method of attachment has a serious drawback arising from the fact that the resistance to tearing under tensile forces is only that of the coating in which the base is embedded or that of the exterior coating of the coated tissue. This resistance is therefore very low and the base thus fixed can be detached quite easily under separation efforts even small, either as a result of the tearing of the neoprene coating, or as a result of the tearing of the external coating of the coated fabric constituting the flexible envelope.

According to another embodiment of inflatable structures of this kind (FR-A-1 250 899 document which has scrupulous in delimiting claims 1 and 8), the rigid core is simply glued to the internal face of the flexible envelope and is used for fixing elements arranged outside said envelope.

• - n'offre également qu'une faible résistance à l'arrachement sous des efforts de poussée appliqués en direction de l'intérieur de l'enveloppe souple, car cette résistance est uniquement celle de la colle utilisée pour l'assemblage ou celle de l'enduction intérieure du tissue enduit constituant ladite enveloppe;
• -il ne permet pas de maintenir durablement une bonne étanchéité autour des orifices exécutés dans l'enveloppe souple pour le passage des organes de fixation.

This method of attachment, however, has a double disadvantage:

• - also only offers a low resistance to tearing under thrust forces applied towards the interior of the flexible envelope, because this resistance is only that of the adhesive used for assembly or that of the internal coating of the coated tissue constituting said envelope;
• it does not maintain a good seal around the openings made in the flexible envelope for the passage of the fastening members.

The object of the present invention is in particular to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks of devices and methods of the type described in documents FR-A-1 250 899 and US-A-2 979 064 and used to provide inflatable structures with at least one rigid core capable of controlling the deformation of a part of the surface of said inflatable structures and / or of constituting the base of a fixing device.

This objective is achieved by the method and the device of the invention according to claims 1 and 8 according to which the rigid core or base is completely covered with a layer of a synthetic elastomer or of rubber forming a coating by means of which it is welded or glued inside the flexible envelope, and in that a flange or sealing sheet is welded and glued both to said coating, by its central portion, and to the internal face of the 'flexible envelope, by its projecting portion.

Thanks to the invention, an extremely resistant assembly of the inflatable structures and their supports or accessories is obtained, taking into account the fact that the tensile forces cannot generate any detachment of the bases, while the resistance to tearing of the latter under pushing efforts is very important.

On the other hand, a perfect and lasting seal is produced around the orifices allowing the passage of the rods of the fixing members.

• La tigure 1 est une vue en coupe montrant un exemple de réalisation d'une embase d'un dispositif de fixation solidarisée au tissu enduit d'une enveloppe gonflable, suivant le procédé de l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une vue en coupe d'un autre exemple d'exécution de l'embase d'un dispositif de fixation fixée au tissue enduit d'une enveloppe gonflable, à l'aide du procédé de l'invention.
• La figure 3 est une coupe transversale d'une structure gonflable pourvue d'une âme rigide constituant l'embase de moyens de fixation, cette structure constituant, par exemple, l'un des boudins gonflables d'une embarcation pneumatique.
• La figure 4 illustre la fixation de cette structure sur un support constitué, par exemple, par la coque rigide d'une embarcation pneumatique semi-rigide partiellement représentée.
• La figure 5 est une vue partielle, en coupe longitudinale, illustrant la fixation de la partie postérieure d'une coque rigide sur l'extrémité arrière d'un flotteur constitué par une structure gonflable suivant l'invention.
• La figure 6 est une vue partielle, en coupe longitudinale, représentant la fixation d'un tableau support de moteur sur l'extrémité arrière d'un flotteur.
• La figure 7 est une vue partielle, en coupe longitudinale, illustrant la fixation d'un support de beaupré à l'avant de la structure gonflable d'une embarcation pneumatique.

These aims, characteristics and advantages, and others still, will emerge more clearly from the description which follows and from the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a base of a fixing device secured to the fabric coated with an inflatable envelope, according to the method of the invention.
• Figure 2 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the base of a fixing device fixed to the tissue coated with an inflatable envelope, using the method of the invention.
• Figure 3 is a cross section of an inflatable structure provided with a rigid core constituting the base of fastening means, this structure constituting, for example, one of the inflatable tubes of a pneumatic boat.
• FIG. 4 illustrates the fixing of this structure on a support constituted, for example, by the rigid hull of a semi-rigid inflatable boat partially shown.
• Figure 5 is a partial view, in longitudinal section, illustrating the attachment of the rear part of a rigid shell on the end rear of a float constituted by an inflatable structure according to the invention.
• Figure 6 is a partial view, in longitudinal section, showing the attachment of an engine support panel on the rear end of a float.
• Figure 7 is a partial view, in longitudinal section, illustrating the fixing of a bowsprit support in front of the inflatable structure of a pneumatic boat.

