WO2007096653A1

WO2007096653A1 - A frame work comprising inflatable members and its method of construction

Info

Publication number: WO2007096653A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/000664
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Edmond Fletcher
Original assignee: MFC Survival Ltd
Current assignee: MFC Survival Ltd
Priority date: 2006-02-24
Filing date: 2007-02-26
Publication date: 2007-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 2008-08-24
Also published as: GB0603698D0

Abstract

A frame work structure for a number of constructions such as buildings, furniture, base, rafts and trolleys wherein the frame work comprises at least two separable, inflatable members (2, 3) .

Description

A FRAME WORK COMPRISING INFLATABLE MEMBERS AND ITS METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION

This invention relates to a frame work structure for a number of constructions including buildings, furniture, boats, rafts and trolleys. In particular this invention relates to a frame work structure for temporary buildings.

Temporary buildings may be required for use in an emergency by fire, ambulance, hospital or police authorities and for exhibitions, entertainment and sheltering. The structures may be needed for a matter of hours or sometimes months and they must be easy to transport and swift to set up and/or move from one location to another.

It is known to use pneumatic frame works for the construction of such temporary buildings. Once the frame work is erected suitable material is made to cover, or be hung from the frame work to create a top, or roof and sides, or walls and sometimes a floor covering. Such inflatable frame works are built by being glued, sewn or welded together to form a single pneumatic frame work which comprises vertical, slanting and/or horizontal members, or tubes that are inflatable and deflatable from a single location.

When the frame work has been erected it has to be wholly air leak proof otherwise it may collapse slowly or rapidly. The single pneumatic frame which may incorporate many members has to be inflated and suitably tested to ensure it is leak proof and ready for use. The testing for, finding and eradicating of leaks in a single pneumatic frame work can be labour intensive and very time consuming causing additional costs and delays both in manufacture and use of the frame work. Subsequently, there may be failure arising from wear and tear of parts of the framework that may involve inspection of all of it to find the cause(s).

The invention is not restricted to frameworks for constructions/buildings and the invention has been devised primarily to overcome the problems outlined above which are associated with inflatable constructions made from a single inflatable frame work.

A particular aim of the invention is to provide an inflatable frame work comprising separable members. Such a frame work facilitates testing for damage to the frame work since each member may be individually inflated and tested for leaks. This avoids the need for the whole structure to be inflated and checked which may be impractical and time consuming. Such a frame work also allows members to be replaced separately, thus simplifying any necessary repair work. Further, such a frame work comprising separable members allows a frame work of the desired configuration to be constructed.

A further aim of the invention is to provide a method of constructing an inflatable frame work using separable members.

According to the invention there is provided a frame work, the frame work comprising at least two separable, inflatable members. The at least two members are preferably inflated by means of a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid. Preferably each member is inflatable independently of the other member or members. More preferably the at least two separable members mate with one another.

Preferably one member comprises at least one socket for receiving another member.

Preferably the framework comprises connector means for connecting each member to at least one other member in the frame work. More preferably the connector means comprises means for fluidly connecting each member to at least one other member such that all the members of the frame work can be inflated and deflated from a single fluid input.

Alternatively, or additionally the connector means comprises valve means for controlling the flow of fluid between the inflatable members. In this respect the valve means is preferably configured to prevent an inflated frame work from completely collapsing in the event that one of the members is damaged.

Preferably the frame work comprises at least two generally upright inflatable members interconnected by means of at least one, but more generally at least three horizontal inflatable members.

In an alternative arrangement of the invention one or more of the inflatable members may further comprise at least two separable, inflatable component members. At least one of said component members is preferably provided with at least one cuff for receiving another component member. The cuff which will receive a portion of another component member permits continuity in the longitudinal stress in the walls of the two members, which assists in maintaining the rigidity of the members. More preferably, said component members are provided with connector means for connecting one component member to another component member.

The connector means may comprise means for fluidly connecting one component member to another component member. A joining means is preferably provided to join the cuff of one of said component members to the wall of another component member. The joining means may comprise interlocking elements. Preferably, bands comprising the interlocking elements are fitted to the cuff of one component member and a wall of another component member. Preferably, the bands are manufactured by moulding or extrusion means. More preferably, the bands of interlocking elements are urged into a locking position under pressure.

Alternatively, the joining means may comprise a hook and loop means, such as Velcro means.

Preferably, the frame work is a frame work for a building.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of constructing an inflatable frame work using at least two separable members. The invention shall now be described with reference to the following drawings, by way of example only, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a frame work fully erected in accordance with at least one aspect of the invention,

Figures 2, 3 and 4 are perspective views of the parts of the frame work of figure 1 in accordance with at least one aspect of the invention,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a frame work fully erected in accordance with a further arrangement of the invention,

Figure 6 is a perspective view of parts of the frame work of figure 5 in accordance with a further arrangement of the invention, and

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of an alternative arrangement of parts of the framework of figure 5.

Figure 1 shows an erected frame work 1 which may, for example, be a frame work for a building. The frame work consists of three portal members 2 and three purlin members 3. The members 2 and 3 are separate components made from an air tight flexible membrane. The members 2 and 3 are inflated by fluid which may be a gas such as air or it may be a liquid. The term "inflatable" is used herein to describe those structures which may be filled by liquid or gas. Portal members 2 are one piece constructions comprising four portions a, b, c and d. When erected portions a and b, make contact with the ground G and extend in a vertical manner thereto. Portions c and d extend in a slanting manner from parts a and b to an apex 4. Purlin members 3 are generally cylindrical in form and mate with portal members 2. Purlin members 3 when erected and supported by the portal members are substantially horizontal with respect to the ground G.

Members 2 and 3 mate with each other at socket joints 5. Portal members 2 comprise three sockets 5 formed at the apex 4 of the portal member and at the junctions of the slanting portions c and d with vertical portions a and b. The sockets 5 are circular holes through the portal members 2 which maintain the liquid holding integrity of the member 2.

When erecting the framework the purlin member 3 and portal member 2 are inflated so that the socket joint 5 forms a tight fit with member 3.

A single purlin member 3 as seen in figure 1 may extend and mate with all the portal members 2 along the length of the frame work. Alternatively, more than one purlin member may extend between the portal members along the length of the frame work (not shown). In such a case a single socket 5 may receive and mate with two purlin members 3 in an arrangement such that one purlin member protrudes from one side of the socket joint and the other purlin member protrudes from the other side of the socket joint.

Figure 1 shows three portal members 2 however more portal members may be added to the frame work for greater rigidity. If a larger frame work is required, further portal members and further, or longer purlin members can be used. In figure 1, the end portions 10 of members 3 are shown as protruding through the end portal members 12, 13, however they need not do so. The frame work 1 is provided with at least one connector mechanism which is shown in figures 2 and 3.

Figure 2 shows a portion of the portal member 2 with a socket 5. The interior of the socket is supplied with at least one part of a connector mechanism. In this figure portal member 2 is provided with receiving means 7 for receiving and fitting with another part 6 (not shown) of a connector mechanism which is located on the purlin member 3.

Figure 3 shows part of a purlin member 3 and two connector means 6 located at each end of the purlin member 3. The connector means 6 connects with the receiving means 7 on the portal member when the portal member is inserted through the socket joint 5 as shown in figure 4.

Alternatively, the receiving means 7 may be located on the purlin member 3 and the connector means 6 located on the portal member 2.

Referring back to figure 1 the purlin member 3 may be provided with more than two sets of connector means 6 for connecting with the central portal member 14. The connector mechanism aligns and secures the portal member 2 and purlin member 3 and may allow the flow of fluid freely between the connected members. Further, the connector mechanism may be provided with valve means (not shown) to prevent the flow of fluid from one member to another in event that there is a pressure drop in one of the connected members 2,3 for example, due to a leak. This prevents the failure of the whole structure 1 when only a single member is adversely affected.

An example of a connector mechanism which may be used with the apparatus is described in Mangar International Limited' s patent application numbers

UK0405008.4 and PCT/GB2005/000899. These applications disclose a connector mechanism for attachment to an inflatable structure having a fitting for connecting parts of the mechanism together. When the fitting is hollow the fluid may flow freely between the connected members. The fitting may further be provided with valve means as described above. If a connector means or receiving means is surplus it can be sealed with a blank fitting (not shown). The connector means 6, receiving means 7 and any other connecting arrangement are protected from damage when the frame is inflated or erected due to their location on the interior of the socket joint 5.

To erect the frame work, the deflated or collapsed members are laid on the ground and the purlin members are fed through the sockets 5. The connector means 6 are connected to the receiving means 7 of socket joint 5 and the members separately filled with a fluid through an inlet on the member - not shown. If all the members are connected so that fluid may freely flow between all members, the frame work 1 may be inflated/erected from a single location.

Figure 5 shows an erected frame work having portal members 2 which comprise three separable component members 2i, 2ii and 2iii which have been connected together to form complete portal members 2. The connection of the component members has been reinforced by straps 14 which are secured over the joints 21 between the component members.

Figure 6 shows two component members 2i and 2ii of a portal member 2 which have been joined together. Portions of the wall of both members 2i and 2ii have been removed to show the interiors of both component members.

Component member 2i of the portal member 2 comprises a tubular structure having a sealed end 15. The wall of the structure extends past the sealed end 15 to form a cuff 16. The sealed end 15 is provided with a connector mechanism 17, examples of which have already been discussed in the application. Member 2Ii also comprises a tubular structure having a sealed end 18. The sealed end 18 is also provided with a connector mechanism 17 for connecting to the connector mechanism of member 2i.