Reference is made to said drawings to describe interesting, although in no way limiting, embodiments of inflatable structures according to the invention.

For the sake of brevity of the following description, reference is made to the particularly advantageous application of the invention to the manufacture of inflatable boats. However, it is also specified that the claimed inflatable structures can be assigned to various destinations such as the production of floats for helicopters or other aircraft, tanks, swimming pools, and the like, the above enumeration being in no way exhaustive.

The inflatable structures to which the invention applies include a flexible envelope 1, preferably made by means of a coated fabric such as, for example, a fabric of natural or synthetic fibers coated with rubber, or PVC, or other elastomer of synthesis.

On the other hand, these inflatable structures comprise at least one rigid core 2 on at least part of their surface and disposed inside said structures, this rigid core constituting a base of at least one fixing device.

This rigid core or reinforcement may have any desirable shape, profile or size, depending on the nature or the destination of the inflatable structure in which it is incorporated. It can be made of all suitable materials (rigid plastic, metal, etc.).

The rigid flat or shaped cores are incorporated into the inflatable structure, before the latter is finished, and the rigid core 2 or each rigid core of the inflatable structures is completely embedded or crimped in a coating 3 of a synthetic elastomer or of rubber, by means of which it is then welded or glued to the internal face of the flexible envelope 1 constituting said structures. A flange or sealing sheet 4 of larger dimension than that of the rigid core or base 2 covers the latter and is welded or bonded, by any suitable process, both to the coating 3 by its central portion 4a, and on the internal face of the coated fabric constituting the flexible envelope by its projecting portion 4b.

The coating of the base (s) can be carried out using any suitable molding or adhesion process, in particular depending on the material from which the said base (s) is or are made (metal or rigid plastic) and the nature of the coating material.

According to a preferred embodiment, the coating material used for bonding the rigid webs or bases is identical to the material for coating the coated fabric in which the flexible envelope of the inflatable structure is executed.

For example, if the flexible envelope of the inflatable structure is made using a polyamide 6/6 (Nylon) fabric coated with polychloroprene (Neoprene) or chlorosulfonated polyethylene (Hypalon), the base of the fastening devices will be partially or completely coated with a layer of polychloroprene or chlorosulfonated polyethylene, respectively, by means of which it will then be welded to the internal face of said envelope.

This welding can be carried out using any suitable process, depending on the nature of the coating material and of the coating, hot or cold, for example, by vulcanization, bonding by means of an appropriate adhesive, welding by ultrasound or by high frequency current, etc ...

On the other hand, the flange or sealing sheet 4 is preferably executed in a coated fabric, the coating of which is advantageously carried out in a material identical to that of the coating 3 of the base 2 and that of coating the fabric coated with the flexible envelope 1.

A few practical examples of implementing the method according to the invention are described below.

FIG. 1 illustrates the attachment of a ring 5 such as a mooring or towing ring, to an inflatable structure such as a float for an inflatable boat.

According to this example of application, the float constituted by a flexible envelope 1 comprises, at the front, a rigid core or base 2 secured to an emerging threaded rod 6 on which is mounted the ring 5 held by a nut 7. The rigid base 2 of the fixing device is completely embedded in a coating 3 of natural or synthetic rubber from which emerges the threaded rod 6 of said device formed in one piece with said base which is welded to the internal face of the tissue of the flexible envelope 1 by means of said coating.

In addition, to offer an absolute guarantee of tightness, a flange or sealing sheet 4 of larger size covers the base 2 and is bonded, by any suitable method, both to the coating 3, by its portion. central 4a, and on the internal face of the coated fabric constituting the envelope 1, by its projecting portion 4b.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the fixing means is constituted by a blind nut 8 secured to the base 2 and which can advantageously be formed in one piece with the latter.

In this case also, the base is completely coated with a layer of natural or synthetic rubber 3 comprising an orifice placed opposite the entry of the nut 8. It is welded to the coated fabric 1 constituting the flexible envelope of the structure by means of said coating.

A hole is made in said envelope in correspondence with the orifice allowing access to the nut, to allow the passage of a screw 9 or other threaded rod used, for example, for fixing accessories such as cleat 10 .

Of course, depending on its destination, the base 2 can be secured to several blind nuts 8, so as to allow assembly by means of a corresponding number of screws 9.

FIG. 3 illustrates an inflatable structure 1 constituting, for example, one of the floats of an inflatable boat.

The bottom of this structure comprises a rigid core 2 rigidly secured to threaded rods 6 regularly distributed along its length and emerging on the lower surface of said structure.