The outside rim of the cuff 16 of member 2i and a portion of the exterior wall of member 2i is provided with fastening means 19. Member 2Ii of the portal member is inserted in an inflated, partially inflated or deflated state into the cuff 16 of member 2i so that the connector mechanisms 17 connect. The connector mechanisms 17 may be of the type with a hollow fitting allowing fluid to freely move between the connected members 2i and 2ii and may further be provided with a valve means. When the members are fully inflated, a fastening strap 14 is attached over the joint 21 between the cuff of member 2i and the wall of member 2ii.

A loop and hook strap 14 and fastening means 19, such as Velcro is shown in figure 6. Bands of fastening means 19 are attached to each of the rim of the cuff 16 and around a portion of the wall of member 2ii. Strap 14 is then attached around the joint 21 so that it connects with both the fastening means 19 on the cuff and the fastening means 19 on member 2ii.

The fastening bands 19 add support and rigidity to the joint 21.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the two component members 2i and 2ii. It shows an alternative fastening means 19 attached to the cuff 16 of component member 2i and the wall of component member 2ii. Here, the fastening means essentially comprises two fastening bands 19 which comprise resilient interlocking elements 25. The bands 19 may be formed by moulding or extrusion means and may be attached to the members 2i and 2ii by welding or adhesive means. The interlocking elements 25 extend around the circumference of the bands 19. When the component members 2i and 2ii are connected by connector means 17 and inflated, the interlocking elements are urged together and held together in a locked position under pressure. The interlocking elements 25 are shaped such that the component members cannot accidentally detach when deflated or in storage, yet can be easily detached for maintenance or repair. For example, the interlocking elements may form a snap fit, or clip fastening. The bands 19 may be attached to the cuff 16 and wall of member 2ii by adhesive or other means.

A further alternative means, for connecting the cuff and component member is to provide member 2ii with a skirt of eyelets and the cuff 16 with a series of eyelets. The two members could then be laced together. Yet a further alternative means would be to use press studs, or another mechanical fastening means to fasten the two

members together. If a more permanent joint is required, adhesive could be used. The use of component members to form complete members allows the further reduction in size of the parts of the frame work. It also enables the linking of one frame work with another. Figure 5 shows the use of component members 2i, 2ii and 2iii to form

complete portal members 2. However, component members could also be used to form purlin members 3. This is advantageous if the exact length of the necessary frame work is unknown, since further component members can be easily added to extend the length of the purlin members and therefore the overall length of the frame work.

Each component member may be provided with one cuff, or more than one cuff.

Once the frame work has been erected all the inflatable members may be checked. If a leak is found the affected member can be easily moved and replaced by a similar part without the need for replacing the whole frame. Further, since the frame work is constructed from separable members a frame work of the desired size can be easily erected. By the addition of more portal members, purlin members or component members the structure can be extended. The frame work can then be covered with a suitable material to provide a temporary building or structure.

The frame work 1 can be easily deflated or collapsed by allowing fluid out from each separate member, or in the case where all members are connected so that fluid may freely flow between all members, the deflation, or collapse of the frame work may be made from a single outlet. The frame work may be stored in a deflated state with the purlin members connected to the portal members so that the frame work is ready for inflation.

It is understood that the scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the embodiment shown in the drawings. In particular, the apparatus may be made in a wide range of sizes and formatted to suit different uses.

Moreover, the invention includes any novel and inventive features disclosed herein either alone or in combination with any one or more such features.

Claims

1. A frame work comprising at least two separable inflatable members.

2. A frame work as claimed in claim 1, wherein each member is inflatable independently of the other member or members.

3. A frame work as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least two separable members mate with one another.

4. A frame work as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one member comprises at least one socket for receiving another member.

5. A frame work as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame work comprises connector means for connecting each member to at least one other member in the frame work.

6. A frame work as claimed in claim 5 wherein the connector means comprises means for fluidly connecting each member to at least one other member such that all the members of the frame work can be inflated and deflated from a single fluid input.

7. A frame work as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the connecter means comprises valve means for controlling the flow of fluid between the inflatable

members.

8. A frame work as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame work comprises at least two generally upright inflatable members interconnected by means of at least one, but more generally at least three horizontal inflatable members.

9. A frame work as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one or more of the inflatable members comprise at least two separable component members, at least one of said component members being provided with at least one cuff for receiving another component member.

10. A frame work as claimed in claim 9 wherein said component members are provided with connector means for connecting one component member to another component member.

11. A frame work as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein at least one of said component members is provided with a joining means which joins the cuff of one of the component members to a wall of another component member.

12. A frame work as claimed in claim 11 wherein the joining means comprises at least one band.

13. A framework as claimed in any of claims 11 or 12 wherein the joining means

comprises interlocking elements.

14. A framework as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the joining means comprises a clip fastening.

15. A frame work as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame work is frame work for a building.

16. A method of constructing an inflatable frame using at least two separable

members.