Figure 4 shows the removable attachment of this structure on the upper edge 11a of a rigid shell 11 made, in a manner known per se, of metal, polyester, wood or any other suitable material. To this end, said upper edge has holes for the passage of the rods 6; the assembly being carried out by means of nuts 7 which are screwed onto the threaded ends of said rods. An assembly and sealing joint 12 is preferably interposed between the surfaces in contact with the inflatable structure and the support (shell 11).

The rear end of the inflatable structures 1 (FIGS. 5 and 6) constituting the;:; floats for pneumatic watercraft may also advantageously include a rigid core 2 that is flat and of a shape corresponding to the interior profile of said floats. This rigid core is rigidly secured to threaded rods 6 emerging on the rear face of the tubes 1.

These threaded rods allow: either the fixing of the rear wall 11b of the rigid hull 11 corresponding to the stern of the boat and constituting the transom for the installation of an engine (Figure 5) in the case of boats semi-rigid, or a removable motor support table 13 (Figure 6), for example in the case of inflatable boats without rigid hull.

FIG. 7 illustrates the fixing of a bowsprit support 14 at the front of an inflatable float 1, the prow of which is provided with a rigid core 2 secured to threaded rods 6 passing through holes which said support for skinning; the assembly being obtained, in the manner previously indicated, by means of nuts screwing onto the threaded ends of said rods.

In the same way, it is possible to fix a shaped element on the prow of the inflatable boat, in order to constitute a stem favoring the progression on the water.

Claims (12)

1. Inflatable structure constituted by a flexible envelope (1) preferably made with a coated fabric and at least a portion of the inner face of which is covered by a rigid core constituting a base (2) of at least one fixing device (6, 8) characterised in that the base (2) is entirely coated with a layer (3) of a synthetic elastomer or of rubber forming an enrobing by means of which it is welded or glued to the interior of the flexible envelope (1), and in that a sealing pad or sheet (4) is welded or glued both on the enrobing (3) by its central portion (4a) and on the internal face of the flexible envelope (1) by its peripheral portion (4b).

2. Inflatable structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the enrobing (3) ensuring the connection of the base (2) and the flexible envelope (1) is made of a material identical to that of the coating of the coated fabric from which the said envelope is made.

3. Inflatable structure according to claim 2, characterised in that the sealing pad or sheet (4) is made of a coated fabric the coating of which is carried out in a material identical to that of the enrobing (3) of the base (2) and to that of the coating of the fabric constituting the flexible envelope (1).

4. Inflatable structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the said rigid core (2) is rigidly fast with a fixing means (6, 8) accessible at the exterior or from the exterior of the said structure.

5. Inflatable structure according to claim 4, characterised in that the said fixing device is constituted by one or more threaded rods (6) emerging at the exterior of the flexible envelope (1) of the said structure and serving for the reception of a lock nut(s) (7).

6. Inflatable structure according to claim 4, characterised in that the said fixing means is constituted by one or more blind nuts (8) accessible from the exterior of the flexible envelope (1) of the said structure and serving for the reception of screws (9).

7. Inflatable structure according to any one of claims 1, 4, 5 and 6, characterised in that the base (2) is formed in a single piece with the fixing means (6, 8).

8. Process of manufacture and/or fixation of an inflatable structure constituted by a flexible envelope (1), preferably made with a coated fabric and provided with a rigid core constituting a base (2) of at least one fixing means (6, 8) characterised in that the rigid base (2) is totally immersed or enclosed in an enrobing (3) of a synthetic elastomer or of rubber by means of which it is then welded or glued on the inner face of the flexible envelope (1), and in that a sealing pad or sheet (4) is finally welded or glued both on the enrobing (3) by its central portion (4a) and on the internal face of the flexible envelope (1) by its peripheral portion (4b).

9. Process of manufacture and/or fixation of an inflatable structure according to claim 8, characterised in that there is employed, for the manufacture of the enrobing (3), of the rigid core or base (2), a material identical to that of the coating of the fabric of which the flexible envelope (1) of the said structure is made.

10. Process of manufacture and/or fixation of an inflatable structure according to claim 9, characterised in that the sealing pad or sheet (4) is made from a coated fabric the coating of which is made from a material identical to that of the enrobing (3) of the base (2) and to that of the coating of the fabric constituting the flexible envelope (1).

11. Pneumatic boat of the kind comprising one or more inflatable chambers or floats, characterised in that this or these latter is or are constituted by an inflatable structure made according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or manufacture according to the process of any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. Semi-rigid pneumatic boat according to claim 11, of the kind comprising also a rigid hull (11) characterised in that the said inflatable chambers or floats (1) and the said hull (11) are secured together by means of fixing devices (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8) with which is equipped the inflatable structure made according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or manufactured according to the process of any one of claims 8 to 10.

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